copyright © 2010 by tapestry press, ltd. chapter 5 improving your memory and learning skills

Copyright © 2010 by Tapestry Press, Ltd.Copyright © 2010 by Tapestry Press, Ltd.

Chapter 5Chapter 5

Improving Your Memory Improving Your Memory

and and

Learning SkillsLearning Skills


RREEMMEEMMBBEER R

WWHHAATT??


Purpose of This ChapterPurpose of This Chapter

To help you gain some of the best learning To help you gain some of the best learning strategies that will help you read to learn, strategies that will help you read to learn, remember what you learn, perform better remember what you learn, perform better on tests, and improve your learning on tests, and improve your learning confidence.confidence.


College Creates Substantive ChangeCollege Creates Substantive Change in Individual Learners in Individual Learners

Every student at the College should Every student at the College should undergo a substantial change in skill, undergo a substantial change in skill, knowledge, or attitude as a result of the knowledge, or attitude as a result of the student’s experience in every course. student’s experience in every course.


Learning OutcomesLearning Outcomes

1. Assess your learning strengths and weaknesses.

2. Improve your concentration.

3. Create a good study environment.

4. Understand and improve your memory.


Learning OutcomesLearning Outcomes continuedcontinued

5. Improve your reading comprehension.

6. Learn as you read.

7. Improve your reading comprehension and retention in mathematics and science reading assignments.

8. Challenge your self-talk study traps.


Based on all you learned from this chapter, Based on all you learned from this chapter, write what you think are your greatest:write what you think are your greatest:

1.1. Learning strengthsLearning strengths

2.2. Learning weaknessesLearning weaknesses

What will you do to overcome your What will you do to overcome your learning weaknesses?learning weaknesses?


Learning Weaknesses?Learning Weaknesses?There’s No Magic:There’s No Magic:

1.1. Overcoming a weakness is like getting in Overcoming a weakness is like getting in shape shape You have to work at it. You have to work at it.

2.2. Be determined to figure out how to Be determined to figure out how to improve your weakness.improve your weakness.

3.3. The greatest way to improve your The greatest way to improve your weakness is just to jump in and try what weakness is just to jump in and try what you are bad at.you are bad at.

4.4. Practice it and you will get it!Practice it and you will get it!


Self-Discipline is the Key to:Self-Discipline is the Key to:

1.1. Creating and using productive study Creating and using productive study time.time.

2.2. Hurdling stress, distractions, and a host Hurdling stress, distractions, and a host of other obstacles.of other obstacles.

3.3. Achieving your dreams.Achieving your dreams.

Even self-discipline gets easier Even self-discipline gets easier

the more you use it! the more you use it!


How to Overcome a Lack of How to Overcome a Lack of Self-Discipline to Study?Self-Discipline to Study?

1.1. Acknowledge your own responsibility. Acknowledge your own responsibility. 2.2. Tell yourself that, “Procrastination will sink me!” Tell yourself that, “Procrastination will sink me!” 3.3. Allow yourself to feel the resistance—and then tell Allow yourself to feel the resistance—and then tell

yourself, “I need to study.”yourself, “I need to study.”4.4. Then study!Then study!5.5. When you’re finished studying, tell yourself, “That When you’re finished studying, tell yourself, “That

wasn’t too difficult.” wasn’t too difficult.” 6.6. Relish in the fact that you did it—this will be a future Relish in the fact that you did it—this will be a future

source of motivation.source of motivation.

Self-Talk always has a role in directing your actions!Self-Talk always has a role in directing your actions!


AGAIN AGAIN Most Learning in College Most Learning in College Takes Place Outside the ClassroomTakes Place Outside the Classroom

Completing AssignmentsCompleting Assignments1.1. ReadingReading2.2. StudyingStudying3.3. Activities/ProjectsActivities/Projects4.4. PracticePractice

RememberRemember allow a minimum of 3 hours of study allow a minimum of 3 hours of study time per week for each hour of class time.time per week for each hour of class time.


MemoryMemory

1.1. Memory is simply retrieval or recall of information Memory is simply retrieval or recall of information that has been learned.that has been learned.

2.2. It is said that athletes and musicians have It is said that athletes and musicians have “muscle memory”—a repeatedly trained “muscle memory”—a repeatedly trained movement that becomes automatic.movement that becomes automatic.

List other simple and complex skills or actions that List other simple and complex skills or actions that have become automatic for you.have become automatic for you.


““Learning” Has Several MeaningsLearning” Has Several Meanings

1.1. The act, process, or experience of The act, process, or experience of gaining knowledge or skill.gaining knowledge or skill.

2.2. Knowledge or skill gained through Knowledge or skill gained through schooling or study. schooling or study.

3.3. PsychologyPsychology Behavioral modification Behavioral modification especially through experience or especially through experience or conditioning.conditioning.


Difference Between Difference Between Learning and MemoryLearning and Memory

1.1. What’s the difference?What’s the difference?2.2. Not all learning is transformed into lasting Not all learning is transformed into lasting

memories.memories.3.3. Learning is how you acquire new information, Learning is how you acquire new information,

and memory is how you store that information and memory is how you store that information over time. over time.

4.4. There is no memory without learning, but there is There is no memory without learning, but there is learning without memory.learning without memory.

5.5. For example, looking up a telephone number For example, looking up a telephone number and remembering it just long enough to make and remembering it just long enough to make your call is “working memory.” It requires your call is “working memory.” It requires learning but not for the long haul.learning but not for the long haul.


Learning vs. MemoryLearning vs. Memory

Generally people don’t differentiate between Generally people don’t differentiate between learning and memory.learning and memory.

What really counts is, What really counts is,

are you working at it?are you working at it?

Use your self-talk to direct your efforts!Use your self-talk to direct your efforts!


How the Brain RemembersHow the Brain Remembers

1.1. The process of learning depends on a The process of learning depends on a chain of electrical, chemical, and physical chain of electrical, chemical, and physical changes to the brains.changes to the brains.

2.2. Repetition/practice increases the brain’s Repetition/practice increases the brain’s neural circuitry, and thus learning is neural circuitry, and thus learning is remembered (stored in long-term memory).remembered (stored in long-term memory).

3.3. Continued use (repetition) of information Continued use (repetition) of information strengthens the memory.strengthens the memory.


To learn and remember information, To learn and remember information, you must:you must:

1.1. Have the Have the motivationmotivation or hunger to gain knowledge. or hunger to gain knowledge. Note: Strong motivation may actually count more Note: Strong motivation may actually count more

than your IQ.than your IQ.2.2. Disciple yourself to pay Disciple yourself to pay attention/concentrate, attention/concentrate, or you or you

will miss it.will miss it.3.3. Work to Work to understand understand before you can learn it.before you can learn it.4.4. LearnLearn it before you can memorize it so it will be it before you can memorize it so it will be

committed to committed to long-term memorylong-term memory..

See example See example next slide next slide


Example—Snow SkiingExample—Snow Skiing

1.1. Have the Have the motivation motivation to put energy and concentration to put energy and concentration into skiing. into skiing.

2.2. Pay Pay attentionattention to and to and concentrateconcentrate on the instructions. on the instructions.3.3. UnderstandUnderstand concept of turning, e.g. to turn concept of turning, e.g. to turn rightright you you

put your weight on your put your weight on your leftleft ski and slide your ski and slide your leftleft ski to ski to the downhill side.the downhill side.

4.4. PracticePractice turning until it works fluidly and becomes turning until it works fluidly and becomes automatic.automatic.

Give an example of a skill or knowledge that is now part Give an example of a skill or knowledge that is now part of your long-term memory.of your long-term memory.


Group Teach:Group Teach:Strategies to Improve Your MemoryStrategies to Improve Your Memory1.1. Divide into 6 groups. Divide into 6 groups. 2.2. Each group is assigned one of the 6 memory Each group is assigned one of the 6 memory

techniques discussed in the text. techniques discussed in the text. 3.3. Each group will deliver a motivational Each group will deliver a motivational

demonstration on its assigned memory demonstration on its assigned memory technique and engage the class in the technique and engage the class in the technique.technique.

4.4. Groups will have 8 minutes to plan their Groups will have 8 minutes to plan their demonstration.demonstration.

6 memory techniques 6 memory techniques next slide next slide


Six Memory TechniquesSix Memory Techniques

1.1. Understanding Understanding

2.2. AssociationAssociation

3.3. Recitation and RecallRecitation and Recall

4.4. Organizing InformationOrganizing Information

5.5. VisualizationVisualization

6.6. Test YourselfTest Yourself


Other Memory Techniques?Other Memory Techniques?

What other memory techniques have you What other memory techniques have you learned that are worth recommending to learned that are worth recommending to your classmates?your classmates?


Downside to LearningDownside to Learning

1.1. We learn what we practice, whether negative We learn what we practice, whether negative or positive.or positive.

Negative self-talk: “I hate studying.”Negative self-talk: “I hate studying.” Positive self-talk: “I love learning.”Positive self-talk: “I love learning.”

2.2. Avoidance of study is learned too!Avoidance of study is learned too!3.3. Low expectations can also be learned!Low expectations can also be learned!

UpsideUpside you can override the negative and you can override the negative and redirect your attitudes in a positive direction.redirect your attitudes in a positive direction.


Ever wonder who helps design your Ever wonder who helps design your program curriculum?program curriculum?

1.1. Business and industries work with colleges to develop Business and industries work with colleges to develop curriculum including:curriculum including:

General education coursesGeneral education courses Major coursesMajor courses Skill courses Skill courses

2.2. They’re all designed to help prepare you for your future They’re all designed to help prepare you for your future career.career.

3.3. That’s a lot of learning and remembering.That’s a lot of learning and remembering. 4.4. Memory and learning techniques will help you learn Memory and learning techniques will help you learn

what you need and grow more neural circuitry—the what you need and grow more neural circuitry—the brain’s natural way of learning and remembering.brain’s natural way of learning and remembering.


At the base of your college success is:At the base of your college success is:

. . . feeling, believing, thinking, and hoping. . . feeling, believing, thinking, and hoping you will learn and succeed.you will learn and succeed.

Remind yourself how important it is to stay Remind yourself how important it is to stay focused on your academic and career focused on your academic and career goals.goals.

Rid yourself of: “I’m bored!” “I hate Rid yourself of: “I’m bored!” “I hate studying!” studying!” these thoughts do not these thoughts do not nourish your drive or self-esteem.nourish your drive or self-esteem.


A Good Study Environment to A Good Study Environment to Maximizes LearningMaximizes Learning

1.1. No distractions if possible.No distractions if possible.

2.2. A comfortable setting but one that keeps you A comfortable setting but one that keeps you awake and focused.awake and focused.

3.3. Establish a regular routine for study so you Establish a regular routine for study so you and others get accustomed to it.and others get accustomed to it.

Where are your best campus study spots and Where are your best campus study spots and why?why?


Finding Your Best Time to StudyFinding Your Best Time to Study

1.1. Do you do your best work at the crack of Do you do your best work at the crack of dawn? Or, are you a night owl?dawn? Or, are you a night owl?

2.2. Finding the right time to study is very Finding the right time to study is very important to learning. important to learning.

3.3. Your preferences may change. Your preferences may change. too many 2 am study nights is enough to too many 2 am study nights is enough to

make you rethink your best study time!make you rethink your best study time!


Finding Your Best Time to Study Finding Your Best Time to Study continuedcontinued

4.4. The key is to plan your day so:The key is to plan your day so:

you perform your hardest learning tasks at your best you perform your hardest learning tasks at your best time, and time, and

your easiest learning tasks at your least preferred or your easiest learning tasks at your least preferred or least productive time.least productive time.

Make use of small amounts of time between Make use of small amounts of time between classes, appointments, or activities.classes, appointments, or activities.

Have you identified your best times for Have you identified your best times for learning/studying?learning/studying?


Class Survey Class Survey What are your What are your most productive study times?most productive study times?

1.1. Early in the morning before ___________Early in the morning before ___________

2.2. In between classesIn between classes

3.3. Right before dinnerRight before dinner

4.4. Early eveningEarly evening

5.5. Late eveningLate evening

6.6. Middle of the nightMiddle of the night

7.7. Other ___________Other ___________

8.8. I take advantage of all of the above.I take advantage of all of the above.


Get ready to studyGet ready to study

1.1. Stop everything and clear/relax your mind.Stop everything and clear/relax your mind. Avoid the negative thought creep.Avoid the negative thought creep.

2.2. Have a pleasant 5–10 minute relaxation Have a pleasant 5–10 minute relaxation session visualizing clouds, the ocean, session visualizing clouds, the ocean, Christmas lights, the mountains, or listen to Christmas lights, the mountains, or listen to relaxing music.relaxing music.

3.3. Then stop and tell yourself, “I am ready to Then stop and tell yourself, “I am ready to study.”study.”


ConcentrateConcentrate

1.1. Focus on one thing at a time.Focus on one thing at a time.2.2. Use Self-Talk to stay focused and concentrate. Use Self-Talk to stay focused and concentrate.

““I will focus on my writing assignment for I will focus on my writing assignment for the next hour.”the next hour.”

3.3. Know you have a choice to welcome or reject Know you have a choice to welcome or reject distractions.distractions.

4.4. Recognize when you need to rejuvenate.Recognize when you need to rejuvenate.5.5. You often need a break from some assignments You often need a break from some assignments

so you can return with fresh ideas.so you can return with fresh ideas.6.6. Get plenty of exercise and night-time sleep.Get plenty of exercise and night-time sleep.


Break it Up!Break it Up!

1.1. Determine study Determine study start and stop timesstart and stop times——maybe 50 minutes to 2 hours. What maybe 50 minutes to 2 hours. What works for you? Knowing how long you works for you? Knowing how long you plan to stay focused helps you stay on plan to stay focused helps you stay on task!task!

2.2. Determine a Determine a targettarget—“I’ll read 4 sections —“I’ll read 4 sections and then take a tea break.”and then take a tea break.”


Study Breaks to Reenergize Your MindStudy Breaks to Reenergize Your Mind

1.1. Take a walkTake a walk

2.2. Have a glass of water to refresh.Have a glass of water to refresh.

3.3. What works for you?What works for you?


Time Plus Energy Equals LearningTime Plus Energy Equals Learning

1.1. There is no substitute for time on task.There is no substitute for time on task.

2.2. Learning to use your time well is critical Learning to use your time well is critical for you as a student as well as when you for you as a student as well as when you are a career professional. are a career professional.

3.3. Effective learning requires allocating Effective learning requires allocating realistic amounts of time. realistic amounts of time.


Use a Reading Method Use a Reading Method TThat Helps You hat Helps You Learn What You ReadLearn What You Read

Reading is perhaps the most used Reading is perhaps the most used learning skill in college learning skill in college andand in most in most professions. professions.

Reading Reading withoutwithout both both concentrationconcentration and and comprehensioncomprehension is almost like not reading.is almost like not reading.

The best reading methods help you The best reading methods help you concentrate, learn, and remember what concentrate, learn, and remember what you read.you read.

They also They also set up practice tests in your text.set up practice tests in your text.


PRQRTPRQRT

Step 1—Preview Step 1—Preview

Step 2—Read, Question, and ReciteStep 2—Read, Question, and Recite

Step 3—Test Step 3—Test

1.1. Explain the details and purpose of PRQRTExplain the details and purpose of PRQRT

2.2. How does PRQRT help you prepare for How does PRQRT help you prepare for exams?exams?


SQ3RSQ3R

S = SurveyS = Survey

Q = QuestionQ = Question

R = ReadR = Read

R = ReciteR = Recite

R = ReviewR = Review

1.1. Explain the details of SQ3RExplain the details of SQ3R


Reading MathReading Math

Class discussionClass discussion

What is the best way to read and What is the best way to read and understand your math reading understand your math reading assignments?assignments?


10 Ways to Reduce Math Anxiety 10 Ways to Reduce Math Anxiety Before the TestBefore the Test

1.1. Overcome negative self-talk.Overcome negative self-talk.2.2. Ask questions.Ask questions.3.3. Consider math a foreign language—it Consider math a foreign language—it

must be practiced.must be practiced.4.4. Don’t rely on memorization to study Don’t rely on memorization to study

mathematics mathematics Practice Problems. Practice Problems.5.5. READ your math text and practice READ your math text and practice

problems.problems.


10 Ways to Reduce Math Anxiety 10 Ways to Reduce Math Anxiety Before the Test Before the Test continuedcontinued

6.6. Study math according to Study math according to YOUR LEARNING STYLEYOUR LEARNING STYLE. .

7.7. Get help the same day you don’t understand.Get help the same day you don’t understand.

8.8. Be relaxed and comfortable while studying Be relaxed and comfortable while studying math.math.

9.9. ““TALK” mathematics.TALK” mathematics.

10.10. Develop responsibility for your own successes Develop responsibility for your own successes and failures.and failures.


Reading Science and Technical Reading Science and Technical BooksBooks

Class discussionClass discussion

What is the best way to read and What is the best way to read and understand your science and technical understand your science and technical reading assignments?reading assignments?


See Figure 5-9: See Figure 5-9: Self-Talk Study TrapsSelf-Talk Study Traps

What self-talk study traps do you need to address and redirect to achieve your learning goals?

Your self-talk will be the most important motivational factor

in learning or not learning.


Key Chapter PointsKey Chapter Points

1. The techniques and strategies for improving your concentration, learning, memory, and reading in conjunction with the use of positive self-talk will give you greater control over your learning.

. . . and learning promotes self-confidence.


Key Chapter PointsKey Chapter Points continuedcontinued

2. Using SQ3R and PRQRT strategies helps you identify important information and anticipate possible test questions.

These reading methods are slower, but they will help you select material to learn as you read.


Key Chapter PointsKey Chapter Points continuedcontinued

3. Self-talk is perhaps the most important factor in learning. Self-talk guides your determination as well

as the direction you take with your study. Your self-talk can help you avoid study or

motivate you to study. It can direct how you will study and how

much you will study.


Success is more than just showing up!Success is more than just showing up!


I am still I am still learning.learning.—Michelangelo—Michelangelo

copyright © 2010 by tapestry press, ltd. chapter 5 improving your memory and learning skills

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