Making Memories
7 min read
Tapping Into the Magic of Memory
Have you ever fallen in front of strangers? I did once, rushing to work. I was so embarrassed that I’ve never forgotten it. Ever laugh so hard with friends until you cried, making it a moment you won’t forget? That’s how powerful memory is. What if you could use that same power to make your learning journey easier?
Memory is not just about remembering facts—it is a group of actions working together that help us learn, connect ideas, and understand the world around us (Benjamin, 2008). Science offers so many theories about memory, yet no single approach fits everyone. Understanding these perspectives is valuable, but discovering what works best for your unique memory and learning process is even more important. Asking reflective questions will help you understand your memory better.
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Short-Term, Working, and Long-Term Memory
Memory isn’t just about remembering things for a moment. It’s about moving information from short-term memory to working memory, and finally into long-term memory (Cowan, 2008). To help this process, try playing games and doing activities that engage your brain in a fun way! For example, when I write a sentence three or four times, I won’t forget it. If I type a phone number into my phone three times, it sticks. I still dial phone numbers because I know it helps keep my memory active.
Experiment and find your best tools!
Here are 6 activities that use working memory:
Rehearsal
Repeating information to oneself can help retain it in working memory, especially when trying to memorize short lists, phone numbers, or key points for an exam. This mental "repetition" strengthens the memory trace.Chunking
Breaking down larger amounts of information into smaller, manageable units (or "chunks") can improve memory retention. For example, memorizing a long number like 1234567890 is easier if chunked into 123-456-7890.Visualization
Creating mental images or diagrams helps to encode abstract information. For instance, when learning new vocabulary, imagining the object or concept represented by the word can help connect the word to its meaning.Elaboration
Connecting new information to something already known or creating associations helps encode the information more deeply. For example, when learning a new language, relating a new word to a personal experience or familiar object can make it easier to recall.Mental Mapping/Organizing
Organizing information in a structured format, like creating a mind map or outline, can help in both encoding and retrieving the information. This activity helps to see the relationships between different pieces of information.Dual Coding
Combining verbal and visual information can improve memory retention. For example, pairing spoken words with corresponding images or diagrams helps create multiple pathways for recalling the information, making it easier to manipulate in working memory (Young, 2019)
Visual-Audio-Kinesthetic Learning Styles
Do you remember smells, sounds, or images? Or maybe it's a combination of all these senses? Learning is a complex process, and understanding your learning style can help you harness your strengths. Some people remember best by hearing a story, others by seeing images, and some people remember through personal experiences (S K, Sree Nidhi & Tay, 2017). Make it a priority to understand your own learning style!
Ask yourself: what memories are most vivid for me? What makes them stand out?
Emotions and Memory
Did you know that emotions play a huge role in memory? When we feel strong emotions, whether happiness, excitement, or even fear, our brain makes stronger memories. That’s why learning can be more effective when you connect it to something you care about—friends or loved ones, your goals, your dreams, or your passions (Han, Li, Guo, & Tibon, 2023). Language is not just about grammar and vocabulary; it’s a tool to help you achieve your goals.
English is your tool, not your goal!
When you connect language learning to something meaningful, it’s easier to remember and stay focused.
Here are a few memory techniques:
Trial and error: Learn by doing, making mistakes, and trying again.
Writing: Write things down to help reinforce your memory.
Images: Use pictures to connect new words or concepts.
Conclusion
Understand clearly which memory techniques and learning styles work best for you, and use activities that also fit your mood. Under the right conditions, learning happens. Be consistent with your practice, and you’ll find that learning becomes easier and more enjoyable.
Sources
Benjamin, A. S. (2008). Human learning and memory. Annual Review of Psychology, 59(1), 1–28. Retrieved from https://labs.psychology.illinois.edu/~asbenjam/pubs/benjamin_2008PLM.pdf
Cowan, N. (2008). What are the differences between long-term, short-term, and working memory? In W. S. Sossin, J.-C. Lacaille, V. F. Castellucci, & S. Belleville (Eds.), Progress in brain research (Vol. 169, pp. 323-338). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0079-6123(07)00020-9
Young, S. H. (2019, April 24). Working memory: A complete guide to how your brain processes information. Scott H. Young. https://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/2019/04/24/working-memory/
S K, Sree Nidhi & Tay, Chinyi. (2017). Styles of Learning VAK. IJIRMF. 3. 17 - 25. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317305325_Styles_of_Learning_VAK
Han M, Li B, Guo C, Tibon R. Effects of emotion and semantic relatedness on recognition memory: Behavioral and electrophysiological evidence. Psychophysiology. 2023 Jan;60(1):e14152. doi: 10.1111/psyp.14152. Epub 2022 Jul 22. PMID: 35867964; PMCID: PMC10078278.
