Studying-Memory Techniques

Objectives
Student will be able to:
  • describe how to use different memory techniques to memorize and recall information.
  • use memory techniques to memorize and recall information.

Introduction
Memory techniques are strategies that will help you remember important information. There are many different ways to help your memory. Some types of memory techniques are: mnemonic devices, chunking, repetition, visual memory techniques, auditory memory techniques, and movement.

Application
Now that you have learned about memory techniques, complete the activity to apply the skill.
1.
In a moment, you will read a list of names and will be asked to memorize them. Which memory technique will you use for this task and why do you think it will be the best strategy for memorizing the list?
 

Student responses may vary. Acceptable answers include:

  • I will use a mnemonic device to help me remember the first letters of each name.
  • I will make up rhymes because this will help me remember what each name sounds like.
  • I will imagine a visual that represents each name because this will help to remind me what the names are.
  • I will use repetition because saying the names over and over again will help me remember all the different names.
 

2.

Study the following list of girl's names for thirty seconds. Use the memory technique you chose in the above item. Then scroll down so you cannot see the list anymore.

Lauren

Ariana

Maria

Beth

 
Students should take thirty seconds to study the names using the memory technique they identified. Then make sure they scroll down so they cannot see the list before answering the next question.
 

3.
What were the four names?
 
Lauren, Ariana, Maria, Beth
 

4.
Describe how you used a memory technique to memorize the list of names.
 

Student responses may vary. Acceptable answers include:

  • I took the first letters of their names—L, A, M, B—to form a word—lamb.
  • I said each name five times and used the names in sentences.
  • I thought of a word that rhymed with each name and used the word and their names in a sentence—Lauren wants to go somewhere foreign, Ariana is afraid of piranhas, Maria washes away bacteria, Beth has fresh breath.
 

Now, respond to the following items about how you can apply memory techniques when you study.
5.

In school, you will have to learn many facts, details, and vocabulary words. Below is a list of examples. Choose a set/list of information that you need to learn for class and design a memory technique to assist with memorizing this material. Describe the technique in the space below. Be sure to include information about the school subject and the material you need to memorize.

  • Spelling words
  • Vocabulary words from social studies, reading/language arts/English, or science
  • Math facts or equations
  • Information from a map from social studies or key dates related to history
  • Information from a passage, such as a story or a poem
 
Student responses may vary but should outline how they can use a memory technique to memorize a specific set of material including the subject in which it will be learned.
 

6.
In the space below, explain what you have learned about memorization techniques and how using them will help you in school.
 
Student responses may vary but should identify what the student has learned about memory techniques and how they can apply them in school.
 

Please evaluate the student's answers:

Success

Practice

Review