MAKING MEMORIES STICK

ANALIZA T. LISING

As teachers, we know that rote memorization leads to a superficial grasp of material that may be forgotten immediately. But there is new research that highlights the importance of strategies to retain knowledge and make learning stick.

In an article published in the journal Neuron, it is said that forgetting is a process of loss; the gradual washing away of critical information despite our best efforts to retain it. The goal of memory is to store information accurately and “optimize decisionmaking” in quickly changing environments.

Forgetting therefore is a strategy that discards information that does not promote the survival of the species.

Memories are like books found in a library, accessed only when needed. But what we don’t know is that they’re actually recollection which is distributed across millions of connected neurons.

So for example, when a teacher delivers a fresh lesson to a student, the material is encoded across these neural networks, converting the experience into a memory.

Is forgetting the nemesis of memory? Studies show that without any reinforcement or connections to prior knowledge, information is quickly forgotten — roughly 56 percent in one hour, 66 percent after a day, and 75 percent after six days.

The question now is, what can be done to preserve the hard work of teaching? Because the same neural circuitry appears to be involved in forgetting and remembering, it needs to be properly understood so that students and teachers can adopt strategies to reduce memory leaks and reinforce learning.

According to neuroscientists, when neurons are frequently fired, synaptic connections are strengthened; the opposite is true for neurons that are rarely fired. This is known as synaptic plasticity, which explains why some memories persist while others fade away.

Repeatedly accessing a stored but fading memory — like a crucial historical fact — rekindles the neural network that contains the memory and encodes it more deeply.

When students learn a new piece of information, they make new synaptic connections. One way to help them retain learning is by making as many connections as possible, widening the neural connections and accessing the memory repeatedly over time.

Here are some learning strategies which are found to be effective: Peer-to-peer explanations: Fading memories are reactivated, strengthened, and consolidated when students explain what they’ve learned to peers. This increases retention and encourages active learning.

The spacing effect, or revisiting key ideas throughout the school year. Research shows that students perform better academically when given multiple opportunities to review learned material.

Frequent practice tests: This can boost long-term retention and, as a bonus, help protect against stress, which often impairs memory performance.

So don’t worry about forgetting. Apply these simple and effective strategies to help make learning stick. — oOo—

The author is Teacher III at P. Luma Elementary School, Arayat, Pampanga.