Memory and attention

The topic of this week is about memory and attention and what we can do as teachers to help our students to have a successful learning experience.

Let's start with some backround knowledge about how our memory works.

Studies suggest the existence of at least three types of memory systems.

Sensory memory: this type of memory does not require conscious attention since information is perceived. Sensory memory is essential, because it is what gives us the effect of unity of an object. Then this information goes to the short term memory (working memory), here the information is held for a short period of time, if it is repeated several times, this info may be held for a longer period of time, otherwise, the info will be lost. Keeping an item in short-term memory for a certain amount of time lets you eventually transfer it to long-term memory for more permanent storage. This process is facilitated by the mental work of repeating the information, which is why the expression “working memory” is increasingly used as a synonym for short-term memory. But such repetition seems to be a less effective strategy for consolidating a memory than the technique of giving it a meaning by associating it with previously acquired knowledge.


lhttp://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/i/i_07/i_07_p/i_07_p_tra/i_07_p_tra.html

Now, the question is.... what can we do to help students learn more effectively? Here are some tips:
1. The lesson must be interesting for the learners. If it is not interested for them, they will not feel motivated and so won't learn at all.
2. Learners must be relaxed and feel involved in th lesson. A positive atmosphere is essential for the brain in order to work effectively. 
3. The lesson must be challenging, it must make them think and refelct.
4. It is important to always relate the lesson to what students already know. 
5. Repetition is very important, there should be this idea of being constantly recycling what is seen in class.