RETENTION
“We rarely forget that which has made a deep impression on our minds.” (Tyron Edwards)
I walk into the room and stand there, dazed and confused. "Why did I come in here?" I think. This happens more often than I would like to admit, and I can't attribute it to old age since it has been happening all my life. I instead blame the fact that I have so much on my mind that thoughts are leaking out my ears. However, I've learned that there are things that I can do to stem the tide.
Memory can be visualized as a jungle, and while all memories are in the jungle, not all are accessible. Just like critters who frequent a favorite watering hole in the woods, we must create a path in our minds to return to a particular memory. These memory trails are known as neural pathways, and creating a neural pathway is the key to retention. By purposefully returning to a piece of information at specific intervals, in specific ways, retention can be greatly improved; just as in the jungle, returning to a particular place becomes second nature.
By mentally visiting information at specific intervals we can insure productive results. This process is called reinforcement and can more than double the amount of information retained. This does not necessarily dictate a full study session complete with text and notes, but instead a quick, mental visit will do. Simply think, “What was that about?” While a review is not out of the question, it is not always necessary. Very often we can remember vivid details if we just try. This may seem simplistic, but it works! The first mental reinforcement should occur approximately 20 minutes after exposure to the information.
There are two kinds of memory, short term and long term. Short term memory works on a resonance theory, meaning a piece of information will resonate between twenty seconds and twenty minutes; therefore, a mental review should be attempted inside the first twenty minutes.
The second important interval comes at the two hour mark. Once again, reinforcement is key; simply bring the subject to mind and remember as much about it as possible.
The next and final interval is somewhat flexible depending on the time of day. At the six hour mark or just before bed (whichever comes first), another mental review is productive. This time, remember as much as possible and review notes or texts that might strengthen understanding.
This last interval is important for two reasons. Of course, it reinforces the material, but it also prepares the body to convert the information from short to long term memory.
Sleep is key to memory. Information is processed from short to long term memory during deep sleep. Therefore, the last thing reviewed before bed is the first thing in line for processing. Anyone not sleeping well is not processing information properly. So regardless of how much we study or how often we review, if deep sleep does not occur, memory suffers.
So, while the occasional forgetful moment is inevitable, targeted reinforcement can enhance memory dramatically with very little actual effort. Good to know!
For more of Victual’s Keys to Effective Communication, visit See The Keys at http://www.victualkeys.blogspot.com/
For event information visit
http://www.victualevents.blogspot.com/
For more about Victual Communications visit
http://www.victualcommunications.com/
“We rarely forget that which has made a deep impression on our minds.” (Tyron Edwards)
I walk into the room and stand there, dazed and confused. "Why did I come in here?" I think. This happens more often than I would like to admit, and I can't attribute it to old age since it has been happening all my life. I instead blame the fact that I have so much on my mind that thoughts are leaking out my ears. However, I've learned that there are things that I can do to stem the tide.
Memory can be visualized as a jungle, and while all memories are in the jungle, not all are accessible. Just like critters who frequent a favorite watering hole in the woods, we must create a path in our minds to return to a particular memory. These memory trails are known as neural pathways, and creating a neural pathway is the key to retention. By purposefully returning to a piece of information at specific intervals, in specific ways, retention can be greatly improved; just as in the jungle, returning to a particular place becomes second nature.
By mentally visiting information at specific intervals we can insure productive results. This process is called reinforcement and can more than double the amount of information retained. This does not necessarily dictate a full study session complete with text and notes, but instead a quick, mental visit will do. Simply think, “What was that about?” While a review is not out of the question, it is not always necessary. Very often we can remember vivid details if we just try. This may seem simplistic, but it works! The first mental reinforcement should occur approximately 20 minutes after exposure to the information.
There are two kinds of memory, short term and long term. Short term memory works on a resonance theory, meaning a piece of information will resonate between twenty seconds and twenty minutes; therefore, a mental review should be attempted inside the first twenty minutes.
The second important interval comes at the two hour mark. Once again, reinforcement is key; simply bring the subject to mind and remember as much about it as possible.
The next and final interval is somewhat flexible depending on the time of day. At the six hour mark or just before bed (whichever comes first), another mental review is productive. This time, remember as much as possible and review notes or texts that might strengthen understanding.
This last interval is important for two reasons. Of course, it reinforces the material, but it also prepares the body to convert the information from short to long term memory.
Sleep is key to memory. Information is processed from short to long term memory during deep sleep. Therefore, the last thing reviewed before bed is the first thing in line for processing. Anyone not sleeping well is not processing information properly. So regardless of how much we study or how often we review, if deep sleep does not occur, memory suffers.
So, while the occasional forgetful moment is inevitable, targeted reinforcement can enhance memory dramatically with very little actual effort. Good to know!
For more of Victual’s Keys to Effective Communication, visit See The Keys at http://www.victualkeys.blogspot.com/
For event information visit
http://www.victualevents.blogspot.com/
For more about Victual Communications visit
http://www.victualcommunications.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.