"Chunks" or individual pieces of information are an effective way for students to learn material. Instead of focusing on the whole at once, students organize pieces of the whole and eventually pull everything together for mastery of information. This site reaffirms the idea that students may use verbal, written or visual chunks such as pictures, index cards, and rapid fire recitation.
This is a great little article to help teachers think about integrating memory skills in their classroom. By exposing students to their four types of memory: semantic, episodic, sensory and reflective, teachers help them learn about the mental tools in their tool belt. For instance, students may echo a certain context or location in a chapter to remember information from a book or role play a scenario from a work of fiction or nonfiction to remember conflict or theme.
Repetition, imagery and patterns are useful strategies to help a person remember. The RIP toolbox is a comprehensive method to enhance students' ability to internalize information and then use it later that day or far into the future. I like many of the ideas in this article: a child jumping on a trampoline and reciting, mnemonic devices, motor images, Venn diagrams, and praising students. These ideas are accessible to all students at every level.
Here are some good ideas for teaching students about short and long term memory. Teachers want students to retain information over a long period of time. To do so, the information must be organized and relevant to them. To watch the entire video, teachers can sign up and also have free access to all site videos for five days. Many students are unaware of metacognition so teaching them about how they think can be instrumental in their learning process.
Mental imagery and visualization are important tools for student memorization. The famous Method of Loci can be used every day both inside and outside the classroom to help students remember and recall textbook data and everyday processes. Whether visualizing a walk or a palace and leaving "clues" on their visual journey, students will enjoy attempting and using this memory device.
I love his first math memory trick at the 3 minute mark! This short-cut for multiplication is a great way to show students that they can use a "trick" to think and respond quickly. His three practical examples using acronyms are very helpful and important to share with students. They are anchors for learning and recalling information. They also can be a lot of fun to create and use. Teachers do not need to show the entire video; just teach the tricks!