Topic 5: Memory, Learning & Improving Concentration

CONTENT:

1.Understanding Memory Processes

2.Memory Strategies

3.Understanding Concentration

4.Strategies To Improve Concentration

5.Activity

Types of Memory

• Sensory Memory

A brief collection of information from your senses such as your hearing, touching and smells. This is the initial stage of memory, where sensory information is briefly stored for a few seconds.

• Short-Term Memory

This type of memory holds a limited amount of information for a short period, typically around 20-30 seconds. You can keep information in your short-term memory by rehearsing the information. For example, if you need to recall a string of numbers, you might keep repeating them to yourself until you input them. However, if you are asked to recall those numbers about 10 minutes after inputting them, you’d most likely be unable to. 

• Working Memory

Working memory is a type of memory that involves the immediate and small amount of information that a person actively uses as they perform cognitive tasks. Working memory includes remembering the person named at the beginning of a sentence and holding a concept in mind and combining with another.

• Long-Term Memory

Any memory we can still recall after 30 seconds could be classified as long-term memory. These memories range in significance, from recalling the name of a friendly face at your favorite coffee shop to important bits of information like a close friend’s birthday or your home address. 

1. Mnemonics

Acronyms : Creating a word from first letter of each word you need to remember. For example, "ROYGBIV" for the colors of the rainbow (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet).

Rhythms and songs: Putting information into a catchy rhyme or song can make easier remember.

2. Chunking

Make grouping information into smaller , so it will be more manageable chunks. For instance, remembering a phone number as three groups of numbers rather than a single string of digits. 

3. Mind Mapping

Creating a visual representation of information by using nodes and branches to connect different concepts and ideas. This can help to organize and structure information in a way that easier to remember.

4. Write It Out

Try writing your notes by hand during a lecture or rewriting and reorganizing notes or information by hand after a lecture. While you are writing out that you want to remember, try to say the information out loud and visualize the concept as well.

5. Self-test

Make sure to actively quiz yourself like do not simply reread notes or a textbook. Ask yourself questions and force yourself to remember it without looking at the answer or material. This will enable you to identify areas that you are struggling with.

Types of Concentration:

1. Sustained Attention

Focusing on a person, task or activity for a certain time or until the relevant conversation, task or activity is complete. For example when we learn through studying and writing for upcoming tests or exams.

2. Divided Attention

Involves seamlessly moving from one task to another, instead dividing your focus.

3. Selective Attention

Being able to focus on a specific task while simultaneously being able to block out any background noise or stimuli. For example, being able to read while there is loud background noise around you.

4. Executive Attention

It is similar to selective attention as it involves being able to block out distractions and focus on a specific task. However, the difference is that way of focusing also involves ruthless prioritize and only focusing on activities that will help to achieve a certain goal.

1.Minimize Distractions

You could turning off notifications on your phone, finding a quiet workspace or using noise-canceling headphones.

2.Prioritize and Plan

Make a to-do list so it can help you stay organized and focused on what needs to be done. Besides that, break down your large tasks into smaller tasks to easy focus on your tasks.

3.Improve Sleep

Being too tired can even slow down your reflexes and affect your ability to do other daily tasks. Sleep loss over time can lead to negative health effects. For instance, you can turn off phone and put away screens an hour before bed.

4.Set a Timer

Settings time limit can help channel your energy toward the task at hand because you know the time you can or need spend on it is limited. So, blocking time off time for specific tasks can help you focus on one thing at a time and lower the risk of environmental.

5.Optimize Your Environment

Create a dedicated study space like make sure your desk must be clean, organized and free of clutter. So, you can feel comfortable doing assignment or study.   

6.Take a Break

Taking a short break from your work or homework can increase your concentration. Refresh yourself with take a quick walk outside or eat something nutritious snacks. When you return to continue your assignment or work, you may feel motivated and focused. Breaks can help boost these functions and more

• In class on 6 December 2024. Our lecture makes activity  about our memory and concentration. We must remember the words that he gave us and for a few minutes we need to write down the things we all remember. We are doing it about two times which are one without song and one with songs that are popular this year. 

1. I got 16 words without song, these the words I got:

choreography

girlfriend

planning

strategy

rice cooker

chloroplast

focus 

sensory

heart

deadline

google site

substitute

spectacle

handsome 

profit

batman

2. These are the words I got which are 8 words with the song is called APT( Rose Black Pink ft Bruno Mars) :

toaster

friendship

investment

blender

canvas

revenue

photosynthesis

compassion