How does memory affect how we learn?
Memory is a 3-stage process. When we take in information in through our senses, it is held in our sensory memory for a brief moment. If we pay attention to what we have seen or heard, it is transferred to our short-term memory store. Short-term memory is essentially, what you are thinking about at any given moment and only holds information for a few seconds, long enough for you to use it. For example, memorising a telephone number long enough to dial it. If we want to remember information for a period, it has to be transferred to our long-term memory store via a process known as consolidation. Consolidation stabilisies memory traces, gives them meaning, and makes connections to past experiences and other stored knowledge. Unfortunately, information that is not used often is gradually lost from long-term memory. If we want to keep important information in our memories over time, we have to retrieve it regularly. Retrieval is the act of bringing back skills and knowledge from long-term memory into short-term memory. Retrieval is essential as by repeatedly using information (to keep retrieval routes strong) helps s top the process of forgetting.
So, what does this mean for how we learn? 1. We should use learning strategies that help us to transfer (consolidate) information in long-term memory. 2. Important information needs to be brought back out (retrieved) and practiced regularly to keep retrieval routes strong and to prevent forgetting.