Memory technique: Application

The fourth technique we will cover is application.  Application is a way of remembering and learning where you actually use the new information.  You might apply new information using a math formula to measure and wallpaper a room.  In this way, you would learn by doing. 


Assignment:  Listed below are several items you may need to know.  Using the application technique, briefly tell what you could do to apply this new learning.
Write this on a loose leaf paper to keep in your binder.

Example: New Learning: Remember all the ingredients to a chicken casserole recipe.
Application: Make a chicken casserole.

1. Remember the things you did each day on your vacation.
Application:


2. Remember the way a main character of a book looks.
Application:

3. Remember the new math formula for the perimeter of a square.
Application:

4. Remember how to get from your house to a relative that lives in another state.
Application:

5. Remember the rules of soccer.
Application:



Extra Credit: Look in your binder for a new idea being taught in one of your classes.  Using this idea, come up with a way to apply your knowledge in some way.  Write a short (100 word) reflection explaining what you did and how it applied that idea. 

Memory technique: Association

Association is clustering information into groups, relating new knowledge to old knowledge, etc. 

There are two ways people use association.  One way is to group words together under categories.  Another way is to relate the new information with something already familiar to you.

1. Using Categories

Types of dogs             Names

German Shephard      John
Collie                          Michael
Poodle                         Susan
Terrier                        Latoya

2. Relating the New Information with the Known-Examples
-To remember right and left, associate that the left hand creates an "L" shape with the thumb and index finger.
-The difference between vertical and horizontal; Vertical, the lines in the letter "V" go up and down while the "H" is shaped like a bed one would lie down on.  
-passwords: year of birth, etc.

Association is especially useful for remembering names.  Can you think of any other ways to use association?  Practice association by doing the exercise below.

Directions: Look at the list of words given and then place the words into groups by category.  Name each group to help you remember the words.

1. airplanes, baseball, soccer, couch, chair, cars, basketball, trains, hockey, bicycles

2. sad, biology, math, happy, mad, social studies, disappointed

Mission Statements-Video Links

Follow the links below to view the mission statements of three inspiring individuals, Steve Jobs, Ellen Degenerous, and Oprah Winfrey. 

1. Steve Jobs 2005 Stanford Commencement Address
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc


2. Ellen Degenerous Tulane Commencement Speech 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e8ToRVOtRo&noredirect=1


3. Oprah Winfrey Stanford Commencement Address 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bpd3raj8xww

Memory: Visualization Practice

Another great memory tool we are going to learn about is called visualization.  Visualization is the act of picturing something in your mind.  Creating mental pictures with vizualization can allow you to better understand content from a wide variety of subjects.

When you were in elementary school, do you remember ever making a model or a poster of the solar system?  That project aimed to have you visualize a very large concept by creating a picture or model of it.  If so, you likely still remember those concepts from long ago. 

This technique also works very well for understanding literature, in terms of scenes, characters, and relationships.  For the sciences, you can draw mental or tangible images of many different things, including cell structures, a diagram of the Earth's many layers, or even to remember chemical compounds.  The possibilities are endless.


Visualization Practice Assignment:
1.Below, read through the following passage entitled The Beach.  Try to visualize the scene in your mind.  Then take a few moments to draw out the scene. 

The BeachThere are only two people on the beach today.  It's raining and dark out here.  There are a lot of shells on the sand due to the storm.  The sand castle we built yesterday is almost gone from all the rain, but I plan to build another one tomorrow.  Yu should see the ocean.  The waves are really high.  I think I better go home.


2. From your picture, list out the details you drew.  You will probably notice that you can recall many details from looking at or even just remembering what the picture you drew looked like.  You can check your accuracy by rereading over the passages.     

City of Raleigh Work Opportunities for Youth

Summer Youth Employment Program Application and Interview Sessions begin March 5th.  Find out more at the link below.

http://www.raleighnc.gov/neighbors/news/content/CorNews/Articles/SummerYouthEmp.html

Memory Technique: Repetition

Directions: Use the technique of repetition: look at it, say it, and write it to remember the meanings of the words below.  Repeat it as many times as needed to learn and remember.  Use a dictionary for pronunciation, if needed.

1. Bulgur- precooked, dried cracked wheat


2. Bran- the outer covering of wheat


3. Toxin- a poison produced by some bacteria and other organisms.

Memory: An Introduction and Overview

Determining What You Need To Know
One of the most important ways to remember information is to select only what is important to know.  You can't possibly remember everything in a chapter or semester.  Having your notes, questions, worksheets, etc., together in an organized notebook is certainly a first step, which I am glad most of you have taken. 

To determine what you need to know, you should look at your organized notes and highlight anything of importance.  You should do the same for your text chapters as well as worksheets/handouts you have been given.  Ask your teacher what is important if you are not sure.  Listen to information your teacher emphasizes. 


Memory Techniques
1. Repetition- Look at it, say it, write it.
Flashcards can also be used well for this.

2. Visualization- Create a mental picture.
You can also create a drawing.

3. Association- (Relate) Associate with something already known or cluster into meaningful groups. What does it remind you of? 

4. Application- Use the new information in a way to help you remember it.

5. Mneumonics- Use verbal tricks to help you remember the important information.
A. Rhymes/Songs-i.e.-The ABC's
B. Abbreviation- MTV, IBM
C. Acronyms i.e.-PEMDAS, FOIL
D. Sentences- i.e.- Every good boy deserves fudge.