Module 6

​Studying, Memory, and Test Taking

By Pam Botta

Objectives

​By the end of the chapter, you should be able to:

• Outline the importance of memory when studying, and note some opportunities to strengthen memory.

• Discuss specific ways to increase the effectiveness of studying.

• Articulate test-taking strategies that minimize anxiety and maximize results.

Open Ended

What is different about studying in college compared to high school?

​6.1 Memory

ENCODING - STORAGE - RETRIEVAL
Take in info through our senses-like smelling a flower or yucky garbage can. If this Short term memory gets more exposure , it converts to Long term memory. Later our brain will allow to recall or retrieve the smell.

Foundations of memory

Very handy- keys
Aids help us remember
Recall 5 - 9 chunks of info at one time.
Stretch our capacity.

​Short term memory

Type of short term memory used when actively performing a task. Ex. nurse Marilyn

​Working memory

​Long Term Memory

Things you remember from the past.
Brain keeps vast array of info, images, sensory experiences. These memories are first short term.
In order to transfer to a long term memory, we have to do further work, causing frequent exposure to info over time.
Example- multiplication tables, spelling rules, etc.

Changes in brain take place- neurons (nerve cells) to new synapses form to communicate to new networks of neurons.

We are literally changing our minds!
Hippocampus
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/hippocampus

• William Sumrall

" Memory is a term applied to numerous biological devices by which living organisms acquire,retain, and make use of skills and knowledge. It is present is all forms of higher order animals. The most evolutionary forms of memory have taken place in human beings.Despite much research and exploration, a complete understanding of memory does not exist " 

Let's try something

​Look at this list of items for 30 seconds.

Baseball Picture Frame Tissue Paper clip

Bread Pair of dice Fingernail Polish Spoon

Marble Leaf Doll Scissors

Cup Jar of Sand Deck of Cards Ring

Blanket Ice Marker String

Encourages lack of sleep!

What happens to Shelley?

Your brain refuses to cooperate with cramming.
Stress-test anxiety-overloads the brain with too many things at one time.
We can only focus on one concept at a time & limited number of concepts all together for learning and retention
10 minutes then switch gears!

​Cramming

Sleep and college don't always go together very well!
Sleep benefits bodily functions, brain needs sleep to dream and rest.
How do you feel when you have lost sleep?
Impairs judgment, focus, overall mood.
Sleep deprivation is as dangerous as _____ _____!

Vicious cycle- lack of sleep-can't focus- can't remember for studying/tests-added stress!
On the other hand, brain with sleep is amazing!!! Sleep will help you with studying and remembering.

​Lack of sleep

Obstacles to Remembering

​Obstacles to Remembering

What students say in book.


Determining when/what to memorize
Sometimes yes/sometimes no

We can't speed up learning and make studying easier!!
Pull hard info out of memory and push to accomplish difficult tasks!

Open Ended

What are ways you remember?

Let's revisit list of 30 items.

​Organize in groups

Row 1: items found in a kitchen
Row 2: items a child would play with
Row 3: nature items
Row 4: items in a desk drawer/school supplies
Row 5: items found in a bedroom

Open Ended

What is your most common method of studying?

​When/what to memorize

Working knowledge of vocabulary, for example, will lead to some memorization!
We cannot speed up learning and trying to make studying easier is not a good idea!
For it to stick, push yourself to accomplish difficult tasks.

Mood/desire
Just do it!!
Try to carve out a study space-comfy, work surface, chair, supplies.

​Study environment

Phones, games, tv, kids, noise, etc.
Increase attention time with practice & focus!

​Avoiding distractions

6.2 Studying
Preparing to Study

Debunking study myths

​#1 You can multitask while studying.

#2 Highlighting main points of text is useful.

#3 Studying effectively is effortless.

Word Cloud

When are you most likely to multitask?

​Study Strategies

Using Mnemonics - ROYGBIV, Never Eat Soggy Waffles, PEMDAS
Others??

Practicing Concept Association or making connections

Generating Idea Clusters-ways to help brain recall specific info by connecting to other knowledge you may already have.
Andrea and knitting- complicated stitches with Little Red Riding Hood

​Three Effective Study Strategies

Spacing - when

Interleaving - what

Practice testing - how

Recognize strengths/weaknesses of preferred study practices

Open Ended

What does Dr. Stephen Covey mean by sharpening the saw?

​6.3 Test Taking

Difference between test prep and actual test - level of urgency and time constraints. Stress may be good to keep you on your game!

Preparation vs. Actual Test - include time/timed sessions, type of questions or problems, show work or not.
Checklist of 10 items - how many do you do??
Peppermint - http://naturalsociety.com/mint-scent-improve-brain-cognition-memory

​Checklist-how many?

Read all assigned lessons Reread significant text passages
Attend all classes Review with classmates
Take notes during class Take authentic practice tests
Review and improve notes Practice timed writing
Study regularly Get enough sleep every night

​Whole person approach

Read about Neela
Takes a lot of organization, scheduling, and attention to detail.
Establish Realistic Expectations for Test Situations-know yourself, know your strengths and weaknesses, be honest about your expectations.
Accommodations and Responsibilities
Prioritizing Time Surrounding Test Situations

Take a quiz test!

​Follow the directions!



Good luck!!!

​Test Day

• Arrive to class on time to get settled and take few relaxing breaths

• Listen carefully to directions

• Read section directions

• Answer all questions

• Read whole question (stem) and all choices

• Review at the end

• Make sure you have completed the entire test!

​After the Test

Give yourself a little space.

Study your results-whether you did well or not!

Why should you do that?

Thandie

​Test Anxiety

It's all in your head! That's sort of right!

Thinking is a key element of anxiety of any kind.

You may feel queasy, light-headed, have sweaty palms, be very hot or cold, or worst of all nausea, diarrhea, shortness of breath. feel faint, or feel like having a heart attack!!!

​Test Anxiety Strategies

Mind over matter!!
Be prepared for the exam
Relaxation techniques like controlled breathing, visualization, meditation, positive thoughts.

Even in your professions, exams will be routine to update licenses, or certifications.

Word Cloud

List some things you learned from this chapter.