Short and long term memory
I find it interesting that students discover their own strengths and weaknesses relating to short and long term memory. I find there are usually students who excel in practical or theory classes..I try to think of new ways to help them learn all of the information to help pass theory exams. The practical exams are usually easier for them.
Patricia,
This is a "soft" approach that I think has a lot of merit for students. They are being encouraged and supported in advance of using the information. As you say they start to recall it once they have arrived at that point in the book because they have already read the material.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When I review the calendar for the term, I mention the chapters that require more intense studying. I also ask the students to read the chapter ahead of time for general introduction (short term memory). As we review talking about the chapter, the class states terms sounds familiar, then they can move the important information to long term memory storage. This seem to be less stressful for students because they are able to break down an intense chapter studying by subsections.
Ruth,
This is an ongoing effort for teachers. We need to strive to find new methods of engagement so the students will move out of the weakness mode and get into the "I can be successful mode" quicker.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find students do sometimes recognize their strengths and weaknesses, but may times they are unable to move beyond that. They are willing to stay in the weakness mode and they can't get out of it. Trying to find ways to move them to experience success in a way they might think they can, is something as a teacher I need to constantly strive for.
Rosemary,
The more you can help students to understand their learning preferences and know how to acquire new information through those preferences the more value they will associate with the content you are offering. They need experiences that will let them connect with the content in a manner that has value to them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
