Strategies for Improving Working Memory
Working Memory and How It Impacts Learning
- Working memory is the conscious part of our memory where we temporarily store information, keep track of what we are doing, and make connections between new and old material.
- Processes such as remembering what to write down while taking lecture notes, solving complex homework problems, to organizing tasks, all involve working memory.
- Working memory plays an important role in learning because how we engage with information in our working memory influences how well this information is stored in long-term memory, and therefore how effectively it can be retrieved and used.
- However, working memory is limited, and its limitations can present challenges in the college environment. Neurodiverse students tend to experience more working memory-related challenges, and subsequent difficulty encoding information into long-term memory, compared to their neurotypical peers.
Strategies for Improving Working Memory
Create Associations
Connecting new information to other concepts or what we already know can enhance our working memory and retention. There are many ways you can create associations:
- Mnemonics and Acronyms: Mnemonics and acronyms are memory strategies that make it easier to recall information by creating associations. For example, a mnemonic for memorizing hierarchical categories in biology (Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species) is “Dear King Phillip Came Over For Good Soup.” Turning abstract information into easier-to-recall pieces can be a helpful way to create connections. Learn more about how to generate mnemonics.
- Memory Palace: With this technique, you can use a familiar place to help you remember information. Let’s say you need to memorize the major fields of psychology for your class. You might start by visualizing your childhood home and assign different rooms or areas to key psychological concepts and theories. For example, as you walk through the house, you visualize John Watson and images of behavioral experiments in the living room, then Carl Rogers and images of self-actualization in the dining room. Learn about how to create your own memory palace.
- Concept/Mind Mapping: Concept/mind maps help improve working memory by creating connections, organizing information, and enhancing engagement with the material. With concept/mind maps, you can visually connect ideas around a central concept and see how different pieces of information are related. Since our brains are great at processing visual information, creating a visual map can make it easier to recall information. Learn about how to enhance your learning with concept maps.
Reduce Cognitive Load
Reducing the mental effort needed to process information helps working memory by freeing up its limited capacity. This allows for more focused processing and better retention of information. You can reduce cognitive load by:
- Accommodating and Outsourcing: Utilize reminders, automations, and external tools to reduce the burden on your working memory. For example, you could schedule reminders on your phone/digital calendar for appointments, deadlines, and tasks. You could also automate email filtering or create rules to move emails into specific folders.
- Chunking: Our working memory can hold approximately 3 to 4 units of information at one time. Chunking involves breaking down larger pieces of information into smaller, more manageable parts. For example, if you are trying to learn the periodic table, you can chunk elements into different groups.
Utilize Creativity
Creativity is beneficial for processing and recalling information. Additionally, neurodiverse brains often exhibit enhanced creativity, allowing people to see patterns, solve problems, and express themselves in unique ways. Utilizing creativity to improve working memory can look like:
- Visualizations: It can be helpful to create detailed mental pictures or scenarios of the information that you want to remember. For example, if you need to recall the Battles of Lexington and Concord for your American history class, you may visualize Colonists battling British soldiers and the soldiers’ eventual retreat toward Concord. You can also utilize visual flash cards or watch videos to help you recall information.
- Storytelling: Turn the information that you need to remember into a story. Our brains are better able to recall narratives because we have a sequence of events to follow. For example, you might need to recall Newton’s Three Laws of Motion for your physics class. You might create a story about a futuristic hero, Captain Velocity, who explores three planets in the Galaxy of Motion. The different planets could represent the laws of inertia, force, and action and reaction. Learn more about storytelling.
- Rhymes and Songs: Putting information to a tune or creating a rhyme can make it easier to remember things. This strategy works particularly well for memorizing lists or sequences, since the rhythm and tune give you cues to help with recall.
Consider Lifestyle Habits and Practices
There are many lifestyle practices and habits that can improve your working memory:
- Get Enough Sleep: Sleep is critical for memory consolidation and retention. Aim to get 7 to 10 hours of sleep per night. Here are strategies for sleeping smarter.
- Get Moving: Regular movement can boost brain power and memory.
- Take Regular Breaks: Cognitive fatigue impairs our working memory. Taking short breaks while you study and throughout the day can help improve retention.
- Manage Stress: Techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness exercises help reduce stress, which benefits memory.
- Stay Organized: Good organizational habits help reduce cognitive load. See additional strategies about how to organize your physical and digital workspace.
Improving working memory can help improve your academic performance. Try out different strategies and see what works best for you. Remember that change takes time – be patient and persistent as you work on these skills.
If you would like additional support or want to brainstorm strategies for improving your working memory, schedule an appointment with one of our academic coaches.
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Strategies for Improving Working Memory
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