HD23 - Memory: Age-Appropriate Techniques to Improve the Memory of Students


Executive Summary:
Educators can use the information learned from research findings on the brain, memory, and learning to enhance student recall of information and improve performance in the classroom. The techniques and strategies presented in this document offer supervisors and instructional specialists a sound research base on which they can build a curriculum that is compatible with the findings of neuroscientists, psychologists, and cognitive researchers. Definitions of memory and a summary of how the brain stores and retrieves information are followed by recommendations for increasing memory by using certain strategies.

Strategies found to be most effective include mnemonics, the Recall Enhancement Routine developed by researchers at the University of Kansas, collaborative learning, integration of content, the use of novelty, and graphic organizers. Some memory strategies are particularly effective in specific content areas such as mathematics, English and language arts, science, social studies, and technology. This document highlights the most relevant research on memory and learning, but it is by no means a comprehensive training manual. Implementation of the recommendations presented would require further development of these strategies and training of teachers and administrators.