Memory - From Research to Practice

• It takes about 15-25 minutes of practice with making connections over several days to place information in long-term memory.
  

• Approximately 10 minutes into teaching time, it is important to let students practice new concepts.  Then help them make connections with closure activities that find patterns, compare/contrast, summarize and/or analyze. 
  

• It is easier for the brain to place information into long-term memory if there is body movement involved in learning.  For example, rather than drawing a graph, make a 3-D human graph.
  

• Encourage students to role-play, debate, or become involved in simulation activities.
  

• Frequent breaks during learning time that involve movement or exercise allows more blood flow to the brain and promotes optimal learning.
  

• Moving to different parts of the room such as centers, is an easy way to create movement.
  

• To remember such things as States and their capitals, link names to visual imagery such as Boise, Idaho; envision a group of boys hoeing a potato patch.