Memory Basics
This memory is for processing new info while recalling info from long-term
What is a working memory?
When schoolwork is too confusing or has too many steps, your brain feels _________.
Looking at your notes once vs. quizzing yourself— which makes you remember better?
What is quizzing yourself
This type of memory is like your brain’s scratchpad — it can only hold a few pieces of information at once.
What is working memory?
When you stop to ask yourself, “Do I understand this?” you are using this
What is metacognition?
This memory stores things you know for a long time, like how to ride a bike.
What is long-term memory?
Watching TikTok while doing math homework adds this kind of “extra brain work.”
What is extraneous load?
Studying a little bit every day instead of cramming is called this.
What is spacing?
When teachers connect new material to what students already know, they are activating this.
What is prior knowledge?
Writing down what you learned at the end of class is an example of this.
What is reflection?
When you connect new information to something you already know, you make one of these "mental maps"
What is a schema?
Breaking a big project into smaller steps is called this.
What is scaffolding?
Mixing up different types of math problems instead of doing the same kind all in a row.
What is interleaving?
To avoid this problem, teachers should reduce distractions and break information into smaller chunks.
What is cognitive overload?
True or False: Only teachers need to think about how they think.
What is false?
This is your perception and observation (what’s going on around you)
What is sensory memory?
True or false? Teachers should always try to make lessons more complicated.
What is False?
If you forget something but then practice remembering it again, this happens to your brain.
What is it gets stronger?
When students explain their thinking out loud, draw diagrams, or write reflections, they are doing this.
What is making thinking visible?
When you get stuck on a math problem, thinking about how you solved a similar one before is using this skill.
What is metacognition?
Which memory is more limited - working memory or long-term memory?
What is working memory?
Which is better for learning: removing distractions or adding distractions?
What is removing distractions?
Name one study strategy that makes learning stick.
What are retrieval, practice, spacing, or interleaving?
This strategy strengthens memory by having students recall information from long-term memory rather than just re-reading notes.
What is retrieval practice?
A student pauses while studying and asks themselves questions like, “Do I really understand this?” or “How could I explain this to someone else?” This is an example of what method for strengthening metacognitive abilities?
What is self-questioning?