Visual Memory When you have to memorise facts and information it is helpful to link the information to pictures/charts (you can find examples in your Learn 2 Learn toolkit). However you need to do this in a logical way. On paper draw a grid 5 x 5 (5 boxes across and 5 boxes down) You will have 2 minutes to look at the grid on the next page. You must write down from memory as many objects as you can in their correct position on the grid. Show the students the grid on the next page for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes show them the grid again and ask them to check how many they remembered Facilitate discussion – key points are attached to next slide

Ask the students how they memorised the facts. Gather together the most popular strategies for memorising e.g. Grouping the pictures into sets Making up short stories or mnemonics Chanting ]visualising Linking information

Now look at the next grid Now look at the next grid. Try to use one of the techniques you have heard in your tutor group to see if you can be more successful

Final Advice… When you are under pressure your short term memory malfunctions. This means that your mind goes blank and you can’t seem to remember everything that you really want to. Help your brain to remember by making links between topics and using strategies such as grouping ideas, creating short stories or rhymes, visualisation, chanting and repetition. Your memory is at its sharpest when you are alert. Trying to learn a list of facts is dull. Be creative!