1. Memory & Concentration
A Study Skills Series presented by General Studies

2. 3 important memory processes
Encoding
Storage
Retrieval

3. Types of Memory Sensory Memory Short-Term Memory Long-Term Memory
Immediate Memory
Working Memory
Long-Term Memory

4. General Memory Strategies
Spaced Practice
Break Tasks Down
Repetition

5. Specific Memory Strategies
Rehearsal Strategies
Elaboration
Strategies
Affective & Motivational Strategies
Specific Memory Strategies
Comprehension Monitoring Strategies
Organizational Strategies

6. Rehearsal Strategies Repeat the information until it is learned
Have to make the repetition of the information meaningful

7. Elaboration Strategies
Involves expanding on the info, forming associations, or connecting the information to what you already know
Acronyms/Catchwords
NBA, TMI, KIT, TSU
Acrostics/Catchphrases
Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally
Imagery
Rhymes & Songs

8. Organizational Strategies
Allow you to organize the information to make it easier to learn and recall
Organize material by grouping

9. Comprehension Monitoring Strategies
Allows us to monitor or keep tabs on our learning
Help you examine and evaluate the strategies that you are using
Metacognition
Task awareness
Strategy awareness
Performance awareness

10. Affective & Motivational Strategies
Relate to your attitude, interest, and motivation toward learning
Help prepare you mentally for studying and create a positive learning environment

11. What is Concentration?
Concentration enables a person to FOCUS their attention on what they are doing
It is very important in just about everything you do

12. 3 Levels of Concentration:
Light Concentration
Moderate Concentration
Deep Concentration

13. Light Concentration
Is experienced when you first sit down to study and continues throughout the first 5 minutes of study
You’re just getting settled into your reading, listening, or studying
In this level students may be easily distracted
Students may: wiggle around in their chairs, feel the need to pull out other study supplies, etc.
Not much is accomplished during this stage
Very little learning actually occurs

14. Moderate Concentration
Students enter this level after about 5 minutes of studying
Student begins paying attention to material that is being read, heard, or studied
Student is not as easily distracted
Begin to focus only on the material and external distractions are ignored
Some learning occurs in this stage

15. Deep Concentration
You begin thinking only about what you are hearing, writing, or reading
You are totally consumed in material
You learn the most material while in deep concentration
You are able to complete more work in less time and are working most effectively

16. 3 Types of Concentration:
Ability to Focus at Will – being able to turn your attention to the task of listening to a lecture the moment the professor begins to speak
Sustaining Your Focus – maintaining concentration
Limiting Your Focus – Concentrating on one task at a time

17. Causes of Poor Concentration:
Lack of Attention – can be a result of distractions
Internal Distractions – things that students worry and think about
External Distractions- includes noise, an uncomfortable study area, and people
Lack of Interest – Without a high level of interest it is very easy to lose concentration
Lack of Motivation – In order to improve concentration, you must be motivated to succeed

18. Strategies for Improving Concentration
1.Use Motivational and Organizational Strategies:
A. Have a positive attitude toward your work
B. Create Interest in the Task
C. Use Goal-Setting Strategies – set clear goals
D. Use Time-Management Strategies – “To Do” lists and planning calendars

19. Strategies Continued 2. Create a Positive Learning Environment –
A. Minimize external distractions as much as possible
B. Move to front of classroom during lectures
C. At home find a place to study that is distraction-free

20. Strategies Continued 3. Deal with Internal Distractions
4. Use Active Learning Strategies
5. Match Your Learning Style to the Task – find out what works best for you
6. Monitor Your Concentration

21. Benefits of Improved Concentration:
Ability to make better use of your time
Ability to gain a better understanding of what you have read
Improved concentration during lecture leads to better lecture notes
Increased self-confidence and higher self-esteem
Ability to make connections between knew and old material
Ability to prepare better for quizzes and exams