Transcript 3 How readings become assignments workshop 2011

How Readings
become
Assignments
Where does this workshop fit?
Answering the
Question
•Clarify the question
•Identify task
Your Finished
Assignment
Note taking
•Guidelines
•Methods
How readings
become
assignments
APA referencing
Essay Writing
•In text citing
•End of text
reference list
•Introduction
•Body
•Conclusion
Workshop Overview
• Preparation and Research
• Organise your notes
• Write
Preparation and Research
• Clarify the assignment question
• Gather relevant information
• Read relevant parts – introductions and
headings
• Make Notes
Organising your Notes
Find, circle and number ideas
YOUR STUDY SPACE
This section will give you some instruction on a variety of memory
techniques. It is not a comprehensive list, but a brief summary of
some proven methods. But first, a brief word about your study
environment, because it will make a difference to your studies.
Here are some considerations for designing and choosing a study
space:
Your space must be free from distractions.
You may prefer to study with noise or music [1] in the background,
but make sure it is not too distracting. The reason? Well, as noted in
the earlier section, you must pay attention to the information if you
are to remember it, if you are distracted, then you will recall less.
Your study space must be a suitable temperature and have
adequate ventilation.
You do not want your study space to be ‘hot and stuffy’ or ‘cold
and drafty’. Either condition is going to be a less than ideal study
environ.
Make sure that you study in an appropriate place.
Studying on the bed is not such a good idea; so, if you do not have
a suitable study room, then study at university or in the library (or
public library). This will encourage you to study when you find
yourself surrounded by similar others – especially useful around
exam time.
Have good posture when studying; sit upright and in a good chair.
It may sound lame, but a good chair for study should be considered
an investment. It is a piece of furniture you will spend a great deal
of time in so make sure it supports you well and is adjustable.
______________________________________________________
1
2
[1] Although baroque music (classical music with a specific tempo)
may provide a suitable learning environment by stimulating your
brain to produce alpha waves; which is a state conducive to
learning.
Paul Fenton, 2007
You must have adequate light for reading and note taking.
Buy a desk lamp or change the lamps in the light fittings to the
appropriate wattage, not too dim (below 60 watts is not suitable)
and not too bright (150 watt lamps may be blinding!). By the way, I
will not apologise for using the word “lamp” in the previous
sentence. Many people use the word “bulb”, but, as an exelectrician, all I have to say is that you plant bulbs in the garden!
3
1
You set up a good study environment.
Set up a space with a desk, filing cabinet, bookcase, and so on.
You can pick some of these items up at garage sales. The main
idea here is to set up an environment that says: “This is my study
space, here is where I do my work” (or words to that effect).
3
1
2
2
4
You are not hungry or thirsty.
Self-explanatory, isn’t it?
Paul Fenton, 2007
THE MYTH OF PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY
There is one thing that I need to clear up before we discuss
particular memory techniques. The reason is that this particular
idea is actually quite erroneous. Contrary to popular belief, we
do not store memories in our brain like a video camera.
So what can we learn from the individuals with eidetic memory?
Memory is, after all, a dynamic process. Memories are not
After all, if these individuals are rare, and they seem to develop
usually ‘camera-like’ reproductions that accurately record
these skills without any effort, then what point is there even
everything we see, hear, and do (Sacks, 1995; Squire & Kandel,
discussing them? Well, we can learn something from people with
2000).
synaesthesia. Quite simply, we can mimic the way these individuals
Remembering…. is an imaginative reconstruction, or
remember information to enhance our memor y[1] (Harrison, 2001;
You may have been told that you should never cram. My advice
construction,
Root-Bernstein, R. & M., 1999). So let us now discuss what
really exact, even in the most rudimentary cases of rote
is that you don’t make a habit of it. Despite what you may have
synaesthesia is and what we can do to improve our memory.
been told about cramming, it is never too late to learn anything.
recapitulation, and it is not at all important that it should be
Synaesthesia is derived from two words that, when combined,
so.
But, you don’t want to make cramming your preferred method of
mean ‘a coming together or union of the senses’ (Harrison, 2001;
studying given the following reasons.
(Bartlett, 1932, cited in Sacks, 1995, p. 164).
Root-Bernstein, 1999). In most people, when you hear a noise, that is
Take, for example, two eyewitnesses at the scene of an
the only sense that is ‘activated’. But, in synaethetes (people with
accident. They will give different accounts of what happened
In relation to the research on ‘cramming’ psychologists have
synaesthesia) other senses may also be active. For example, the
explored memory and learning in a variety of ways. One of those
because the brain reconstructs or constructs what has
most common type of synaesthesia takes the form of “coloured
methods involved a sea snail called aplysia californica, among
happened and is far from being a ‘passive receptacle’ of
hearing” (Harrison, 2001, p.3; Cytowic, 1993). In other words, for
other subjects (Kandel et al., 2000). The basic principle derived from
information. This point is important for those who may have
these people, sound also evokes visual sensations, and, more
used memory techniques in the past, but found that they
these studies indicate a “general principle of learning psychology:
importantly, it occurs involuntarily (the quote at the bottom of page
Spaced training is usually much more effective than massed
could not recall everything they did with photographic clarity –
37 is an example of this). For example, if you were listening to music,
training in producing long-term memory” (Kandel et al., 2000, p.
it is not unusual! Technically, ‘photographic memory’ is a
you would ‘see’ or get impressions of particular colours that would
misleading term.
1250, italics added). This means that ‘cramming’ (meaning longchange as the music changes key and so on [2].
duration intense study just prior to the exam or test) is not the most
As with most things, there are exceptions to the rule. But, do
Sounds bizarre, does it not? Yet synaesthesia has been the
efficient means of long-term retention.
not think that they disprove the rule. You will find that there are
subject of many books and journal articles and it is a very real
rare individuals that have prodigious memories that are
phenomenon (note the references). The really fascinating (and
referred to by psychologists and their ilk as having eidetic
However, cramming can produce a “robust short-term memory”
important) thing with these people is that it is not uncommon to find
(Kandel, 2000, p.1250, italics added). But remember that because
memory. Eidetic memory refers to the ability to recall
that they have exceptional memory abilities.
cramming does not aid long-term retention it should be regarded
information after a single exposure with exceptional clarity
______________________________________________________
(Cytowic, 1993; Sacks, 1995). People with eidetic memory differ
as an ‘emergency measure’ only. Also, this research supports the
importance of regular breaks and the need to revise material
from others who have learned particular methods to enhance
[1] Though not nearly as well as synaesthetes, we can still enhance
regularly to maximise your learning, memory, and recall.
their ability to recall information. In contrast, eidetic…
our ability to remember and recall information using similar
Paul Fenton, 2007
techniques.
Cramming is usually the hallmark of a stressed, disorganised
[2] Though the actual experience is more complex than this.
student, so it is not the optimal learning state that you should
regularly find yourself in if you can help it.
Paul Fenton, 2007
4
5
5
Paul Fenton, 2007.
Organising your Notes
• Organise your ideas
• Make notes based on these topics
• Find more info to fill any gaps
• Arrange notes in a sensible order
Write
• Write a paragraph/s based on each topic’s
notes
• Use TEE structure
o Topic Sentence
o Evidence
o Example
• Gather paragraphs together, add anything
else, introduction & conclusion
Summary
Step 1: Gather
relevant information
Step 2: Read relevant
sections
Information Sources: Books, Journals, Research
YOUR STUDY SPACE
This section will give you some instruction on a variety of memory
techniques. It is not a comprehensive list, but a brief summary of
some proven methods. But first, a brief word about your study
environment, because it will make a difference to your studies.
Here are some considerations for designing and choosing a study
space:
Your space must be free from distractions.
You may prefer to study with noise or music [1] in the
background, but make sure it is not too distracting. The reason?
Well, as noted in the earlier section, you must pay attention to the
information if you are to remember it, if you are distracted, then
you will recall less.
Your study space must be a suitable temperature and have
adequate ventilation.
You do not want your study space to be ‘hot and stuffy’ or ‘cold
and drafty’. Either condition is going to be a less than ideal study
environ.
Make sure t hat you st udy in an appropriate place.
Studying on the bed is not such a good idea; so, if you do not
have a suitable study room, then study at university or in the
library (or public library). This will encourage you to study when
you find yourself surrounded by similar others – especially useful
around exam time.
Have good posture when st udying; sit upright and in a good
chair.
It may sound lame, but a good chair for study should be
considered an investment. It is a piece of furniture you will spend
a great deal of time in so make sure it supports you well and is
adjustable.
______________________________________________________
1
Step 3: Make notes
2
Step 4: Find ideas
(numbered circles)
Step 5: Organise
ideas
Step 6: Make
notes based on
these topics
Step 7: Arrange
notes in a sensible
order
You must have adequate light for reading and not e taking.
Buy a desk lamp or change the lamps in the light fittings to the
appropriate wattage, not too dim (below 60 watts is not suitable)
and not too bright (150 watt lamps may be blinding!). By the
way, I will not apologise for using the word “lamp” in the previous
sentence. Many people use the word “bulb”, but, as an exelectrician, all I have to say is that you plant bulbs in the garden!
3
1
You set up a good study environment.
Set up a space with a desk, filing cabinet, bookcase, and so on.
You can pick some of these items up at garage sales. The main
idea here is to set up an environment that says: “This is my study
space, here is where I do my work” (or words to that effect).
You are not hungry or t hirsty.
Self-explanatory, isn’t it?
4
Paul Fenton, 2007
THE MYTH OF PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY
There is one thing that I need to clear up before we discuss
particular memory techniques. The reason is that this
particular idea is actually quite erroneous. Contrary to
what can
popular belief, we do not storeSo
memories
in we
our learn
brainfrom
like athe individuals with eidetic
memory?
After all, process.
if these individuals are rare, and they seem to
video camera. Memory is, after
all, a dynamic
develop these
skills withoutthat
any effort, then what point is there
Memories are not usually ‘camera-like’
reproductions
even
discussing
them?
we can learn something from people
accurately record everything
we see,
hear, and
doWell,
(Sacks,
1995; Squire & Kandel, 2000).with synaest hesia. Quite simply, we can mimic the way these
You
may
havey[1]
been told that you should never cram. My
individuals
remember information
to enhance
our
memor
Remembering…. is an imaginative
reconstruction,
or
advice
is that
you don’t make a habit of it. Despite what you
(Harrison, 2001; Root-Bernstein, R. & M., 1999).
So let
us now
construction,
have
been told
about cramming, it is never too late to learn
discuss
what synaesthesia
is and what wemay
can do
to improve
our
really exact, even in the most
rudimentary
cases of rote
anything. But, you don’t want to make cramming your preferred
recapitulation, and it is notmemory.
at all important that it should
method
of studying
given the following reasons.
Synaesthesia is derived from two words that,
when
combined,
be so.
mean
‘ap.
coming
(Harrison, 2001;
(Bartlett, 1932, cited in Sacks,
1995,
164). together or union of the senses’
In
relation
to
the
Root-Bernstein,
1999).
In of
most
you hear a noise,research on ‘cramming’ psychologists have
Take, for example, two eyewitnesses
at the
scene
an people, when
explored
memory and learning in a variety of ways. One of those
that isaccounts
the only sense
that is ‘activated’. But,
in synaethetes
accident. They will give different
of what
methods
involved
a sea snail called aplysia californica, among
(people
with synaesthesia)
also be
active. For
happened because the brain
reconstructs
or constructsother senses may
other subjects
(Kandel
example,
the most
common type of synaesthesia
takes the
form et al., 2000). The basic principle derived
what has happened and is far
from being
a ‘passive
from
these1993).
studies
hearing”for
(Harrison,
Cytowic,
Inindicate a “general principle of learning
receptacle’ of information. of
This“coloured
point is important
those 2001, p.3;psychology:
training is usually much more effective than
other
words, for
people,
visualSpaced
sensations,
who may have used memory
techniques
in these
the past,
but sound also evokes
massedquote
training
producing long-term memory” (Kandel et al.,
and,everything
more importantly,
occurs involuntarily(the
atin
the
found that they could not recall
they diditwith
2000,
p. 1250,ifitalics
bottom
of page
37 is an example of this). For
example,
you added). This means that ‘cramming’
photographic clarity – it is not
unusual!
Technically,
(meaning
long-duration
intense study just prior to the exam or
listeningterm.
to music, you would ‘see’ or
get impressions
of
‘photographic memory’ is awere
misleading
test) is not the most efficient means of long-term retention.
particular
colours
thatrule.
would
As with most things, there are
exceptions
to the
But,change as the music changes key
andthe
so rule.
on [2].
do not think that they disprove
You will find that
However,
cramming
can produce a “robust short-term
bizarre, does
it not? Yet synaesthesia
has been
the
there are rare individuals that Sounds
have prodigious
memories
subject of
many
books
and journal articlesmemory”
and it is a(Kandel,
very real2000, p.1250, italics added). But remember
that are referred to by psychologists
and
their
ilk as having
that because
cramming
does not aid long-term retention it
phenomenon
(note
theto
references).
The really
fascinating
(and
eidetic memory. Eidetic memory
refers to the
ability
recall
be regarded
important)
with these
people is that itshould
is not uncommon
toas an ‘emergency measure’ only. Also, this
information after a single exposure
withthing
exceptional
clarity
research supports the importance of regular breaks and the
that with
theyeidetic
have exceptional
memory abilities.
(Cytowic, 1993; Sacks, 1995).find
People
memory
need to revise material regularly to maximise your learning,
differ from others who have ______________________________________________________
learned particular methods to
memory, and recall.
enhance their ability to recall information. In contrast,
[1] Though not nearly as well as synaesthetes, we can still
is using
usually the hallmark of a stressed, disorganised
enhance our ability t o remember and recallCramming
information
student, so it is not the optimal learning state that you should
similar techniques.
[2] Though t he actual experience is moreregularly
complexfind
thanyourself
this. in if you can help it.
3
1
2
2
4
5
5
Paul Fenton, 2007.
Topic #1
YOUR STUDY SPACE
This section will give you some instruction on a variety of memory
techniques. It is not a comprehensive list, but a brief summary of
some proven methods. But first, a brief word about your study
environment, because it will make a difference to your studies.
Here are some considerations for designing and choosing a study
space:
Your space must be free from distractions.
You may prefer to study with noise or music [1] in the
background, but make sure it is not too distracting. The reason?
Well, as noted in the earlier section, you must pay attention to the
information if you are to remember it, if you are distracted, then
you will recall less.
Your study space must be a suitable temperature and have
adequate ventilation.
You do not want your study space to be ‘hot and stuffy’ or ‘cold
and drafty’. Either condition is going to be a less than ideal study
environ.
Make sure t hat you st udy in an appropriate place.
Studying on the bed is not such a good idea; so, if you do not
have a suitable study room, then study at university or in the
library (or public library). This will encourage you to study when
you find yourself surrounded by similar others – especially useful
around exam time.
Have good posture when st udying; sit upright and in a good
chair.
It may sound lame, but a good chair for study should be
considered an investment. It is a piece of furniture you will spend
a great deal of time in so make sure it supports you well and is
adjustable.
______________________________________________________
You must have adequate light for reading and not e taking.
Buy a desk lamp or change the lamps in the light fittings to the
appropriate wattage, not too dim (below 60 watts is not suitable)
and not too bright (150 watt lamps may be blinding!). By the
way, I will not apologise for using the word “lamp” in the previous
sentence. Many people use the word “bulb”, but, as an exelectrician, all I have to say is that you plant bulbs in the garden!
You set up a good study environment.
Set up a space with a desk, filing cabinet, bookcase, and so on.
You can pick some of these items up at garage sales. The main
idea here is to set up an environment that says: “This is my study
space, here is where I do my work” (or words to that effect).
You are not hungry or t hirsty.
Self-explanatory, isn’t it?
Paul Fenton, 2007
Topic #2
You must have adequate light for reading and not e taking.
Buy a desk lamp or change the lamps in the light fittings to the
appropriate wattage, not too dim (below 60 watts is not suitable)
and not too bright (150 watt lamps may be blinding!). By the
way, I will not apologise for using the word “lamp” in the previous
sentence. Many people use the word “bulb”, but, as an exelectrician, all I have to say is that you plant bulbs in the garden!
You set up a good study environment.
Set up a space with a desk, filing cabinet, bookcase, and so on.
You can pick some of these items up at garage sales. The main
idea here is to set up an environment that says: “This is my study
space, here is where I do my work” (or words to that effect).
You are not hungry or t hirsty.
Self-explanatory, isn’t it?
Paul Fenton, 2007
You may have been told that you should never cram. My
advice is that you don’t make a habit of it. Despite what you
may have been told about cramming, it is never too late to learn
anything. But, you don’t want to make cramming your preferred
method of studying given the following reasons.
In relation to the research on ‘cramming’ psychologists have
explored memory and learning in a variety of ways. One of those
methods involved a sea snail called aplysia californica, among
other subjects (Kandel et al., 2000). The basic principle derived
from these studies indicate a “general principle of learning
psychology: Spaced training is usually much more effective than
massed training in producing long-term memory” (Kandel et al.,
2000, p. 1250, italics added). This means that ‘cramming’
(meaning long-duration intense study just prior to the exam or
test) is not the most efficient means of long-term retention.
However, cramming can produce a “robust short-term
memory” (Kandel, 2000, p.1250, italics added). But remember
that because cramming does not aid long-term retention it
should be regarded as an ‘emergency measure’ only. Also, this
research supports the importance of regular breaks and the
need to revise material regularly to maximise your learning,
memory, and recall.
Cramming is usually the hallmark of a stressed, disorganised
student, so it is not the optimal learning state that you should
regularly find yourself in if you can help it.
Paul Fenton, 2007.
Topic #3
THE MYTH OF PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY
There is one thing that I need to clear up before we discuss
particular memory techniques. The reason is that this particular
idea is actually quite erroneous. Contrary to popular belief, we
do not store memories in our brain like a video camera. Memory
is, after all, a dynamic process. Memories are not usually
‘camera-like’ reproductions that accurately record everything
we see, hear, and do (Sacks, 1995; Squire & Kandel, 2000).
Remembering…. is an imaginative reconstruction, or
construction,
built out of our relation of our attitude towards a whole active
mass
of organised past reactions or experience….It is thus hardly
ever
really exact, even in the most rudimentary cases of rote
recapitulation, and it is not at all important that it should be so.
(Bartlett, 1932, cited in Sacks, 1995, p. 164).
Take, for example, two eyewitnesses at the scene of an
accident. They will give different accounts of what happened
because the brain reconstructs or constructs what has
happened and is far from being a ‘passive receptacle’ of
information. This point is important for those who may have used
memory techniques in the past, but found that they could not
recall everything they did with photographic clarity – it is not
unusual! Technically, ‘photographic memory’ is a misleading
term.
As with most things, there are exceptions to the rule. But, do not
think that they disprove the rule. You will find that there are rare
individuals that have prodigious memories that are referred to by
psychologists and their ilk as having eidetic memory. Eidetic
memory refers to the ability to recall information after a single
exposure with exceptional clarity (Cytowic, 1993; Sacks, 1995).
YOUR STUDY SPACE
This section will give you some instruction on a variety of memory
techniques. It is not a comprehensive list, but a brief summary of
some proven methods. But first, a brief word about your study
environment, because it will make a difference to your studies.
Here are some considerations for designing and choosing a study
space:
Your space must be free from distractions.
You may prefer to study with noise or music [1] in the
background, but make sure it is not too distracting. The reason?
Well, as noted in the earlier section, you must pay attention to the
information if you are to remember it, if you are distracted, then
you will recall less.
Your study space must be a suitable temperature and have
adequate ventilation.
You do not want your study space to be ‘hot and stuffy’ or ‘cold
and drafty’. Either condition is going to be a less than ideal study
environ.
Make sure t hat you st udy in an appropriate place.
Studying on the bed is not such a good idea; so, if you do not
have a suitable study room, then study at university or in the
library (or public library). This will encourage you to study when
you find yourself surrounded by similar others – especially useful
around exam time.
Have good posture when st udying; sit upright and in a good
chair.
It may sound lame, but a good chair for study should be
considered an investment. It is a piece of furniture you will spend
a great deal of time in so make sure it supports you well and is
adjustable.
______________________________________________________
Topic #4
So what can we learn from the individuals with eidetic
memory? After all, if these individuals are rare, and they seem to
develop these skills without any effort, then what point is there
even discussing them? Well, we can learn something from people
with synaest hesia. Quite simply, we can mimic the way these
individuals remember information to enhance our memor y[1]
(Harrison, 2001; Root-Bernstein, R. & M., 1999). So let us now
discuss what synaesthesia is and what we can do to improve our
memory.
Synaesthesia is derived from two words that, when combined,
mean ‘a coming together or union of the senses’ (Harrison, 2001;
Root-Bernstein, 1999). In most people, when you hear a noise,
that is the only sense that is ‘activated’. But, in synaethetes
(people with synaesthesia) other senses may also be active. For
example, the most common type of synaesthesia takes the form
of “coloured hearing” (Harrison, 2001, p.3; Cytowic, 1993). In
other words, for these people, sound also evokes visual sensations,
and, more importantly, it occurs involuntarily(the quote at the
bottom of page 37 is an example of this). For example, if you
were listening to music, you would ‘see’ or get impressions of
particular colours that would change as the music changes key
and so on [2].
Sounds bizarre, does it not? Yet synaesthesia has been the
subject of many books and journal articles and it is a very real
phenomenon (note the references). The really fascinating (and
important) thing with these people is that it is not uncommon to
find that they have exceptional memory abilities.
_________________________________________________
[1] Though not nearly as well as synaesthetes, we can still
enhance our ability t o remember and recall information using
similar techniques.
[2] Though t he actual experience is more complex than this.
So what can we learn from the individuals with eidetic
memory? After all, if these individuals are rare, and they seem to
develop these skills without any effort, then what point is there
even discussing them? Well, we can learn something from people
with synaest hesia. Quite simply, we can mimic the way these
individuals remember information to enhance our memor y[1]
(Harrison, 2001; Root-Bernstein, R. & M., 1999). So let us now
discuss what synaesthesia is and what we can do to improve our
memory.
Synaesthesia is derived from two words that, when combined,
mean ‘a coming together or union of the senses’ (Harrison, 2001;
Root-Bernstein, 1999). In most people, when you hear a noise,
that is the only sense that is ‘activated’. But, in synaethetes
(people with synaesthesia) other senses may also be active. For
example, the most common type of synaesthesia takes the form
of “coloured hearing” (Harrison, 2001, p.3; Cytowic, 1993). In
other words, for these people, sound also evokes visual sensations,
and, more importantly, it occurs involuntarily(the quote at the
bottom of page 37 is an example of this). For example, if you
were listening to music, you would ‘see’ or get impressions of
particular colours that would change as the music changes key
and so on [2].
Sounds bizarre, does it not? Yet synaesthesia has been the
subject of many books and journal articles and it is a very real
phenomenon (note the references). The really fascinating (and
important) thing with these people is that it is not uncommon to
find that they have exceptional memory abilities.
_________________________________________________
[1] Though not nearly as well as synaesthetes, we can still
enhance our ability t o remember and recall information using
similar techniques.
[2] Though t he actual experience is more complex than this.
Topic #5, etc…
You may have been told that you should never cram. My
advice is that you don’t make a habit of it. Despite what you
may have been told about cramming, it is never too late to learn
anything. But, you don’t want to make cramming your preferred
method of studying given the following reasons.
In relation to the research on ‘cramming’ psychologists have
explored memory and learning in a variety of ways. One of those
methods involved a sea snail called aplysia californica, among
other subjects (Kandel et al., 2000). The basic principle derived
from these studies indicate a “general principle of learning
psychology: Spaced training is usually much more effective than
massed training in producing long-term memory” (Kandel et al.,
2000, p. 1250, italics added). This means that ‘cramming’
(meaning long-duration intense study just prior to the exam or
test) is not the most efficient means of long-term retention.
However, cramming can produce a “robust short-term
memory” (Kandel, 2000, p.1250, italics added). But remember
that because cramming does not aid long-term retention it
should be regarded as an ‘emergency measure’ only. Also, this
research supports the importance of regular breaks and the
need to revise material regularly to maximise your learning,
memory, and recall.
Cramming is usually the hallmark of a stressed, disorganised
student, so it is not the optimal learning state that you should
regularly find yourself in if you can help it.
Paul Fenton, 2007.
THE MYTH OF PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY
There is one thing that I need to clear up before we discuss
particular memory techniques. The reason is that this particular
idea is actually quite erroneous. Contrary to popular belief, we
do not store memories in our brain like a video camera. Memory
is, after all, a dynamic process. Memories are not usually
‘camera-like’ reproductions that accurately record everything
we see, hear, and do (Sacks, 1995; Squire & Kandel, 2000).
Remembering…. is an imaginative reconstruction, or
construction,
built out of our relation of our attitude towards a whole active
mass
of organised past reactions or experience….It is thus hardly
ever
really exact, even in the most rudimentary cases of rote
recapitulation, and it is not at all important that it should be so.
(Bartlett, 1932, cited in Sacks, 1995, p. 164).
Take, for example, two eyewitnesses at the scene of an
accident. They will give different accounts of what happened
because the brain reconstructs or constructs what has
happened and is far from being a ‘passive receptacle’ of
information. This point is important for those who may have used
memory techniques in the past, but found that they could not
recall everything they did with photographic clarity – it is not
unusual! Technically, ‘photographic memory’ is a misleading
term.
As with most things, there are exceptions to the rule. But, do not
think that they disprove the rule. You will find that there are rare
individuals that have prodigious memories that are referred to by
psychologists and their ilk as having eidetic memory. Eidetic
memory refers to the ability to recall information after a single
exposure with exceptional clarity (Cytowic, 1993; Sacks, 1995).
Summary
You must have adequate light for reading and not e taking.
Buy a desk lamp or change the lamps in the light fittings to the
appropriate wattage, not too dim (below 60 watts is not suitable)
and not too bright (150 watt lamps may be blinding!). By the
way, I will not apologise for using the word “lamp” in the previous
sentence. Many people use the word “bulb”, but, as an exelectrician, all I have to say is that you plant bulbs in the garden!
You set up a good study environment.
Set up a space with a desk, filing cabinet, bookcase, and so on.
You can pick some of these items up at garage sales. The main
idea here is to set up an environment that says: “This is my study
space, here is where I do my work” (or words to that effect).
You are not hungry or t hirsty.
Self-explanatory, isn’t it?
Paul Fenton, 2007You must have adequate light for reading and
not e taking.
Buy a desk lamp or change the lamps in the light fittings to the
appropriate wattage, not too dim (below 60 watts is not suitable)
and not too bright (150 watt lamps may be blinding!). By the
way, I will not apologise for using the word “lamp” in the previous
sentence. Many people use the word “bulb”, but, as an exelectrician, all I have to say is that you plant bulbs in the garden!
You set up a good study environment.
Set up a space with a desk, filing cabinet, bookcase, and so on.
You can pick some of these items up at garage sales. The main
idea here is to set up an environment that says: “This is my study
space, here is where I do my work” (or words to that effect).
Paul Fenton, 2007
Step 8: Write a
paragraph/s based on
each topic’s notes – use
“T.E.E.” structure
Step 9: Gather all
of your
paragraphs
together
Topic Sentence, or
Controlling idea
You may have been told that you should never cram. My
advice is that you don’t make a habit of it. Despite what you
may have been told about cramming, it is never too late to learn
anything. But, you don’t want to make cramming your preferred
method of studying given the following reasons.
YOUR STUDY SPACE
In relation to the research on ‘cramming’ psychologists have
explored memory and learning in a variety of ways. One of those
section
give you
some instruction
methods involved a seaThis
snail
calledwill
aplysia
californica,
among on a variety of memory
techniques.
It is basic
not a principle
comprehensive
other subjects (Kandel et
al., 2000). The
derivedlist, but a brief summary of
some
proven methods.
first, a brief word about your study
from these studies indicate
a “general
principleBut
of learning
environment,
it will
make a than
difference to your studies.
psychology: Spaced training
is usuallybecause
much more
effective
Here are
some considerations
forSo
designing
and
study
what
wechoosing
learn fromathe
individuals with eidetic
massed training in producing
long-term
memory” (Kandel
et
al., can
space:
memory? After all, if these individuals are rare, and they seem to
2000, p. 1250, italics added).
This means that ‘cramming’
space
must
free
distractions.
develop
(meaning long-durationYour
intense
study
justbe
prior
tofrom
the exam
or these skills without any effort, then what point is there
You means
may prefer
to studyretention.
with noise
music [1]them?
in the Well, we can learn something from people
evenor
discussing
test) is not the most efficient
of long-term
background, but make sure itwith
is notsynaest
too distracting.
Thesimply,
reason?
hesia. Quite
we can mimic the way these
Well,
as
noted
in
the
earlier
section,
you
must
pay
attention
to
the
individuals remember information
to enhance our memor y[1]
However, cramming can produce a “robust short-term
if you
are toBut
remember
it, if you
are
distracted, then
(Harrison,
2001;
Root-Bernstein,
R. & M., 1999). So let us now
memory” (Kandel, 2000,information
p.1250, italics
added).
remember
willnot
recall
discuss
we can do to improve our
that because crammingyou
does
aidless.
long-term retention
it what synaesthesia is and what
Your
study space
must be a
suitable
and have THE MYTH OF PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY
memory.
should be regarded as an
‘emergency
measure’
only.
Also,temperature
this
adequateof
ventilation.
is derived from two words that, when combined,
research supports the importance
regular breaks andSynaesthesia
the
There
one
thing that
I need2001;
to clear up before we discuss
You do not
want youryour
study
space
becoming
‘hot and
stuffy’ or union
‘cold
meanto‘a
together
ofisthe
senses’
(Harrison,
need to revise material regularly
to maximise
learning,
particular
memory
techniques.
and drafty’. Either condition isRoot-Bernstein,
going to be a less
than
study
1999).
In ideal
most people,
when
you hear
a noise, The reason is that this particular
memory, and recall.
idea
is actually
erroneous. Contrary to popular belief, we
environ.
that is the only sense that is ‘activated’.
But, inquite
synaethetes
do not
store
memories
our brain
Make
sure t of
hatayou
st udydisorganised
in an(people
appropriate
place.
with synaesthesia)
other
senses
may
also be in
active.
For like a video camera. Memory
Cramming is usually the
hallmark
stressed,
is, after
all, a dynamic
process.
Memories are not usually
Studying
on thestate
bedthat
is notyou
such
a good idea;
so, ifcommon
you do not
example,
the most
type
of synaesthesia
takes
the form
student, so it is not the optimal
learning
should
‘camera-like’
reproductions
that
accurately record everything
have
a
suitable
study
room,
then
study
at
university
or
in
the
of “coloured hearing” (Harrison, 2001, p.3; Cytowic, 1993). In
regularly find yourself in if you can help it.
we
see,also
hear,
and do
(Sacks,
1995; Squire & Kandel, 2000).
library (or public library). This will
encourage
you
to study
when
other
words, for
these
people,
sound
evokes
visual
sensations,
Remembering….
is an imaginative
reconstruction, or
you find yourself surrounded by
similar
others
– especially
useful
and,
more
importantly,
it occurs
involuntarily(the quote
at the
construction,
around exam time.
bottom of page 37 is an example
of this). For example, if you
built
out of
of our
Have good posture when st udying;
sit upright
in ayou
good
were listening
toand
music,
would
‘see’
or our
getrelation
impressions
of attitude towards a whole active
Paul Fenton, 2007.
mass
chair.
particular colours that would change as the music changes key
of organised past reactions or experience….It is thus hardly
It may sound lame, but a good
chair
for [2].
study should be
and
so on
ever
considered an investment. It is aSounds
piece of
furniture
youit will
spend
bizarre,
does
not?
Yet synaesthesia has been the
exact,
even
a great deal of time in so make
sure it of
supports
you well
and
is really
subject
many books
and
journal
articles
and
it is in
a the
verymost
real rudimentary cases of rote
recapitulation,
and it is not(and
at all important that it should be so.
adjustable.
phenomenon (note the references).
The really fascinating
(Bartlett,
cited
in Sacks,to
1995, p. 164).
______________________________________________________
important) thing with these people
is that1932,
it is not
uncommon
for example,
find that they have exceptionalTake,
memory
abilities. two eyewitnesses at the scene of an
accident. They will give different accounts of what happened
[
______________________________________________________
because the brain reconstructs or constructs what has
happened
and we
is far
from
[1] Though not nearly as well as
synaesthetes,
can
stillbeing a ‘passive receptacle’ of
information.
This
point
is
important
enhance our ability t o remember and recall information using for those who may have used
memory techniques in the past, but found that they could not
similar techniques.
recalliseverything
theythan
did with
[2] Though t he actual experience
more complex
this. photographic clarity – it is not
unusual! Technically, ‘photographic memory’ is a misleading
term.
As with most things, there are exceptions to the rule. But, do not
think that they disprove the rule. You will find that there are rare
individuals that have prodigious memories that are referred to by
psychologists and their ilk as having eidetic memory. Eidetic
memory refers to the ability to recall information after a single
exposure with exceptional clarity (Cytowic, 1993; Sacks, 1995).
Explain,
Elaborate, or
Define
About 100-200
words long
Evidence,
Examples, or
Illustrations
You must have adequate light for reading and note taking. You
should buy a desk lamp or change the lamps in the light fittings
to the appropriate wattage, not too dim (below 60 watts is not
suitable) and not too bright (150 watt lamps may be blinding!).
By the way, I will not apologise for using the word “lamp” in the
previous sentence. Many people use the word “bulb”, but, as an
ex-electrician, all I have to say is that you plant bulbs in the
garden!
Step 10: Put them all
together; if it’s an essay,
add an introductions,
conclusion& include
references & you’re done!
You may have been told that you should never cram. My
advice is that you don’t make a habit of it. Despite what you
may have been told about cramming, it is never too late to learn
anything. But, you don’t want to make cramming your preferred
method of studying given the following reasons.
This section will give you some instruction on a variety of
memory techniques. It is not a comprehensive list, but a brief
summary of some proven methods. But first, a brief word about
your study environment, because it will make a difference to your
studies.
Here are some considerations for designing and choosing a study
space.
You must have adequate light for reading and Sacks,
note taking.
1995; Squire
You & Kandel, 2000).
should buy a desk lamp or change the lamps in the
As light
withfittings
most things, there are exceptions to the rule. But, do not
to the appropriate wattage, not too dim (belowthink
60 watts
that isthey
not disprove the rule. You will find that there are rare
suitable) and not too bright (150 watt lamps may
individuals
be blinding!).
that have prodigious memories that are referred to by
By the way, I will not apologise for using the word
psychologists
“lamp” in the
and their ilk as having eidetic memory. Eidetic
previous sentence. Many people use the word “bulb”,
memorybut,
refers
as an
to the ability to recall information after a single
ex-electrician, all I have to say is that you plant bulbs
exposure
in the
with exceptional clarity (Cytowic, 1993; Sacks, 1995).
garden!
People with eidetic memory differ from others who have learned
You may have been told that you should neverparticular
cram. Mymethods to enhance their ability to recall information.
advice is that you don’t make a habit of it. Despite
In contrast,
what you
eidetic…
may have been told about cramming, it is never
Paul
tooFenton,
late to learn
2007
anything. But, you don’t want to make cramming your preferred
method of studying given the following reasons.
This section will give you some instruction on a variety of memory
techniques. It is not a comprehensive list, but a brief summary of
some proven methods. But first, a brief word about your study
environment, because it will make a difference to your studies.
Here are some considerations for designing and choosing a study
space.
So what can we learn from the individuals with eidetic memory?
After all, if these individuals are rare, and they seem to develop
these skills without any effort, then what point is there even
discussing them? Well, we can learn something from people with
synaest hesia. Quite simply, we can mimic the way these
individuals remember information to enhance our memory
(Harrison, 2001; Root-Bernstein, R. & M., 1999). So let us now
discuss what synaesthesia is and what we can do to improve our
memory.
There is one thing that I need to clear up before we discuss
particular memory techniques. The reason is that this particular
idea is actually quite erroneous. Contrary to popular belief, we
do not store memories in our brain like a video camera. Memory
So what can we learn from the individuals with eidetic
memory? After all, if these individuals are rare, and they seem to
develop these skills without any effort, then what point is there
even discussing them? Well, we can learn something from people
with synaest hesia. Quite simply, we can mimic the way these
individuals remember information to enhance our memory
(Harrison, 2001; Root-Bernstein, R. & M., 1999). So let us now
discuss what synaesthesia is and what we can do to improve our
memory.
There is one thing that I need to clear up before we discuss
particular memory techniques. The reason is that this particular
idea is actually quite erroneous. Contrary to popular belief, we
do not store memories in our brain like a video camera. Memory
is, after all, a dynamic process. Memories are not usually
‘camera-like’ reproductions that accurately record everything
we see, hear, and do (Sacks, 1995; Squire & Kandel, 2000).
As with most things, there are exceptions to the rule. But, do not
think that they disprove the rule. You will find that there are rare
individuals that have prodigious memories that are referred to by
psychologists and their ilk as having eidetic memory. Eidetic
memory refers to the ability to recall information after a single
exposure with exceptional clarity (Cytowic, 1993; Sacks, 1995).
People with eidetic memory differ from others who have learned
particular methods to enhance their ability to recall information.
In contrast, eidetic…
Paul Fenton, 2007
Remember…
If you need more help,
just ask your Kaiako or
Student Support Advisor.
We are here for you!