A researcher specializing in electrical brain stimulation offers a set of practical steps that can help improve memory and enhance learning in everyday life.
Memory works through three main stages involving different areas of the brain.
The process begins with sensory memory, a very short-term memory that lasts only fractions of a second, where primary information such as sights, sounds, and smells is captured. This input is then processed in the sensory cortex of the brain, such as the visual cortex for processing images and the auditory cortex for processing sounds.
Next comes working or short-term memory, which is responsible for holding a limited amount of information for a few seconds or more. It can be likened to a mental workspace we use while thinking, such as performing simple calculations, following instructions, or understanding written texts. This type of memory is primarily associated with the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for attention and decision-making.
The final stage is long-term memory, which stores information for periods ranging from minutes to a lifetime. This memory includes two types: explicit memory, which relates to facts and events, and implicit memory, which includes skills, habits, and emotional associations.
Several brain regions play a role in this type of memory, most notably the hippocampus and temporal lobes, which are responsible for forming memories related to events and facts, in addition to the amygdala, which is associated with emotions, and the cerebellum and basal ganglia, which are responsible for motor skills and habits.
Working memory is a crucial gateway to long-term memory, but its capacity is limited. Psychologist George Miller suggested in 1956 that humans can only hold about seven units of information at a time, a general principle despite ongoing debate about its accuracy.
Researcher Elva Arulchelvane asserts that improving memory is possible through simple and effective practices, which can be summarized in five key steps:
Having a phone near a person can weaken concentration and reduce the efficiency of working memory, even without actually using it, because it indirectly consumes a portion of attention.
Anxiety consumes a portion of mental resources. Breathing and relaxation techniques, such as periodic sighing, help improve focus and prepare the brain for learning.
This involves breaking down information into smaller, meaningful groups, making it easier to remember and reducing the burden on memory. This method is also used in presentations to organize ideas and make them clearer.
Instead of simply rereading, practice by using flashcards or explaining the information aloud. Each act of recall strengthens neural connections and makes it easier to retrieve information later.
Distributing study time over long periods is more effective than intensive cramming, and helps to consolidate information in the long term.
