A guide to memory enhancement
by Dr Yip Swe Chooi
Memory is a property of the human mind. It refers to the ability to process information
that requires attention, storage and retrieval. Memories are often accompanied by
feelings and emotions.
If this is the case, is it possible to train
our memory?
Memory training refers to effective processing of information so that we can retain
information better. You don't get better at memorizing things just by using your
memory, but you can get better at remembering things by learning some memory-enhancing
techniques.
How is memory processed?
Information received by the brain is processed for memory in 3 basic steps:
Step 1: REGISTRATION
Registration refers to the process of getting the information.
Step 2: RETENTION
Retention refers to the process of storing and filing the information that you have
registered.
Step 3: RETRIEVAL
Memory Retrieval occurs when we find, recall or recognize the information that has
been stored away in our mind.
When a piece of information is picked up by a person, there are different stages
of memory that the information is likely to pass through while it is being processed
by the brain.
Firstly, the information received is passed through the immediate memory stage.
Immediate memory is used in our daily chores and routine. It occurs continuously
and works automatically.
The second stage involves short-term memory. Short-term memory allows us to remember
five to nine bits of information before some of them are transferred to long-term
memory. It is possible to consolidate the items in short-term memory trace by refreshing
the information picked up.
The third and final stage involves long-term memory. No one knows how much information
we can store in our long-term memory. The information will either fade away or be
interrupted by other information if it is not used or repeated. Generally, experiences
that have a drastic impact on a person will end up being stored in the person's
long-term memory.
The different kinds of memory�
There are altogether 3 different kinds of memory:
1. Verbal and Auditory Memory - Involves speech or different sounds
2. Visual Memory - Involves images & things that we see everyday
3. Kinesthetic Memory - Is associated with our ability to remember certain motor
actions, e.g. how to play a musical piece on the piano
How can we help our children improve their memory?
There are various kinds of systems that we can use to help them remember things
better.
A) The Body-Parts System
This system can be used to remember lists of things for example. Here's how it works�
1) Memorize parts on our body in logical order:
1 = hair 6 = chest
2 = eyes 7 = stomach
3 = nose 8 = lap
4 = mouth 9 = foot
5 = neck 10 = hand
2) Associate a visual image of each item to be remembered
with a body-part.
3) For young children, parents should point to them the
body parts during recall.
Try out the following exercise. Memorize the following list of items by using the
body-parts system.
• Apple
• Watch
• Shoe
• Ball
• Picture
• Pencil
• Orange
• Bun
• Butterfly
• Camera
For example, visualize an apple on the hair. Do you find yourself remembering the
list of items better?
B) The Object-Parts System
The "Object-parts" system is very similar to the "Body-parts" system. Instead of
using body parts, you use the parts of an object, like a car for example, to help
you memorize lists of things:
Car roof, Head light, Engine, Windscreen, Side Mirror, Tail Light, Luggage compartment,
Steering Wheel, Driver's seat and Back seat.
Memorize the following list of items by using the object-parts system:
• Telephone
• Newspaper
• Bird
• Book
• Flag
• Orange
• Spoon
• Radio
• Balloon
• Flower
For example, visualize a telephone on the car roof. Do you find yourself remembering
the list of items better?
C) The Location System
The"Location" system is very similar to the "Body-parts" or "Object-parts" system.
Instead of using body or object parts, you memorize a series of familiar locations
in some natural or logical order:
Door, Hall, Table, Couch, TV set, Kitchen sink, Gas cooker, Dining table, Refrigerator
and Bed.
Then, associate a visual image of each item to be remembered with a location in
the series.
Memorize the following list of items by using the Location system:
• Watermelon
• Tiger
• Kite
• Cake
• Bicycle
• Guitar
• Frog
• Leaf
• Rock
• Rain
For example, visualize a watermelon on the door. Do you find yourself remembering
the list of items better?