Repetition can enhance learning and memory for a child. However, long term memory is a complex process and many functions of the brain play a role in how new information is encoded, stored and later retrieved. Repetition exercises can help a child's long term memory if attention, processing and differences between visual and verbal learning are taken into account.
Memory Mechanism
In the first stage of the memory process, information is encoded, or loaded into the brain for later storage. This encoding relies on the brain's working memory. Psychologist Gary Groth-Marnat describes working memory as having "executive components that initiate, monitor, and evaluate information." This is considered the first stage of memory, because before information can be stored, it must be adequately and effectively evaluated and encoded. You can strengthen your child's working memory with a simple and fun playing card memory drill. Randomly pull out two cards at a time and show your child. Then hide the cards and ask the child to repeat back the number and suit. Gradually increase the number of cards pulled each time to help your child strengthen his working memory.
Attention
Attention is an important function of memory because the brain must fully attend to information prior to storing it for later use. The brain's ability to attend to new information resides in the frontal lobe, which also houses executive functioning. The executive functioning system helps us to attend to new information, as well as to organize it into categories for later encoding and memory. Help your child strengthen her ability with timed "connect-the-dots" games and by repeating progressively longer sentences.
Processing Speed
The rate at which the brain processes information is an important part of memory. This is called processing speed. Psychologist David Wechsler, who is the creator of the widely used IQ test series the "Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children," uses processing speed as an underlying component of intelligence and memory. His tests for processing speed include tasks, whereby the child has to quickly learn and code symbols, and digits and timed symbol matching exercises. An easy way to help strengthen your child's processing speed is to use repeated math drills, or timed reading exercises. When processing speed becomes quick and efficient, it enhances memory.
Visual and Verbal Learning
In addition to underlying processing speed and attention, memory has verbal and visual components. Long term memory is a temporal lobe function. The right side of the brain is responsible for visual memory and the left side handles verbal recall. To use repetitive exercises to strengthen memory, engage visual and verbal modalities separately and together. Visual flow charts, repeating diagrams, and flash cards are all good ways to enhance visual and verbal temporal functioning to improve long term memory.
Significance
Understanding the mechanisms underlying memory and learning helps strengthen long term memory. Engage your child in both repetition and study exercises that enhance working memory, attention, and processing speed to help make study sessions more effective. Many children become frustrated because they simply do not know how to study in order to maximize learning. A better understanding of how memory works can ease this frustration and lead to enhanced learning and memory through the proper types of repetitive exercises.
References
- "Handbook of Psychological Asssessment"; Gary Groth-Marnat; 2003.
- "Administration and Scoring Manual for the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 4th Edition"; David Wechsler; 2003.
- "Neuropsychological Assessment"; Muriel Deutsch Lezak; 2004.
