Boosting Retention

Effective Instruction Series

2010

July 26August 2 - 5

Brain Basics

Objective

You will be able to… Identify and explain research-based ways to boost

retention

Key Concepts: Information Processing Model Primacy-Recency Sense & Meaning VAK

Clock Partner

Find your 6:00 clock partner and talk about what you observe about the information processing model.

Information Processing Model

Sousa, D. (2001). How the Brain Learns

Primacy-Recency Effect

“During a learning episode we remember best that which comes first, second best that which comes last and least that which comes just past the middle” (Sousa, 90).

(Sharer, Anastasio, & Perry, 2007, p. 29)

Memory Task

I am going to quickly read a list of 10 things you might find in your desk.

After I have read the list you will write down as many of the names as you can.

Paper clips

Stapler

Marker

Sticky notes

Notepad

Pencil

Ruler

Calculator

White out

Glue

Primacy-Recencyfrom How the Brain Learns by David Sousa

Amount of Prime Learning Time

20 minute episode 18 prime time (90%), 2 down time

40 minute episode 30 prime time (75%), 10 down time

80 minute episode 50 minute time (62%), 30 down time

Serial Positioning

Beginning(Prime Time 1)

Middle End(Prime Time 2)

Bell RingerSharing the AgendaSharing the ObjectivesGoing Over Homework

Sharing 1st ObjectiveAnticipatory SetInput for Objective 1CFU for Objective 1 Using 5-1 & 10-2 RulesPractice with FeedbackRepeat for Each Objective

ClosureAssigning HomeworkGetting the Homework Started

(Sharer, Anastasio, & Perry, 2007, p. 27)

The learning brain asks two questions before it stores info.

Does this new learning make

sense?

Does this new learning have

meaning?

Has Meaning

Little SenseLittle Meaning

Little Chance of Remembering

Makes SenseLittle Meaning

Moderate Chance of Remembering

Has Meaning Little Sense

Moderate Chance of Remembering

Makes SenseHas MeaningHigh Chance

of Remembering

VAK

Visual Primary source of input More developed in digital natives

Auditory Choral response Both listening and speaking

Kinesthetic Least used Solid, liquid, gas example

Importance of Processing Time

The brain needs time to create connections and pathways to create long term memories.

The hippocampus can only hold so much

example of glass of water

Too much, too fast, it won’t Last.

Closure

Find your 9:00 clock partner and share one thing you heard about the brain that is important/relevant to your professional practice.