07/01/98

The Memory Pyramid

Memory is no mystery. Successful students figure out how to remember what they learn, so they can apply that knowledge or skill to novel situations. Learning theorists have completed numerous research studies in order to find out what kinds of teaching and learning produce the highest rates of recall.

Try this exercise. Copy the following descriptions teaching/learning methods on a piece of paper.

Teaching Method

__ watch it (movie)

__ read it

__ write it

__ teach it

__ hear it (lecture)

__ discuss it

__ do it

Rank

Now rank order them for effectiveness. Put the number "1" beside the best way to learn/remember something new and put the number "7" beside the least effective way. After you have made your choices, compare your rankings to the research findings printed below.

1 teach it 90%

2 do it 75%

3 discuss it 50%

4 write it 30%

5 watch it (movie)20%

6 read it 10%

7 hear it (lecture) 5%

Research results tell us that the process of teaching something to someone else produces the highest rates of retention. Despite what we know about effective learning, many of our classes still adopt the lecture approach, leaving it up to the students to read, write, discuss, practice and teach what they've heard (or perhaps watched on a video).

These findings have immense implications for the teaching and learning of children, not only in the classroom but at home, as well. The more children can show others what they know, the more they will internalize new learning and make it their own. Verbal repetition simply isn't enough, no matter how many times we say it!

Memory is no mystery. An action oriented, multi-sensory approach to learning steadily strengthens memory skills. And stronger memory skills lead to improvements in school performance.

Author's Note: For additional information about research into teaching and learning, read the following excellent, parent/teacher friendly book by Dr. David Sousa, entitled: Making Schools Brain Friendly: New Insights for Educators.

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.