Tips from our pros
Our Internal link opens in the same window:Center for Teaching and Learning (ZLL) accompanies our students on their journey at our university, from preparing to study, to taking exams. For example, the ZLL organises regular workshops on topics such as time management, learning methods, etc.
The ZLL also supports lecturers in the development, implementation and further development of contemporary and innovative teaching models.
So that students can also benefit from the broad knowledge of the ZLL, our experts provide you with useful tips on all aspects of learning!
The three-storage model of memory
The "magic" number 7 not only plays a role in fairy tales, but also in learning!
Throughout the day, we are confronted with an endless number of sensory impressions, which our ultra-short-term memory fortunately only stores for an "ultra" short time. That's why we immediately forget the unimportant information (for example, what colour the professor's sweater was).
The more important information is stored in our working memory. But even this is limited, namely to around 7 "information units", also known as "chunks". This is how the American scientist George A. Miller described it in 1956. More recent studies also speak of 3-5 information units (Nowan, 2001). (link to article)
What counts for us is that our working memory is limited!
It is therefore quite normal that we cannot memorise 30 new words in one go or that too much text, too many graphics and animations in PowerPoint presentations confuse us. We have to do a lot to ensure that what we want to learn makes it from our working memory to our long-term memory.
From there, we can recall what we have learned even years later.
What does the three-memory model (ultra-short-term memory, working memory, long-term memory) actually mean for learning?
How do we manage to retain information in our working memory and transfer it to our long-term memory?
How do we manage to retrieve information from long-term memory?
Here come our top tips!
Video tips
- Memory - How does it work? (Biology - simpleclub) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOjONXxYWW8
- How should you learn? The most important rule of thumb. hochschuldidaktik-online. External link opens in a new window:https://youtu.be/Q0gQJqhJSiM
Your contact persons
Are you also active in teaching and would like support and exchange?
Please get in touch with our Learning Services team: Email application is started:learning-services(at)hfu.eu