Memory

Let’s discuss:

 Do you think you have a good memory?

 What is your earliest memory?
 Would you say you have photographic memory? What about sensory memory?

Read this short text about certain types of memories and answer:

1. How many different types of memory are mentioned?

2. What do you think the opposite of explicit memory is?
3. What does working memory mean?

M
emory is the power of the brain to recall past experiences or information.

There are several different types of memories, some of which are fleeting,

and others that last a lifetime. Normally, when we talk about memory or

remembering things, we are referring to explicit memory, which is consciously recalled.

Explicit memory can be classified into two big groups: long-term memory and short-term

memory.

Long-term memory is the type of memory responsible for the storage of information for an

extended period of time, for example, remembering our ID number or our friends’ birthdays.

Short-term memory is also known as working memory, and it lasts the very short time that

you keep something in mind before either dismissing it or transferring it to long-term

memory. Waiters at a restaurant use their short-term memory all the time for remembering

each table’s food and drink orders.

Match the words from the text to their dictionary definitions

Recall (adj.) lasting a very

short time

Fleeting (vb.) to decide that

something is not important

Dismiss (vb.) to remember

something

Let’s share

 Have you ever heard of mnemonic techniques? What do you think they are?
 Have you ever used one? What for?

 Do you think the passing of time affects how we remember things?

 Do you know somebody who never tells a story in the same way?

 How do you think modern technologies have affected human memory?

 Do you use apps or write down paper notes for reminding yourself of important
information?

Watch the video “Test your awareness – Whodunnit?”

Answer these questions about the video you’ve just seen

 What type of memory is being tested here?

 What was the final aim of the video? Does it work?

Watch the video a second time to find out if there are any changes in the experience.

Final activity
Watch the video: How I memorized and entire chapter of “Moby Dick”

Find this information

 What is the name of the memorization technique mentioned?

 What does the man in the video want to memorize?
 Does he succeed?