Memory Program- The Active Memory (Grade 6 and Up)

From birth, the human brain is wired to remember information. For example, remembering our caregivers’ faces helps form attachments, which is important to our very survival. Although remembering the capital of New Brunswick is not essential for survival, a strong memory is essential to a student’s academic and (later) occupational success [by the way, the capital of New Brunswick is Fredericton].

Many students study “passively” by reading a textbook a night or two before an exam and hoping that they “hold onto” information long enough to do well. This approach often results in under performance (i.e. students know more than their mark reflects) and does not lend itself well to long-term retention (i.e. after the exam the information is largely forgotten and students are essentially “relearning” information for a final exam). The Active Memory program (which consists of 8 lessons, ongoing consultation with a psychologist, and regular progress reports for students aged 12 and up) teaches students “active” memory strategies that improve their ability to store, retain, and retrieve information, thus promoting improved performance on exams. It is based on research, which has demonstrated that meta-cognition (i.e. understanding one’s own learning) is a key factor in academic success, particularly in secondary school and beyond. Therefore, the Active Memory program begins by teaching students about the memory system using the analogy of memory as a filing cabinet. Students are then provided with several effective ways of storing, organizing, and accessing information in their “filing cabinets.” Because every student learns differently, and because different techniques lend themselves to remembering different types of information, the Active Memory program walks students through a myriad of memory strategies so that they (and their parents/teachers) are more aware of how they learn and remember best. This way, students can rely more on strategies that work for them. Students who complete this program will notice improved performance on exams across subject areas, increased confidence, and decreased need for support from parents, tutors, and teachers.

The Active Memory at Eckert Psychology & Education Centre:

• Is supported by Educational Psychologists with expertise in memory and learning strategies
• Is provided by skilled trainers with background education and specific training in memory and learning strategies
• Presents activities in an enjoyable manner that helps students remain motivated throughout the program
• Is fine-tuned in its delivery to meet your child’s unique learning needs as they come to light during training

The Active Memory:

• Increases storage, organization, and accessibility of learned material that directly improves the student’s performance on exams
• Students will notice an increase in their confidence because of their improved performance on exams
• Student will learn what memory strategies work best for their own individual needs and the best way that they learn academic material in general
• Parents will notice a reduction in the amount of support they need to provide their child for studying type activities