Memory is an important part of learning, assimilation and knowledge retention and we will look at this, as well as Cognitive Information Processing Theory (‘CIP’) in respect of learning (and teaching), as this site grows.
While memory aids in our learning, how to use our memory is also something that needs to be learned. We learn organically (sub-consciously), but also on purpose which is what makes this part (as well as others parts) of the brain so interesting.
We organically create memories based on what is attractive to remember. Memorable situations whether they be negative or positive can be stored for many years, and in some instances all of our lives. Negative memories may stop us from doing something and make us tentative, whereas positive memories are more likely to motivate us to do something again or progress further. This aligns with the brain’s reward system (something else we will look into as this site progresses).
One topic that encourages fear of failure is forgetting something, particularly if certain learning topics are concluded with a test. Many of us will fear failing a test, even if we are affluent in the knowledge of the subject, but on a more day to day topic, we often have a fear of forgetting to do something.
Unless there is damage to the brain, for most of us creating memories is a standard process. Memory aligns with ‘practice’ as this builds retention, but there is also a difference between learning and memory and that is what this site will look into more as it develops.