Learning And Memory

Learning and memory are closely related concepts, and both are fundamental to the human experience. Just as it may be important to learn new information, it might be equally important to store that information in your working memory systems. Human learning involves acquiring new skills and knowledge and can be a complex process depending on the main content you’re learning. Memory, on the other hand, involves how the mind stores that information.

Learning and memory maintain an interdependent relationship that’s intellectually complex and varied. Some people may struggle with recognition, memory, and learning new things if they experience challenges with memory formation or memory processing. For those experiencing cognitive challenges related to learning and memory, there may be therapeutic interventions available as well as techniques for improving both. Below, you’ll find information about learning, memory, and potential techniques for optimizing cognition.

The interdependence of learning and memory

Both learning and memory are complex functions of the brain. They’re considered fascinating topics in the field of science and are often studied at a university level. Learning generally refers to the acquisition of skills and knowledge. Memory, on the other hand, refers to our ability to store information and recall it later.

There are a few different learning methods for acquiring and encoding new skills and knowledge, including auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. It may be beneficial to use more than one learning method for complex concepts in academic or professional environments. Educators often design lessons that involve the use of all three main learning methods to accommodate different learning styles and maximize the learning potential for learners.

In situations where learning or memory is impaired, it may be necessary to contact a licensed mental health professional or your primary care provider. However, anyone who wishes to improve his or her cognitive abilities might benefit from implementing certain lifestyle changes and cognitive exercises to enhance their nervous system and brain function.

Ways to improve learning and memory functions

Understanding the learning and memory process may benefit anyone looking to improve their cognitive abilities. The brain is a complex organ, and learning how it works can help us understand how we process information. One concept that is often linked to this topic is synaptic plasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences and information. 

There are many ways to improve synaptic plasticity. For example, you might be able to improve it through cognitive stimulation, which can be achieved through activities such as reading, learning a new skill, or playing brain games. 

Enhancing your learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity capabilities may help you on your path to academic or career success. Let’s explore more ways to improve these essential cognitive functions.

Sleep

Getting enough sleep and reducing stress can have a positive impact on synaptic plasticity. Sleep wields a powerful influence over our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Adequate sleep is critical to cognition, as sleep is necessary for focus, memory creation, and memory retrieval.  In fact, sleep deprivation can impair learning ability by up to 40%.

Committing to getting a good night’s sleep each night is key for learning and memory. Practice good sleep hygiene by getting daily exercise, avoiding screens before bed, and keeping a regular sleep schedule. If you experience difficulties related to falling asleep or staying asleep, it may be worth consulting with your healthcare provider or a licensed therapist.

Reading

If you struggle with learning and memory, reading may be a useful tool for “training” your brain. When you read, you engage your brain in various cognitive processes. Just as your body needs regular exertion through exercise to become stronger, your brain needs regular challenges to become keener. 

By reading regularly, you may be able to enhance cognitive abilities such as focus and attention, memory, vocabulary and language skills, and creativity and imagination. Consider finding a book or news publication that appeals to you and spending some time each day reading in a quiet, distraction-free environment. Over time, you may notice improvements to your learning and memory.

Exercise

Exercise is a powerful tool for improving learning and memory. Engaging in regular physical activity can stimulate the growth of new brain cells and improve the connections between them, which can enhance our cognitive abilities. Exercise has been shown to improve attention, working memory, and long-term memory. It can also increase the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports the growth and survival of brain cells. 

Regular exercise has been linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. Even short bursts of exercise can provide immediate cognitive benefits, such as improved focus and attention. To experience the cognitive benefits of exercise, incorporate physical activity into your daily routine—even a short walk may be enough to feel keener.

Mindfulness and meditation

Mindfulness and meditation may be effective for improving learning and memory. These practices can help reduce stress, improve attention and focus, and promote emotional control, all of which are essential for optimal cognitive function. Studies have shown that regular meditation can increase gray matter in the brain, particularly in areas associated with learning, memory, and executive function. 

Mindfulness can also improve working memory capacity and enhance cognitive flexibility, which can help us to adapt to new situations and learn more efficiently. Consider practicing mindfulness meditation each day and notice if you feel calmer and more focused as you approach your studies.

Music training

Learning capacity and memory can also be improved by playing and listening to music. Research has demonstrated that music’s impact on the brain mirrors exercise’s influence on the body. Listening to music may also benefit your emotional well-being, speech and language skills, and auditory processing capabilities.

Musicians have been found to retain higher amounts of learned content, have higher IQs, and often have better memory capabilities. Furthermore, music training has been shown to positively impact children; the best results generally occur if the activity begins before the age of seven. 

Try listening to quiet music while you study and see if you notice a difference in your ability to stay focused. Learning to play an instrument or produce music on a computer may also be a fun new skill to boost your cognition.

Understanding the learning and memory process: How does the brain store memories?

How the human brain learns

Learning is a complex process that occurs in the human brain throughout life. In both children and adults, learning involves the formation of new connections between the brain’s neurons. When you learn, these connections multiply and strengthen. These neural changes may result in the development of new skills, the acquisition of knowledge, or the encoding of memory. 

Learning also involves the modification of existing connections between neurons, which can be facilitated by repeated practice and reinforcement. Through this process, we can develop new neural pathways that allow us to acquire and retain new information more effectively. Ultimately, learning is a dynamic process that involves the interaction of various neural systems and behaviors. 

Implicit and explicit learning

There are two types of learning: implicit and explicit learning. Implicit learning refers to the acquisition of knowledge or skills without conscious awareness or intention. Explicit learning, on the other hand, is the process of acquiring new knowledge or skills through instruction or study. For example, a child typically learns to talk naturally through listening and mimicking his caregivers, or implicit learning. However, when an adult learns a new language, they typically require formal instruction and study, or explicit learning.

Memory processing and retrieval

The human memory is just as nuanced and complex as learning and is vital to a person’s ability to use the knowledge or skills acquired during the learning process. The memory process involves encoding, storage, and retrieval. Each of these stages is influenced by various factors such as attention, emotion, and prior knowledge. 

During encoding, information is initially processed and transformed into a form that can be stored in the brain. In storage, the information is maintained over time, and during retrieval, the stored information is reached and brought back into consciousness. 

Successful memory retrieval depends on various factors such as cues, context, and familiarity. Additionally, the retrieval process can be impacted by stress, sleep, and or aging. Understanding how memory works and how to enhance memory processes and retrieval can help individuals use the knowledge and skills acquired through learning more effectively.

Types of memory: Working memory and long-term memory

To understand how human memory works, it may be helpful to understand the three types of memory: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.

Sensory memory gathers what the human senses pick up on and generally only lasts for a mere second. An example of sensory memory is when you see an image or read a sentence. Unless the memory is encoded into your short-term memory a sensory memory will be lost.

Short-term memory has a limited capacity and duration, typically holding information for a few seconds to a minute before it gets lost or replaced by new information. For instance, if someone tells you an address, you might repeat it to yourself a few times to keep it in your short-term memory. However, unless you memorize it by repeating the address several times over the following days, it will not be transferred to your long-term memory.

Long-term memory is the stage of memory where information is stored for a longer duration, ranging from a few days to many years or even a lifetime. Information is transferred to long-term memory through encoding, consolidation, and retrieval. Once a memory is stored in long-term memory, it can be retrieved and used later for various purposes, such as recalling facts, events, or procedures. An example of long-term memory is remembering your childhood home or your first day of school. 

Reliability of our memories

While the capacity of the human memory might seem limitless, memories are not always accurate. However, neuroscience research has shown that memory is not as reliable as one might think. Our recollections can be altered, planted, distorted, or forgotten. People can be convinced into believing specific facts which aren’t accurate or, conversely, disbelieving information that turns out to be accurate. Thus, it may be helpful to record or write down information if you think you may need to reach it later.  

The power of perception in learning and memory

Perception plays a crucial role in learning and memory, as everyone interprets information differently. This may help explain different viewpoints and opinions among individuals. Additionally, learning preferences and perceptions vary from person to person, which can impact how someone learns and interprets information.

Personal experiences and relationships with others are some of the top factors affecting interpretation. For example, someone with a history of childhood trauma may struggle to trust information or social connections. Someone with a history of a healthy and happy childhood may perceive the world through a different lens.

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

Counseling for memory and learning issues

For some, learning and memory may feel challenging. If you struggle to retain information, learn new things, or stay on task, you may benefit from seeking support from a mental health counselor.

Mindfulness-based talk therapy online has been shown to be valuable for those with mental health concerns such as anxiety, ADHD, and depression. Research also indicates that mindfulness-based practices may improve memory. Reaching out to an online counselor may be one method of learning new mindfulness practices. Online therapy can be done from the comfort of your home or anywhere with an adequate internet connection.

Through online therapy platforms such as BetterHelp, you can find support for a variety of mental health and healing topics. Read below to learn how others have benefited from a counselor through this service.

Counselor reviews

“Mary is exceptional not only in her deep experience and intuitive observations, but also in her ability to truly listen and connect the dots of what is happening inside of a person. She is keen-minded and professional alongside being warm and supportive. I have thoroughly enjoyed my sessions with her and strongly recommend her if you are seeking this rare combination of qualities in a counselor.”

“Vivia is very calm and understanding. She listens to you well and tries to navigate your emotions to feel more positive about yourself and your life. I have found myself remembering good times and memories with her, she filters out the negative for me the best way she can.”