Information processing: Input, Storage and Output.
When we study, the hope and expectations are that what goes into our brains will be available to come back out at the appropriate time … during that big test, the college exam, systems validation, or our flight check. Unfortunately more times than not we read the information and understand it, yet when tested …we sometimes don’t have accurate and immediate recall. What’s the problem? The theory that there’s so much to learn and so little space to store it sounds reasonable, but definitely not the problem.
The lack of recall often originates with input phase of information processing, known as the encoding phase. If the information is not encoded, there will be no storage and thus no retrieval. Just because your read it, doesn’t mean you’ve accomplished your storage task.
Focus and Storage:
The amount of focus and attention we provide a subject has a great deal to do with what is encoded. If we read and allow our mind to wander, nothing is being encoded. But encoding problems are not only focus and attention issues.
“How” the information is encoded has a significant impact because of where the data is stored.
Visual information is stored in the inferior temporal lobe, and auditory information is stored in the temporal parietal cortex. And since we know that some people are more visual learners, while others are more auditory learners, we can also deduce that these people are storing their information in different locations for retrieval.
Now…the million dollar question: Which is more effective?
The answer: Both combined.
Mastering the encoding process:
Imagine if you could store the information in two locations in your brain. Do you think when you go to retrieve it you would have a better chance of recall? Absolutely!
When you study, read out loud and visualize what you’re reading and you will have better recall. While studying aircraft systems, I read the material from the manual, look at the pictures, and talk to myself. I tell myself exactly how the particular system works, and the brain does the rest: Sends the information to two storage locations resulting in better recall.
Tomorrow… repetition and priming, more great stuff for better recall!