Memory is an important tool and skill for every human being. There is so much to remember - birthdays, anniversaries, phone numbers, deadlines, shopping list, and names. The list can go endlessly. The importance of memory increases all the more for students as they have to remember many things to excel in academics.
As a trainer we need to remember, that the learning style of all the students is not the same. Some students may find it easy to remember what they hear; some may find it better to write down information. The information has to be passed onto the students by undertaking varied activities, so that all can learn. But, definitely all the learners could do with some memory training.
Memory training can be said to include activities which help one to enhance memory. Memory is a skill which can be enhanced by undertaking practice. A number of games and tricks (Mnemonic Devices) are available in the market which can be used to acquire a good memory. Some interesting classroom activities are mentioned below for increasing memory:
1. ‘I went to the market………….: In this, the participants sit in a semi-circle, or a circle. The initiator begins by saying “I went to the market to buy some……” (anything could be filled in here like apples, oranges). The person next to the initiator has to repeat the whole sentence, and what the initiator bought and add something of his own. It would be something like, ‘I went to the market to buy some oranges and pencils.’ All the participants keep adding a thing; the order in which things have been bought has to be maintained. The person who breaks the order cannot play in the next round. The person who can repeat the whole list in the end is a winner.
2. Recollect the items: On a table in the classroom, place varied things. Ask all the students to take a look for a few seconds. Put a cover on the things. Ask the students to list the items. The student who states the maximum number of items can be declared a winner.
3. Recollect and Respond: Allot funny names or numbers to students, and ask the class to refer to each other using the new names or numbers. In the middle of the session try to take a roll call with these names. It is good fun as some of the students have forgotten their new name.
For more information on memory enhancement, go to the reference at http://www.helpguide.org/life/improving_memory.htm.