According to , memory is the first level of comprehension, right before understanding. How can students understand what they can’t remember? The truth is that they can’t, which makes it a struggle to move onto more complex skills, like applying knowledge and analyzing. This results in teachers constantly repeating the same lessons and teaching below grade level, while students get frustrated, especially if they see their grades suffering.

Rote memorization has become taboo as an instruction technique. But research shows that memorization and repetition increase focus, improve time management and even build confidence. Memorization is also an unavoidable part of learning what’s needed to enter several professions, such as jobs in the healthcare or medical fields. Making time to reincorporate this strategy in classrooms can be worthwhile.

So, what can teachers and parents do to enhance student memory so they can reach the next levels of comprehension and achieve their highest levels of intellectual potential?

1. Have students write a paragraph and memorize it. They can recite it in groups, with parents or with the teacher. This will improve information retainment, summarization, communication and confidence.
2. Students can create mnemonic devices to help them remember important dates, formulas, definitions or skills. Doing this will also allow them to use Bloom’s highest level of knowledge, which is to create. This way students can choose their own way to memorize with familiar words to act as mnemonic devices that they can relate to.
3. Music is another way to strengthen memory. Think about how we all learned the alphabet as a song. We learned nursery rhymes through song. Students can create a beat, put some rhymes on paper having to do with what they are learning and memorize it.
4. Turn memorization into a competition. Students can compete to have the songs they create posted in the school hallway, read over the school’s intercom or published in the school paper. Or have all your students memorize something and challenge them to see who can recite it most accurately or with the most spirit.

Bringing memorization skills back to the classroom is not a step back in education, but a realization that this skill has always been necessary. If it worked for the days of old, it can work today. Remember (no pun intended) the quote, “If it’s not broke, then don’t fix it.”

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However, the reality is there are days where getting a single response feels more like pulling teeth. To work through these moments, it’s nice to have some tricks up your sleeve to infuse engagement, enthusiasm and enjoyment back into the learning environment. You can use these tips at the beginning of a new semester when students feel more like strangers than classmates, or down the road when you need to switch up the pace because everyone seems to have the mid-semester “sleepies”.

First off, don’t be afraid to rephrase your questions if students seem puzzled. Just because something makes sense to you does not mean it clicks for everyone. You can even try asking clarifying questions like, “What do you think I mean by this?” or “Can you explain what I just said?” It may take the whole class working together to decipher the point you are trying to get across, but that’s okay. This is just the kind of collective engagement you are trying to foster!

Using probing questions is another great way to get students to engage in the lesson. Here are some examples that could be used across subjects:

1. “Why do you think this is the case?” This will incite opinions and critical thinking–both of which are gold mines for engagement!
2. “What alternatives do you think there are?” Let students play devil’s advocate. It will help foster healthy arguments.
3. “What is another example that can illustrate this point?” This gives students a chance to relate the content back to something they are passionate about.
4. “When did you last encounter something like this?” This helps them understand how the concept may relate to their lives.
5. “How might changing one variable affect the result?” This helps them attack the problem/question from a new perspective.

You can also create problems for students to tackle together. It’s especially fun for them when they join forces to challenge your ideas. After setting up your own argument, tell them to prove you wrong. This can become an educational adventure that encourages both camaraderie and learning!

Lastly, investing in classroom culture is essential. Start your classes with fun icebreakers and group activities to create a comfortable, open environment. Games, like a classroom version of Jeopardy!, can make learning exciting. Students will have to talk to each other (and you) to answer questions, which breaks down barriers and makes everyone think. Plus, a little competition can turn even the quietest students into active participants.

Creating an engaging classroom environment is a collaborative effort between teachers and students. By embracing these strategies, we can transform the classroom into a safe place where interactive curiosity and intellectual growth foster an enriching learning experience for all.

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