How to Tap Memory Systems to Deepen Learning

Memorization can get a bad rap in education debates, conjuring images of mindless repetition or a “drill and kill” pedagogy. After all, why memorize something when we can look it up on our phone?

But memory is inextricably tied to learning. “You don’t really really learn anything unless you have it in your long-term memory,” says Barbara Oakley, co-author of the new book “Uncommon Sense Teaching: Practical Insights in Brain Science to Help Students Learn.” When teachers have a better understanding of the brain’s memory systems, they can help students develop stronger study habits and engage them in deep learning.