Learning and memory are two in... free essay sample

Learning and memory are two intertwined yet distinct concepts. Myers and DeWall (2015) defines learning as a process through which experiences or practice lead to the development of change in behavior. Most peoples perception of learning is limited to the aspect of formal education. Associating learning with formal education constraints it acquisition of academic knowledge. Learning occurs throughout our entire life. Individuals encountered different experiences on a daily basis that have a permanent impact on their behavior, which is the basis of learning. Learning can occur in different ways including classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observation. Classical conditioning is the fundamental way that most people acquire learn about new things. It takes place through the introduction of a neutral stimulus. Continuous exposure of a subject to the stimulus results in the evoking a response that is naturally elicited by another different stimulus. Operant conditioning is an approach where behaviors are developed in response to gaining rewards and avoiding punishment. We will write a custom essay sample on Learning and memory are two in or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Learning can also occur by observing other people actions and the consequences of their behavior, an approach called observational learning. According to Myers and DeWall (2015), memory is any indication that learning has persisted over time. It is evident from the definition that memory builds on from the concept of learning explaining the relationship between the two concepts. Memory general entails encoding information, storage of the information and retrieval of information. There are different models on how learning occurs. The three stage processing of memory argues that there are three stages that all information must pass through before it stored. According to the model, memory can be sensory, short-term or long-term. Sensory memory isnt encoded but rather lingers in a sense momentarily. As one selectively pay attention to specific information, it becomes encoded and ceases to be a sensory memory. The information becomes short-term memory which lingers for a longer period than sensory memory. The capacity of short-term memory is limited and the information fades within ten to thirty seconds. When information undergoes permanent storage, it becomes long-term memory. The capacity for storing such information is unlimited. Understanding the concepts of learning and memory and how they are interlinked is essential in developing a plan to enhance learning and memory in different disciplines (Myers DeWall, 2015). The plan for implementing memory is to ensure effective application of study skill, and can be sensory, short-term, or long-term. Nursing education, particularly the academic aspect of it, is dependent on the long-term memory. Developing long-term memory is essential in the discipline since information acquired needs to be stored for an unlimited duration for both current and future reference. It is, therefore necessary to develop skills in nursing education that enhance long-term memory. Regular attendance of lecture, constant note taking, and class assignment are good study habits. Nursing education goes beyond just passing exams at the academic level as the information is dependent on nursing practices where nurses do not have the time to make references to academic texts. The plan is, therefore, to develop alternative study habits such as reading the text to understand rather than cramming. For information to become part of the memory, it needs to be encoded and stored. Adopting repetitive reading and comprehensive reading develops encoding ability of the mind ultimately enhancing memory regarding new concepts (McLeod, 2018). As an alternative, I intend to use the retrieval practice Sleister (2014) suggests, that the use of retrieval practice will facilitate long-term memorization. This is critical in nursing, which requires constant analysis, synthesis and recall of health-related information. In an attempt to implement this, it essential to start by describing the main ideas using my own words whenever I read. After each paragraph, ask questions regarding what I have read using self-quiz, before connecting new ideas with the issues I have just learned. The process will take time, and I am hopeful with repetition I will enhance my memory skills. The plan for implementing learning concept into nursing education will be that learning is an active process that entails the engagement and manipulation of objects, experiences, and conservations. Such engagements and manipulation aim to build mental models of the world (Nielsen, Pedersen Helms, 2015). Learning as an active process, which also calls for engagement in conversation, and engagement with others which leads to the establishment of connections between prior knowledge and new ideas. This points to the next step of the plan to implement learning concept, which is building on prior knowledge (Cherry, 2017). I plan to focus on enriching and building on the current understanding of concepts of nursing education. With this plan I will participate in study groups or seminars Exposure to different healthcare scenarios will also enhance my learning. Learning in nursing education doesnt end at the academic level when nurses finish a nursing course but continue even in practices. From this approach, the plan tends to restructure nursing education in a way that fosters continuous learning and exposure to different healthcare experience enabling nurses to build on Aliakbari, F., Parvin, N., Heidari, M., ; Haghani, F. (2015).