M is for Memory

Memory in L2 acquisition Sensory memory Working memory Long-term memory

Memorization

Today’s presentation:

“There is no learning without memory, and language learning in

particular.”

Thornbury, S. (2006). An A-Z of ELT. Macmillan books for teachers series.

Memory in L2 acquisition

Learning a language = learning a large amount of vocabulary

Learning is, in most cases, a memory task

Memory in L2 acquisition

Having a good memory improves memory acquisition and increases aptitude to languages in general.

There are currently models of memory; sensory memory, working memory and long-term memory.

Memory in L2 acquisition

the shortest one, i.e. lasts only for seconds.

triggered by echo and visual impressions.

Sensory memory

Working memory (short-term memory)

responsible for holding and processing information for only a short period of time.

information can come from an external source or it can be retrieved from long-term memory.

plays an important role in language acquisition (vocabulary, chunks, locating information from texts, etc.)

The capacity is limited; it can process a limited amount of information at one time

Most cognitive tasks depend on working memory.

Working memory (short-term memory)

responsible for storing information in a more permanent way

has enormous capacity and durability

can be described as ‘storage units of information’

Long-Term Memory

Information from working memory is stored in long term memory but can revert back to working memory when needed

Repetition is crucial in order to maintain information and prevent it from being lost.

One of the ways to maintain information is memorization.

Long-Term Memory

Memory Model

link to the website

“…The memorization of meaningful words and even sentences is now considered to be an essential ingredient of language learning.” Thornbury, S. (2006). An A-Z of ELT. Macmillan books for teachers series.

Memorization

Elaboration- in order to remember a word more effectively, one should process information more elaborately.

Forms of Memorization

Rehearsal- a mental recycling for the purpose of memorization.

Mnemonics- a trick to help retrieve items.

Word cards

Forms of Memorization (cont.)

Memory model website The role of working memory in SLA Thornbury, S. (2006). An A-Z of ELT.

Macmillan books for teachers series.

References