Powerful Learning Podcast
This is a podcast about evidence-based teaching and the science of learning. I’m your host, Luke Rowe, and I’m a lecturer and learning scientist in Melbourne, Australia. I’m extremely passionate about the education and the learning sciences, and I started this podcast with the hope of sharing this passion with you! The mission here at Powerful Learning is to help you know more, do more, and be more. Come join me and my guests on a learning journey into topics such as feedback, metacognition, memory, intelligence, health and wellbeing, emerging and established educational technologies, and motivation – as we explore their broader implications for educators and students. The current plan is to post shows at least once per month. If you have any comments, suggestions, or ideas, I welcome your feedback by sending me a DM on Twitter / X, posting a comment in one of my YouTube clips, or following me on Instagram. May you enjoy listening to the Powerful Learning Podcast!
Powerful Learning Podcast
Why We Remember by Charan Ranganath | The Science of Memory Explained! (Book Summary)
Ever wondered why we forget more than we remember? Why do memories with personal meaning tend to stick? Are memories more about the past, the present, or the future?
In Professor Charan Ranganath’s groundbreaking book, Why We Remember, these secrets are uncovered as we discover how our brains shape our memories to help us navigate the world.
In this episode, we explore five BIG ideas from Ranganath’s book:
1️⃣ Memory is a Storyteller, Not a Camera
Our brains don’t record events like a video camera. Instead, they reconstruct and reshape our memories to prioritize what’s relevant and meaningful. 🖼️✨
2️⃣ The Stability vs. Flexibility Trade-off
Discover why forgetting isn’t a flaw but a feature—helping us stay adaptable in a constantly changing world. 🌍⚖️
3️⃣ Memory’s Battle of Resources
Our brains are under a strict energy budget. Learn how memory prioritizes only the most ‘fit’ and relevant information for survival. 🔋🔬
4️⃣ Infusing Facts with Concrete Experiences
Want to retain facts better? Connect them to personal experiences. This strengthens both semantic and episodic memory systems for lasting retention. 🔗🗺️
5️⃣ Curiosity and the Information Gap
Curiosity isn’t just about finding answers. It’s about resolving information gaps that keep our minds engaged and eager to learn - curiosity-driven learning! 🧠💥
📖 Why We Remember is filled with insights that will change the way you think about memory forever! From understanding the power of forgetting to utilizing curiosity-driven learning, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in psychology, neuroscience, or simply understanding how memory works!
👍 If you found this video helpful, don’t forget to like and subscribe for more content on the science of learning and memory!
Section Summaries:
0:00 - Introduction
1:57 - Big Idea 1: Memory Is Not a Video Camera, but a Storyteller and Survivalist
11:07 - Big Idea 2: The Stability vs. Flexibility Trade-off
16:10 - Big Idea 3: Memory’s Battle of Resources
21:00 - Big Idea 4: Infusing Facts with Concrete Experience
29:06 - Big Idea 5: Curiosity and the Information Gap
32:03 - Conclusion and Recap
The original YouTube video of this episode can be found here:
https://youtu.be/1W98k8uf_ec
The book, Why We Remember, can be purchased here:
https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Remember-Unlocking-Memorys/dp/038554863X?dplnkId=6efeac24-e3a5-4277-80b0-ab42946e857b&nodl=1
#WhyWeRemember #MemoryScience #CharanRanganath #Psychology #Neuroscience #ScienceOfLearning #MemoryTips #BrainScience #EducationalScience
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- X [Twitter] (@LukeIRowe)
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