How to communicate effectively with people who have a visual learning style preference in face-to-face interactions and online meetings

How to communicate effectively with people who have an aural earning style preference in face-to-face interactions and online meetings

How to communicate effectively with people who have a read/write learning style preference in face-to-face interactions and online meetings

How to communicate effectively with people who have a kinesthetic learning style preference in face-to-face interactions and online meetings

How to communicate effectively with people who have a multimodal learning style preference in face-to-face interactions and online meetings

Introduction to the techniques rooted in psychology to improve memory for effective learning

• Concept: Emotional memories are often more vivid because emotions heighten encoding in the brain. This is due to the amygdala’s involvement, which increases the brain’s attention to emotionally charged information.

• Technique: Use techniques like “emotional tagging,” where learners associate information with an emotion to make it more memorable. Examples could include creating personal stories or visualising emotionally impactful scenes.

• Style Link: Visual and auditory learners might benefit more, as these styles more naturally engage with imaginative or narrative methods.

One of the most effective ways to improve memory is through a technique called chunking. Chunking is based on a limitation of our working memory, which typically only holds about four to seven pieces of information at any one time.

Our working memory is like a mental notepad, useful for holding information briefly. But with limited capacity, it’s easy to lose details if we try to take in too much at once. That’s where chunking comes in. By grouping information into chunks, we expand the amount we can remember at a time without overloading our mental capacity.

Another powerful strategy for improving memory is multi-sensory learning, which involves encoding information in multiple ways, such as combining visual and verbal cues. Studies show that when we process information through more than one sensory channel, we engage additional parts of the brain, making it easier to retrieve later on.

This is based on a principle known as dual coding. Dual coding is essentially a process where the brain creates two pathways for the same information. For example, if you read a concept and then see a related image, your brain stores it in both verbal and visual forms. Later, when you try to recall that information, you can retrieve it through either pathway. Having multiple ways to access the information increases the chances you’ll remember it.

One of the most effective ways to strengthen memory is through active recall. Unlike passive review, where we simply reread notes or go over material, active recall requires us to retrieve information from memory actively. This process significantly enhances retention, as it pushes the brain to work harder, reinforcing neural connections associated with the information.

Research shows that retrieval is far more effective than rereading because it involves reconstructing knowledge rather than just recognising it. Each time we actively retrieve information, we’re re-encoding it in our long-term memory, making it stronger and more resistant to forgetting.

One of the most effective methods for practising retrieval is through self-testing. This could mean quizzing yourself on key points, testing with flashcards, or summarising concepts in your own words. Teaching the material to others is another powerful strategy, as it forces you to explain the information clearly and reinforces your own understanding.

• Emotional Tagging: Attach emotion to information to make it more memorable and meaningful.

• Chunking: Group related information into chunks to work with the limits of working memory.

• Spaced Repetition: Review information over gradually increasing intervals to strengthen long-term memory.

• Dual Coding: Use both visual and verbal input to improve recall through multi-sensory learning.

• Active Retrieval: Practise recalling information actively to solidify memory and reduce cognitive load.