The science behind how the brain learns and remembers

Being in control of the learning situation enhances learning opportunities and the quality of learning. University of Illinois psychology and Beckman Institute is home to the scientists that recently studied the workings of the hippocampus and its role in learning and remembering.

The hippocampus is part of the brain; it is located inside the medial temporal lobe. It belongs to the limbic system. This study unlocked some of the Hippocampus' vital roles with regards to memory.

The study consisted of individuals engaging in a memory game that challenged them to remember the order of objects arranged in a grid. There were "passive" learners and "active" learners. What is a passive learner in the study? A passive learner is an individual that does not have active control over the grid on the computer; they are watching it as another "active" individual had full control over the grid on the computer.

The study showed that having the ability to control the computer grid engaged the Hippocampus which enabled them to have a greater ability to created solid and lasting memories of the grid. The groups of learners switched roles and each time the "active" learners had better memories of the computer grids.

MRI's were performed on young participants and they showed activity in the Hippocampus was at its highest during test taking.

The scientists are discovering that the Hippocampus has a vital role in creating and retaining memories. Almost all other aspects of the brain have to interact with the hippocampus in order to perform their specific roles. Take this information and engage in all you learning opportunities, take control all you control freaks, manipulate your learning challenges and activate your senses to enhance your memory.