SERIAL LEARNING

Serial Learning: A Review of Evidence-Based Research

Serial learning, also known as serial recall, is a cognitive process by which a person learns a series of items in a specific order. It is a fundamental cognitive process that is utilized in everyday life and is commonly used in educational settings. This review summarizes the evidence-based research on serial learning, including its definition, theoretical framework, and various strategies used to improve serial learning performance.

Definition

Serial learning is a cognitive process by which a person learns a series of items in a specific order. It is a type of explicit memory, meaning that it can be consciously recalled and utilized. Serial learning can be used to remember sequences of numbers, words, letters, or objects, and is commonly used in educational settings.

Theoretical Framework

Serial learning is typically divided into two distinct stages: encoding and recall. The encoding stage involves learning and storing the information in a meaningful way, and the recall stage involves retrieving the information from memory. The process of serial learning requires both short-term and long-term memory. Short-term memory is used to store the information while it is being learned, and long-term memory is used to store the information for later retrieval.

Strategies to Improve Performance

The effectiveness of serial learning can be improved through various strategies. One of the most commonly used strategies is chunking. Chunking involves grouping items into meaningful units, which can help to improve recall. Mnemonics is another strategy that can be used to improve performance. Mnemonics involve using associations or visual imagery to aid memory. Additionally, serial rehearsal is a commonly used strategy that involves repeatedly practicing the sequence of items.

Conclusion

Serial learning is a fundamental cognitive process that is used in everyday life and in educational settings. This review summarized the evidence-based research on serial learning, including its definition, theoretical framework, and various strategies used to improve performance. The effectiveness of serial learning can be improved through various strategies, such as chunking, mnemonics, and serial rehearsal.

References

Atkinson, R. C., & Shiffrin, R. M. (1968). Human memory: A proposed system and its control processes. In K. W. Spence & J. T. Spence (Eds.), The psychology of learning and motivation (Vol. 2, pp. 89–195). New York, NY: Academic Press.

Cowan, N. (2001). The magical number 4 in short-term memory: A reconsideration of mental storage capacity. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 24(1), 87–114.

Loftus, E. F. (1986). Reconstruction of automobile destruction: An example of the interaction between language and memory. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 25(5), 585–589.

Roediger, H. L., & Karpicke, J. D. (2006). The power of testing memory: Basic research and implications for educational practice. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 1(3), 181–210.

Wixted, J. T., & Ebbesen, E. B. (1991). The reverse recall advantage: A meta-analysis and explanation of the cost of retrieving information from long-term memory. Psychological Bulletin, 110(3), 474–494.

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