During the elementary-school years, children become better at memorizing and remembering things because they develop strategies or plans to help them remember. You probably are aware of different techniques that you use to remember material for exams. In addition to reading the sections on memory in Chapter 4 (particularly pp. 146-150), you might want to reread the sections about memory in your cognitive psychology or introductory psychology textbook. By about age 10, children can describe the memory techniques they use to remember things. The purpose of this activity is to learn the different ways in which children have acquired an awareness if their memory skills.

Locate two children between the ages of 10 and 12. Perhaps you have younger siblings, cousins, nieces/nephews, neighbors, etc. in this age range who would cooperate with you. Once you have located the children, tell them that you are interested in learning how they remember things. It would be helpful if you tape-recorded each of the interviews so that you can talk more spontaneously with the children. In individual interviews ask each child the questions listed below, being sure to take your time so that he or she may respond fully.

1. Can you tell me what memory is? What do we mean when we say someone has a good memory? Are there different kinds of memory?
2. Are some things easier to remember than others? Give an example of what is easy to remember. Give an example of what is difficult to remember.
3. How good are you at remembering things? Compared to the other children in your class, how good is your memory?
4. Suppose you were going to a skating party with your friends after school tomorrow and you wanted to be sure to bring your skates. How could you re really certain that you didn't forget to bring them? Can you think of anything else? How many ways can you think of?

After completing your interviews with the children, compile the information you have gathered on their awareness of memory. Reread the section on memory and describe the children's strategies for remembering. Note any possible differences between the children's awareness of memory and compare them by age. What did you learn from doing this activity?

Make sure to relate your observation to what you have learned in class and in the book.

Remember to also follow the general guidelines for this assignment.