Memorization in educational processes: Mechanisms and strategies for information storage and retrieval

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22544/rcps.v44i01.11

Keywords:

memory, engram, prefrontal cortex, learning strategies, pedagogical mediation

Abstract

Memorization in educational processes has been stigmatized, even interpreted as a lesser aspect of cognition, thus diminishing its importance. However, memorization is a cross-cutting axis through the teaching-learning process; it is fundamental for constructing a portfolio of resources and tools necessary for use when facing a new problem, decisive for knowledge construction, and constitutes the basis of more complex cognitive processes. The foundation of learning and memorization lies in the creation and consolidation of engrams, neural populations present in various regions of the brain that functionally connect, directly or indirectly, forming circuits that encode and store declarative and non-declarative information. The repetition, the creation of associations, the N3 and REM sleep phases, the creation of positive learning environments, and some strategies such as extracting main ideas, highlighting triggering details, re-reading, self-questioning, and creating one's narratives promote the creation, consolidation, modification, and reconsolidation of engrams. These factors improve more enduring learning by acting on the central nervous system at different levels, as discussed in this work.

Author Biographies

Oscar Brenes, School of Medicine, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica

Professor at the undergraduate and graduate levels in the Department of Physiology at the School of Medicine of the University of Costa Rica. He is a research associate at the School of Medicine and the Center for Neuroscience Research. He holds a dual doctoral degree, with a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Turin (Italy) and a PhD in Science from the University of Costa Rica. His main line of research is related to the role of ion channels as modulators of neuronal and muscle excitability.

José Antonio Blanco Villalobos, Escuela de Artes Plásticas Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica

Professor of Graphic Design at the School of Fine Arts at the Universidad de Costa Rica. Member of the Advisory Board of the Center for Research in Microscopic Structures at the Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR). Professor of the Master's Program in Educational Technology at UCLAEH, Uruguay. He holds a PhD in Education with a specialty in Pedagogical Mediation. His main line of research is pedagogical mediation in virtual environments.

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Published

2025-06-30

How to Cite

Brenes, O., & Blanco Villalobos, J. A. (2025). Memorization in educational processes: Mechanisms and strategies for information storage and retrieval. Costa Rican Journal of Psychology, 44(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.22544/rcps.v44i01.11