Study Skills | 3.3 CRIB Memory Principles Practice Application Activity KEY
Directions:
1. Read the scenario and think about how you could apply each of the first four Memory Principles
to the scenario.
2. Describe in detail at least one strategy you could apply to the scenario for each memory
principle.
3. Explain why the strategy/s you chose work.
4. You may refer back to the Did You Know activity for an example of a sample application for each
principle if necessary.
5. The first one has been done for you.
Scenario:
You are taking an online study skills course and are learning about the importance of making good decisions.
The lesson focuses on a seven-step decision making process and the methods for implementing each step. In
order to successfully complete the lesson, you will be required to remember the seven steps of the process in
order and also be able to apply the process using a fictional scenario. How can you apply each of the last four
memory principles to help you successfully complete the lesson?
Memory Principle 5 – Concentration
(Concentration is the act of tuning out distractions in order to focus your attention on one thought, object, or
activity.)
A. How will I apply it?
Before I even begin the lesson, I will make sure I have a quiet and comfortable place to work. It can get pretty
loud at home sometimes, so I will go to the library and use a quiet study space there. That way I know I will not
be distracted by outside noise or other disturbances which will help me concentrate on my lesson. Once I begin
the lesson, I will focus my concentration only on what I am learning. I’ll take care not to multitask by checking
email or texting my friends.
B. Why it works:
By reducing outside distractions and concentrating only on my lesson, I will be able to concentrate on what I
am learning and avoid overloading my short-term memory with unnecessary information.
© Copyright Michigan Virtual 2019
Revised 9/21/2019
Page 1
Memory Principle 6 – Recitation
(Recitation is the process of repeating something aloud from memory.)
A. How will I apply it?
Immediately after I learn and take notes on each step in the decision-making process and how to apply it, I will
take a minute and silently recite the information in my own words to myself. I won’t look at the lesson or my
notes while I recite what I have learned. Instead, I will test my knowledge by practicing recalling the
information without help. Once I have learned the seven steps in the decision making process and how to
apply them, I will wait until I get home to practice reciting them again.
B. Why it works:
By reciting the information about the process and its application immediately after I learn it, I will be working
with and thinking about the new information which will help me to encode it for storage. By reciting the
information later that same day, I will be able to check my ability to retrieve the information from my longterm memory and move it back into my working memory for the assignment.
Memory Principle 7 – Intention
(Intention the process of creating an intentional goal and plan for your learning.)
A. How will I apply it?
Before I head to the library to work on the lesson, I will intentionally make a plan for my study session. I will
decide exactly what I want to accomplish (complete the demonstration portion of the lesson) make a list of
what I need to bring (my laptop, a notebook, pens, and maybe some note cards). Next, I will decide how much
time I will need to spend at the library, and that I know when the library closes so I don’t have to cut my session
short. As I work through the lesson demonstration, I will implement my study plan with an intention of
remembering what I have learned. I will take notes, maybe make some note cards, and make an intentional
effort to stop periodically to make sure I am understanding what I am learning.
B. Why it works:
By intentionally setting a study goal, allowing adequate time to reach that goal and taking time to gather
everything I will need for the session, I will know exactly what I hope to accomplish in the session as well as
when I have finished. This way, I will set myself up to remember what I am learning because I won’t be
distracted by missing items or unclear goals for the study session. In addition, since I will be intentionally
© Copyright Michigan Virtual 2019
Revised 9/21/2019
Page 2
stopping to think about what I have learned and checking my knowledge, I will be encoding the information in
stronger, more meaningful ways.
Memory Principle 8 – Big & Little Pictures
(Big & Little Pictures is the process of locating different levels of information.)
A. How will I apply it?
Before I get started and as I make progress in the lesson, I will look for indications of different levels of
information. I can look for lesson objectives, essential questions, and lesson titles to help me locate the larger
concepts or big pictures. Next, I can look for section headings, specific strategies, steps, terms and examples to
help me locate the supporting information or little pictures. In this case the larger topic of the importance of
decision-making and how it affects my learning is the big picture and the steps and process for implementing
them are my little pictures.
B. Why it works:
Locating both major concepts and supporting information will help me to see the relationships among the
information. This will help me to deepen my understanding of the material as I encode it and also create
stronger memories because my memories will be more meaningful and robust. As I learn about the seven
steps and how to apply them, I can think about how each step supports the larger concept of the importance of
good decision-making skills.
© Copyright Michigan Virtual 2019
Revised 9/21/2019
Page 3