According to the textbook assigned, aerobic exercise and self-reference are beneficial techniques that assist with a student’s short-term memory (Spielman p. 278). Aerobic exercise elevates the body’s heart rate and oxygen use. When the body’s heart rate is raised, the brain is more likely to grow new cells in the hippocampus, the primary function of which is related to memory and learning (Spielman p. 278). The self-reference effect is the tendency for an individual to memorize information when it holds personal relevance. By relating information to personal experience, it becomes increasingly easier to access (Spielman p. 278).
Growing up, my parents were away from home most of the time. I stayed with my great aunt who conveniently lived across the street. She taught me how to read and write before I even entered kindergarten. This placed me in advanced learning classes and allowed me to further my education. The textbook supports this by explaining how children raised with intellectual stimulation often reap the benefits of high intelligence (Spielman p. 243).
Musical intelligence is defined as the ability to “understand and appreciate rhythm and tone” (Spielman p. 235). This is the type of intelligence I most naturally exhibit seeing as I play four instruments and sing. I feel as though I struggle the most with interpersonal intelligence, “the ability to understand and be sensitive to the various emotional states of others” (Spielman p. 235). I can be blind to the thoughts and feelings of others which leads to my ignorance of social cues. However, I hope to improve my emotional and interpersonal intelligence with age.
Thank you for reading!
Resource
Spielman, R. M. (2014). Psychology. Openstax.