Shreya Panathula Week 16: Following the Breadcrumbs
There are times when I look at a question on a test and I know the answer is on the top right-hand corner of the third page of my notes, highlighted in a pastel purple.
I also know that I considered it important enough that I told myself repeatedly to make sure that I had the concept memorized prior to taking the test.
Does that necessarily mean I remember any part of what it said?
No. Not really.
In fact, whenever I need the information the most, the actual content of the text magically disappears from my mind. But its location in my notes, somewhat infuriatingly, remains forever emblazoned in my memory, taunting me as it lingers just beyond my grasp.
And that is what visual-spatial memory happens to be: “the ability to recall...locations” (Kulman). Or, as I prefer to think about it, the ability to conveniently forget the actual content in lieu of the very useful knowledge regarding where you can go to look for that vital piece of information after the test is over.
As annoying as it may be, however, it is much easier for humans to be able to visualize a map of where general things or locations are placed over recollecting exact details. It is why when we memorize things, we tend to associate them with where they are first before remembering what was actually written. In other words, our brains are simply wired to prioritize the layout over the language.
But it is not all flaws. In fact, understanding how visual-spatial memory works can actually be an advantage. If we intentionally pair the “where” with more effective “what” and “why” questions, we can eventually learn to train our brains to retrieve more complete information. Techniques like creating mental maps to our advantage, using color coding with a reason behind each color, or even forming stories around page layouts can help bridge that gap as well.
In the end, maybe remembering that the answer lives in the top right-hand corner of page three isn’t entirely useless. It's your brain’s way of leaving a breadcrumb trail. The trick is learning how to follow it all the way back to the content you seek to remember.
Works Cited
Kulman, Dr. Randy. “What Is Visual Spatial Working Memory?” South County Child & Family Consultants, 15 Apr. 2016, southcountychildandfamily.com/2015/10/14/what-is-visual-spatial-working-memory/. Accessed 14 May 2025.
Studybright. “Aesthetic Notes.” YouTube, 4 Sept. 2020, i.ytimg.com/vi/UrXjzXN5_W8/maxresdefault.jpg. Accessed 14 May 2025.
Hey Shreya! Your storytelling was compelling as always, being both hooking and informative with the use of outside sources and personal anecdotes. The experience of forgetting content right after memorizing it from our cheat sheets is all too familiar, and your use of sensor imagery truly conveys how that feeling is experienced during stressful situations like a test. However, the concept of visual-spatial memory was new to me, and although I have experienced it, I was unaware about the scientific backing of the behavior. As someone who also tends to observe and remember spaces a lot more than content, I tend to not use organized cheat sheets as they seem to detract from my understanding of the content. The solutions you provide stood out to me, and I think I might look to implement some of the things you claim would be beneficial to the learning process. I found your blog quite educational!
ReplyDeleteHi Shreya. Your example was really strong and interesting. This is so relatable as I too sometimes see a question and remember studying it but not what I actually studied. Your very descriptive language also really shows how frustrated those circumstances make you feel. I agree that visual-spatial memory can often be really useful for remembering information. One particular memorization technique for large amounts of information is a memory palace, where you associated locations of a familiar area with the information and then use that location to recall the information.
ReplyDeleteHi Shreya! Your opening resonates with me so much, since I have found myself in this same scenario so many times. I especially loved your sentence structure though, the choppiness of the section where you realized that although you knew exactly what the information visually looked like, you had absolutely no clue what it was is the perfect way to describe the chaos and utter panic in my mind when I am in the same situation. I really appreciate the fact that you discussed a potential solution to this crisis as well, and I will likely be implementing these strategies in the future. Thank you so much for sharing them!
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