- Written by Dr. Artyom Zinchenko
- Contributed by Dr. Wallace Panlilio
- No Comments
There’s a legend that many hundreds of years ago—long before printing presses, computers, or telephones existed—a special method was used to remember significant events, like land transfers, crucial agreements, or weddings. According to the tale, a child was chosen to witness the event and was immediately thrown into a river. This extreme combination of events was believed to ensure that the child would never forget that specific moment.
While this practice, if it ever existed, would horrify modern parents, the legend hints at an ancient understanding of memory that modern science is only now beginning to unravel. The idea behind this mythical method was that the intense experience of being tossed into the water would forever link that moment to the important event in the child’s mind. The purpose was clear: these children would grow up to be reliable witnesses, able to testify with certainty about the details of land transfers, agreements, or other significant transactions in case of future disputes. As it turns out, this legend—minus the dangerous river plunge—might have captured an essential truth about how our brains form strong, lasting memories – particularly those tied to intense experiences.
This old tale aligns with recent observations about how highly emotional events affect memory formation. For instance, many people vividly recall where they were and what they were doing during major historical events like the September 11 attacks. These memories, often called “flashbulb memories,” are remarkably detailed and long-lasting. However, it’s important to note that while people feel very confident about these memories, they aren’t immune to inaccuracies or false details creeping in over time.
The power of experiences in memory formation isn’t limited to traumatic events. Recent research by Faress and colleagues (2024) from the Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience shed new light on how our brains form lasting memories, with findings that have interesting implications for learning and memory in general. Their study on mice revealed that certain experiences seemingly unrelated to what is being learned could actually strengthen memory formation.
In their experiments, researchers first established a weak memory in mice by pairing a brief light stimulation to a specific brain area (mimicking a sensory input) with a mild foot shock. This pairing alone didn’t create a strong, lasting memory. However, when the researchers applied high-frequency stimulation to either the same brain area or a different, connected area shortly before or after this learning process, it resulted in a much stronger and longer-lasting memory of the original association.
Interestingly, this memory-strengthening effect could occur even when the additional stimulation was applied up to 24 hours after the initial learning experience. It’s important to note that these additional stimulations weren’t inherently rewarding or exciting for the mice but enhanced brain plasticity in key memory-related areas.
These findings open new possibilities for understanding how memories are formed and potentially supporting learning. They suggest that turning a fleeting experience into a lasting memory isn’t confined to the moment of learning itself. Instead, certain activities or experiences up to a day before or after learning something new might help cement that knowledge in the mind.

While it’s important to note that this research was conducted on mice, and we should be cautious about directly applying it to human learning, it does suggest some intriguing possibilities for parents. Here are some ways parents might consider applying these insights:
- Create a unique study environment: Set up a special “learning nook” or decorate the study area in a memorable way before an important study session. This could involve temporarily rearranging furniture or adding special lighting.
- Use novel experiences: Try studying in a new location, like a different room in the house or a quiet spot in a library, to make the learning experience more distinct.
- Incorporate physical activity: Engage in some light exercise or active play before or after study time, as physical activity has been shown to enhance brain plasticity. This could be as simple as a short walk or some jumping jacks.
- Plan a special post-study activity: Arrange a fun family game night or a special outing after an important learning session. This creates a positive association with the learning experience.
- Engage in animated discussions: Have lively conversations about the subject matter in the hours following study time to reinforce the learning in a different context. Try to relate the material to real-life situations or interests.
- Use visual aids: Create colorful mind maps or diagrams related to the study material, which can be reviewed before and after the main study session.
- Practice teaching: Encourage your child to explain what they’ve learned to you or a sibling, as teaching others can reinforce understanding and memory.
This doesn’t mean traditional learning methods, like interleaved practice and self-testing, are obsolete. Rather, it suggests that creating memorable contexts around study time could be a valuable addition to established study techniques. These experiences, while not directly related to the subject matter, might help strengthen the memories formed during study time. Finally, it’s also important to remember that every child is different, so paying attention to what works best for your child and adjusting accordingly is crucial. The key is to make the learning experience and the time around it more distinctive and engaging.
