Boosting Student Memory: Strategies for Academic Success Based on the Science of Learning
Boosting Student Memory: Strategies for Academic Success Based on the Science of Learning
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BCEC, Meeting Room 253C
Join this hands-on workshop where we will explore evidence based strategies and techniques to improve student memory, foster academic success, and enhance learning outcomes. As memory plays a crucial role in education, influencing students’ ability to retain information, recall concepts, and apply knowledge effectively is critical in the learning process. We will unpack the five Science of Learning studies every educator needs to know about improving student memory in order to enhance participant learning and professional growth. Participants will leave with actionable strategies and tools to support their students in developing strong memory skills, ultimately leading to improved academic performance and lifelong learning success.
Workshop
Educate
Academic Achievement
Participants will understand the cognitive processes involved in memory formation and retention, including the role of mnemonic devices, spaced repetition, visualization techniques, and active recall methods.
Participants will learn practical strategies and techniques for creating memory-friendly learning environments, including organizing information for better encoding, reducing cognitive load, and incorporating interactive and engaging activities into teaching practices.
Participants will develop a toolkit of evidence-based approaches to enhance student memory retention, enabling educators to support their students in improving academic performance and fostering lifelong learning success.
Scroll down to view handouts.
Presenters

Lead Principal & Executive Director
Mater Academy East Las Vegas
Renee Fairless is the proud lead principal of the Mater Network, an extremely successful charter system which began 25 years ago in Miami, FL. She opened Mater Mt. Vista in Las Vegas, NV 9 years ago. She has achieved 5 Stars with Middle school and 4 with Elementary school in a 100% Free and Reduced Lunch school. Recently, she had the privilege of opening and becoming the principal of Mater East in 2020, a new Pre-k through 12th grades charter school in Las Vegas, NV. Renee is a fearless advocate for school choice and enjoys teaching the differences between Public Charter and traditional public. “Education is the key to success” is her daily motto!

Principal
Pinecrest Academy Inspirada
Michael O’Dowd has served in the field of education for 36 years, 26 of which have been as a Principal. Currently, Mr. O’Dowd serves as Principal of Pinecrest Inspirada and Pinecrest Springs in Las Vegas, NV. He is passionate about delivering instruction commensurate with students’ ability levels and empowering teachers to always do what is best for the students they serve. Mr. O’Dowd has led the Pinecrest Inspirada campus for eight years and the school received the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award in 2021.

National Director for Special Education & Student Support
Academica
Liliana L. Salazar is the National Director of Special Education and Student Support for Academica. Academica is the nation’s largest Educational Service Provider for charter schools. She was formerly the District Director of Exceptional Student Education for the Miami-Dade County Public Schools System (M-DCPS), the third largest school system in the nation. Liliana has worked in the field of education for over thirty years, in the capacities of teacher, assistant principal, principal and district administration. She has presented at several state and national conferences and has co-authored articles published in a variety of educational journals. She also hosts a monthly podcast titled “Teach The Way You Learn” where she discusses teaching strategies and how they can be the most effective in reaching all groups of students. She received her Bachelor's of Science in Exceptional Student Education from Nova Southeastern University, her first Master's of Science in Special Education from Florida International University, her second Master's of Science in Education from the University of Miami, and her Educational Specialist degree in PreKindergarten/Primary Education from Nova Southeastern University. She is currently working on her Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation – Administration from St. Thomas University.
Workshop
Educate
Academic Achievement
Participants will understand the cognitive processes involved in memory formation and retention, including the role of mnemonic devices, spaced repetition, visualization techniques, and active recall methods.
Participants will learn practical strategies and techniques for creating memory-friendly learning environments, including organizing information for better encoding, reducing cognitive load, and incorporating interactive and engaging activities into teaching practices.
Participants will develop a toolkit of evidence-based approaches to enhance student memory retention, enabling educators to support their students in improving academic performance and fostering lifelong learning success.
Scroll down to view handouts.
