Learning How to Learn
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Our brain has two modes of thinking - focused and diffuse - that help with learning in different ways. Focused mode is for concentrating on a subject, while diffuse mode occurs when relaxed and allows for creative insights. To learn effectively, one must alternate between these modes, using focused time to study new concepts and diffuse time like sleep to process them. Another important learning technique is chunking, which involves breaking information into smaller, memorable pieces. Procrastination can be addressed using the Pomodoro technique of focused study sessions with breaks, focusing on the process rather than the product, and rewarding oneself upon completion of tasks.
Learning How to Learn
- 1. By Nitin Binhani nitinbinhani@gmail.com
- 2. Agenda How Do We Learn Distinct Modes of Thinking Using Modes of Thinking in Learning Chunking in Learning Illusions of Competence &Ways to Avoid Procrastination Addressing Procrastination Tips to Effective Learning
- 3. How Do We Learn?
- 4. Distinct Modes of Thinking Focused Mode Diffuse Mode Either Mode Not Both Our brain has two different thinking modes - focused and diffused, each helps us learn though in different ways. Brain can think in any one mode, but not both, like 2 sides of a coin. Focused mode is a concentrated form of thinking. During the focused mode, the brain focuses intently on a subject for a continued period of time. Focused mode is initiated, when you are learning with concentration or in fully alert state. Diffused mode is a relaxed mode of thinking. During the diffuse mode, the brain is in the relaxed state and subconsciously does all the hard work, while you relax. Diffuse mode is initiated, when you are sleeping or jogging etc.
- 5. Using Modes of Thinking in Learning • To start learning something new, first get into the focused mode, use the Pomodoro technique (discussed later) – a 25 minute concentration without any distractions. • After that either drift to sleep or exercise to get into relax state, this initiates the diffuse mode. The diffuse mode helps you get creative ideas or get the big picture – to fit the newly acquired concept/s with the related learned information that you already know. • Thus, when learning something new and difficult, your mind needs to be able to alternate between focused and diffuse learning modes, this way it grapples with and assimilates the new material and helps you learn effectively. • Whenever stuck on a problem / concept, switch your attention away to diffuse mode, this can help you find new and better ways of tackling the problem or understanding the concept.
- 6. Chunking in Learning What Why Who How One of the most useful tools for learning is ‘Chunking’. Chunking is breaking great pieces of information into smaller and more manageable bits or “chunks”. These chunks interact together in our brain, like the pieces in a puzzle, to form or understand the bigger picture. Once you chunk an idea/concept it gets permanently stored in your memory, and is thus easy to retain at will. Chunks are best built with: • By focusing on / paying undivided attention to the subject • Understanding the basic idea, what you’re learning and • Practicing it several time – this involves: - Recall (try recalling the main key points, without looking at the page) - Transfer (using a chunk to grasp chunk/s of information in different areas) - Interleaving (practicing different approach / techniques in a single session) - Spaced Repetition (repeating the content / chunks over a number of days)
- 7. Illusions of Competence andWays to Avoid Illusion of competences results from bad / wrong learning habits, here are the few ones to avoid, along with ways to address them: ⊳ Simply rereading the text, several times – fools you into thinking, you know the material A research has proven that by using ‘recall’ and ‘spaced repetition’ (both explained earlier), the students will learn far mode deeper. ⊳ Highlighting extensively – fools into thinking, you’re putting something into your brain Prefer handwriting notes in the margin rather than just moving your hand, this synthesize the key concepts. ⊳Merely glancing at a solution – thinking you truly know it yourself Doing the problem yourself step-by-step, helps you master the subject and do well in tests . Preparing notes and concept maps by yourself is a good idea. ⊳ Cramming – thinking you truly understand the stuff There can’t be learning without understanding. By deliberate practice, spaced repetition, interleaving and regular testing, you can thoroughly master the subject. Create a visual metaphor or analogy to better understand a concept.
- 8. Procrastination Procrastination refers to postponing a task or an activity, when one should actually address it right away. It’s similar to addition and thus carries long term ravaging effect on learning too. It’s that unhappy feeling that one wish to avoid, and thus shift attention to a more pleasant task. Unfortunately, we all suffer from procrastination. Procrastination shares its features with habits or addiction and it can be broken down into 4 phases: ◦ The Cue = Trigger - Location, time, feelings, reaction to an external stimuli ◦ The Routine = Habitual Response or Reaction to the Cue, willpower only needs to be applied here to change the reaction to the cue. ◦ The Reward = Rewarding yourself with creative / stimulating rewards at the end, is important step to escape procrastination. ◦ The Belief = To change the habit, you’ll need to change your underlying belief. Always focus on the process (flow of time) rather than the product (the completion of the task), it’s always the product that triggers the procrastination.
- 9. Addressing Procrastination Pomodoro Technique: • Use a Pomodoro and set a timer for 20 – 25 minutes • Pay concentrated or undivided attention to the subject without any distractions (keep mobile away, avoid television and computer, etc) • Focus on the process (or studying) not on product (completion of an chapter) • Indulge in a 5-min break (quit time), and finally don’t forget to reward at the end, post completion of the task. Other Useful Tips: • Keep a planner journal to easily track your goals. • Commit yourself to certain routines and tasks each day. •Write your planned tasks out the night before, it really helps. • Don’t reward until you've finished a task. •Watch out for procrastination cues, apply will power to the response instead. • Gain trust in your new system, but have back up plans if you still procrastinate. • Finally, eat your frogs first, every day.
- 10. Tips to Effective Learning • To learn effectively, you need to alternately switch between focused mode (alert state) and diffuse mode (relaxed state). • Focus on what you are learning without any distractions, use Pomodoro technique. • Avoid passive rereading and too much highlighting, instead aggressively use things like recall (preferably at different locations to avoid test nervousness). Use own handwriting notes in the margins to synthesize concepts. • Beware of ‘illusions of concepts’ instead use ways to overcome them (slide 7). • Learn using the technique of ‘chunking’, for difficult topics use deliberate practice visual metaphor / analogy to understand the material and interleaving. • Never study at the 11th hour, use spaced repetition to glue the concept in your mind. • Test yourself frequently, this is a form of recall. Just open any page, and try recalling the material Continued …
- 11. Tips to Effective Learning • Avoidmulti-tasking, focus on one thing at a time. • To avoid procrastination, use Pomodoro technique (slide 9). Focus on the process (studying) and not the product (completion) • Best way to learn, is to be able to explain it to others. • One of the best way to catch your blind spots or errors, is to brainstorm with others in a study group. But ensure that conversation remains on the topic. • Just understanding a problem, by glancing at the solution isn’t enough. To master the material you have to do it your own way, and be best prepared for the test. • Whenever feel stressed during the test, take deep breaths at least 2 mins before. And always have a “Plan B”, in case the test goes poorly. • Finally do regular exercise and ensure a good 7 hour sleep both are essential for effective learning and sound body-mind connection.
- 12. Thank You •12