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THE BRAIN AND LEARNING |
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Learning
is a complicated process that scientists research every day. Here,
though, we'll talk about some simple things you should know and
practice. |
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MEMORY - Short-term memory, working memory, long-term memory - what
do they all mean? |
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Everything you learn in
life goes into short-term memory. For example, when you first
learned to talk, walk, ride a bicycle, etc - all of that learning first
went to your short-term memory. However, short-term memory can only hold
about seven items at a time for about 34 seconds. Compare short-term memory to the thin candy coating of an M&M ® peanut.
Next, we have to find
ways to move information from our short-term memory to our working
memory so that we can use it. Compare working
memory to the chocolate candy coating of an M&M ® peanut.
Finally, we have to
find ways to get our information from working memory to long-term
memory. Compare long-term memory to the peanut of
the M&M ® peanut.
Many ways exist to move
information to long-term memory and back out when we need it.
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STUDY - One way of
assimilating information into your long-term memory is the way you
study. |
- First, work out a time management schedule and determine your
study periods.
- Next, study in 20 to 30 minute increments,
taking 10 minute breaks.
Why?
Your brain needs time to assimilate information. If you study
for long periods of time without taking breaks, you will overwhelm
your brain. It will not be able to retain all of the
information. Worse, it may not be able to obtain the information
you already knew.
- During the breaks, do not watch TV; do
not get on the computer or internet; do not read a book; don't
listen to the radio; don't do anything.
Why?
You'll be putting new information into your short-term memory
without letting it first assimilate what you just studied. You
could very well "drain" your brain.
- During your breaks, just relax and let your mind flow.
Drink some water. Water gets oxygen to your brain. Rest.
Don't do anything that will put new information into your brain.
Understand your material. This
is really the key to learning. Ask "why"
questions: Why is this the way it is. How did it
get this way? How does it work? Why does it work? If
you can answer the five W's, who, what, where, when, why (how, and so
what), you are more like to understand the material, rather than just
memorizing it.
- Study correctly.
See tips on studying.
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SLEEP - |
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During sleep, our brain
assimilates everything it has learned during the day. Most people
need eight to ten hours of sleep. Most of us get four to six hours
of sleep. We can operate, but not at our optimum. Sleep enables
the brain to later remember and recall information. Sleep also
helps the brain come up with creative solutions. Scientists are
continually doing studies on sleep and discovering ways it affects us.
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REGULAR MEALS - |
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Meals are your body's fuel. Food gets oxygen to your
brain
and helps you think and remember. Eat three daily meals at
regular times or six little
meals throughout the day.
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ASSIMILATION - |
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All of the above ways of helping to assimilate
information will help your brain learn and retain information.
Remember, if you don't assimilate the
information, you won't be able to remember it because the material
will not be in your memory. |
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