Concentration
Name two modes of brain.
focused and diffuse
Why is procrastination so problematic?
You run out of time - but it's time and practice that allow you to learn.
Draw a neuron.
Axon
Nucleus
Dendrites + dendritic spines
Name two kinds of memory.
working memory, long-term memory
Name 2 physical things (connected to lifestyle) that can help your brain learn better.
exercise and a healthy diet
What is a good metaphor for our brain modes?
a pinball table
What happens in your brain when you procrastinate?
It hurts - insular cortex, the area responsible for pain, activates.
Why are metaphors good for learning?
They help you learn faster and understand better because you connect the new things to something you already know.
Name at least 3 memory techniques.
visualisation, mnemonics, memory palace, making up songs, making up meraphors, taking good handwritten notes, associating numbers with things or people, teaching (and rubber duck debugging), good sleep
Explain the saying "eat your frogs first".
Start with the hardest things - that way you avoid lazy learning and have enough time to diffuse if you get stuck. This goes for learning in general but also questions in a test.
Name at least 5 good ways to diffuse.
Play a sport like soccer or basketball
Jog, walk, or swim
Dance
Enjoy being a passenger in a car or bus
Ride a bike
Draw or paint
Take a bath or shower
Listen to music, especially without words
Play songs you know well on a
musical instrument
Meditate or pray
Sleep (the ultimate diffuse mode!)
Name at least 1 method that can help you to stop procrastinating.
Pomodoro
5 Second Rule (Mel Robbins)
Explain the metaphor of a path in a forrest.
When you learn something new, the brain link is like a small path. But the more you walk it, the wider the path becomes.
Explain Active Recall.
pulling key ideas from your own mind to review them (instead of re-reading)
Explain Multisensory Learning.
If you use more senses, it's more effective than just one learning style (visual, auditory etc.). You can for example imagine hearing a famous person from history speaking to you, or you visualize a chemical.
Name the two ways you can get stuck when learning.
you either don't understand the basics or your brain is tired and needs a break
Explain the 4 steps of a Pomodoro session.
Shut off all distractions.
Set the timer for 25 minutes.
Get going, and focus on the task as well as you can.
After 25 minutes, reward yourself.
What happens to your brain when you sleep?
It rehearses the things you learned during the day. You can therefore wake up smarter but also lose the things you don't use (use it or lose it).
How is working memory as an octopus?
Working memory can be imagined as an octopus with 4 arms (4 items = the capacity of most people’s working memory). It cannot hold more than 4 things, unless you create sets of brain links (that's how you can become an expert at anything).
How does the place where you learn influence your learning?
Find good places to study - it’s better if you have more. If you review the information in different places, you’ll remember it better! If you only study at your desk at home, recalling the information in school will be harder.
Explain the best method to use your brain modes while learning. Why is it effective?
The best method is to switch the modes - both are important. Start by focusing and then diffuse. Don't worry - your brain will work on the problem in the background.
Pomodoro details: What is the most important step of a Pomodoro? Should you focus on finishing the task during a Pomodoro? What do you do when your thoughts wander off? What do you do if you remember something that you need to do?
The most important step - rewarding yourself (when you're looking forward to it, you focus much better).
You shouldn't worry about finishing the task - just focus as much as you can.
It’s normal that your thoughts wander off. If you notice that, just bring them back to the task.
If you remember something you need to do, just write it down so you won’t forget and then continue with the Pomodoro.
Explain Spaced Practice.
If you spend some time learning a particular item each day for several days, it allows you to get several periods of sleep -> your brain rehearses it every night -> stronger and more complex brain links.
Why is multitasking a myth?
“Multitasking” is actually “task-switching” - that works our attentional octopus like crazy and makes us overloaded and inefficient (or even dangerous, as with phoning while driving).
Explain Interleaving.
practicing different aspects and techniques of the skill you are trying to learn - don’t focus on one idea for too long