Book Summary (Learning How to Learn)

Many find it hard to learn - some people struggle with math, and others cannot stand literature and languages. Some people think they have the propensity to specific subjects and, therefore, give up on other fields. This kind of attitude is wrong. The only limitations are the ones that your mindset puts on you. The key to successful study is taking advantage of the brain's untapped potential. This part of the human body is marvelous — with constant training, it can enhance its abilities. You need to understand that each individual has the potential to grow and excel in life. There is a common belief that academic achievements connect directly to concentration. "You need to focus" — that's what teachers at school like to point out to their students. Let children daydream for a bit - according to modern research, dissociating is a potent tool that might facilitate studying and bring impressive results. A student should only figure out how to use this condition correctly. Learning is a continuous process, and people must approach it responsibly and with a commitment to progress. With a positive attitude and belief in your ability to learn anything, reaching any goal will be easy. Once you master the art of learning, you will have fun understanding subjects that once frustrated you and also be able to broaden your horizons. Do you fear that you will fall behind in your studying? Does it bother you that whatever you read doesn't stick? Knowing the guidelines is the secret to effective learning; this summary will help uncover them. You'll discover new and fascinating ways to learn and enjoy the process.

There is an intrinsic beauty in the act of acquiring knowledge. It is the magnificence of enlightenment, a gift to oneself and others. Neuroscience can give a hint to what stands behind this process. According to it, the human brain may follow two directions: • The focused mode - the person concentrates on a specific object, topic, or task; they attempt to engage a different part of the brain responsible for a particular function - this might be an area in charge of remembering a poem or solving a math problem. When you are actively trying to study or practice anything, you are in focused mode. Consider this mode a direct pointer showing you the most crucial information. • In the diffuse mode, the individual takes their attention away and almost starts daydreaming. They could escape the task by looking out the window or checking social media. The creativity level peaks at this point because the mind is free to roam and make several innovative connections. The focused and the diffuse modes are essential to learning, and you must know how to move from one form to another to understand the subject better. It would help if you switched to the diffuse mode when you are tired or faced with a problem that needs a careful solution. Allowing your mind to wander enables you to recharge your batteries and find answers to challenging issues. There are things people do that disturb their learning. In other words, they procrastinate. Unfortunately, many people suffer from it - they keep postponing their reading and learning time. To effectively overcome procrastination, apply the Pomodoro Technique. Using this method involves completing four steps: 1. Find a quiet place to learn and shut everything and everyone out. 2. Set the timer for 25 minutes. 3. Aim your attention at the task and complete it. 4. Reward yourself upon completion. Working for a reward under a particular time frame helps you perform better and faster.

When you learn new information, synapses and dendritic spines form in your head. These particles evolve when you are asleep; the brain is ready to work well in the morning with little interruption. You can crack the problems plaguing your learning after a sound sleep. Once awake, reinforce those solutions by reading and practicing what you've learned. Cramming refers to the act of trying to learn information in a short period. Many students use this tactic when preparing for an exam or presentation. Unfortunately, the information usually doesn't stick when people cram material. They forget most of what they have learned due to stress induced by the pressure from other commitments or responsibilities. That's why it's important not to postpone studying sessions. Focus on being more intentional about how you learn and whether you need external help from a tutor or coach. The brain comprises two memory systems called working memory and long-term memory. The former is like a school bag; it is not spacious but can include everything you need now. Your working memory deals with your current thoughts and holds limited information. Scientists believe that humans can only keep four different pieces of data simultaneously - recalling this information is the job of the working memory. However, when you're not focusing, the working memory drops the information and then hibernates until you utilize it again. On the other hand, the long-term memory is like a big secure vault, or another analogy would be a school locker. It contains a tremendous amount of information. This data is not on hand - you should constantly practice retrieving it from this storage. Memory stores information in two forms - facts and pictures. Generally, the brain perceives images better than factual information. The trick to learning facts is to find a way to convert them to drawings. Nelson Dellis had problems with remembering things when he was small, but he still found a way to compete heavily in the US Memory Championships when he grew up. He highlighted five memory tips that are useful for learning: • Pay determined attention to the thoughts you're trying to recall. • Practice remembering. • Picture what you're trying to remember. • Store the image in your head by relating it to something close to you. • Make the thoughts last by using active recall.

Every time you acquire information, your brain creates new links. These connections strengthen with constant practice or knowledge review, so you must actively participate in learning. You can watch someone else do something and pick up a new concept from them, but that idea becomes useless if you don't exercise it. Once you have mastered something original and exciting, you must move on to the next task to avoid getting stuck in lazy learning. This phenomenon means brushing up on the skill that you have already grasped. Lazy learning does not trigger any significant processes in the brain. The secret of brain links might help you achieve success in any field - science or even creative writing. If you struggle with a complicated math problem, try to think of the solution no matter how perplexing it might seem. Do not look at the answer suggested by the textbook right away. Train your brain links, and you will notice progress after some time. Benjamin Franklin, a well-known historical figure, struggled with his writing skills for a long time. He was determined to accomplish his goals and devised a practical exercise. Franklin paid attention to prominent writers' work, noted their critical ideas, and then tried to recreate their writing. The first trials were poor quality, but he reached higher levels with practice. Another helpful approach is interleaving, which means switching between different tasks and techniques. If you look at any of your textbooks, you will see the same tendency — students have to study one topic at a time and then do related tasks. At the core of interleaving lies the concept of mixing the material so that you can brainstorm and implement your knowledge effectively. Stepping beyond one topic teaches you to spot similarities and deal with unpredictable situations. Practice active recall towards the conclusion of your study, and share your success with those around you. It is a productive learning strategy that draws knowledge from your memory. This method will ensure that the data stays in your brain long-term. Ask yourself probing questions to see how far you've progressed. You are the architect of your life when it pertains to learning, and it is through studying you will discover which strategy works effectively for you.

Some things that most people see as interfering with learning might be helpful. For example, video games improve the ability to focus on tasks, especially the tough ones. They enhance vision, reaction, and creativity — all required features for an effective learner. However, these statements do not debunk the unpredictable nature of video games — players might develop an addiction. You should apply wisdom and rational thinking to avoid getting attached. Action games are the best exercise machines for improving attention; on the contrary, life simulation programs, like The Sims, have no practical use for the learners. There are slow and fast thinkers, and even though those who think unhurriedly have disadvantages, they also might benefit from this quality. For example, a slow thinker needs more time and concentration. Sometimes, these resources help them to see what the fast thinker has missed. If you're a slow thinker, you are not dull like people might assume; with the proper determination, you can also become a fast thinker once you learn how. First, you have to admit that you're slow when it comes to decision-making. When you do this, you can address whatever issue you have. Taking tests is an excellent way to assess your abilities and determine which kind of thinker you are. However, it might be a nerve-racking experience for those unprepared for these examinations. Once in a testing room, try implementing the hard-start technique. Start your task with the most challenging part. If you get stuck, switch to a simpler section and return to the harder one later. In such a way, you can dissociate from the tricky question - your brain operates in a diffuse mode and eventually might provide you with the solution. Your feelings when you are preparing for a test are critical. Try to be optimistic about what you want to do instead of giving in to fear. You must also proofread everything you've written and ensure well-deserved rest before you begin the examination. If anxiety or panic attacks catch you during a test, deal with them by practicing deep breathing. With this technique, you engage the lower part of the chest instead of the top.

People differ in appearance and behavior, and so contrast their learning tactics. Some individuals thrive in studying while listening to classical music, while others prefer taking long breaks between their sessions. To figure out your learning pattern, get a journal and allocate a few days to recording your experience. Do you find yourself more energetic after a good sleep? Do you manage to keep up with the deadlines using the Pomodoro technique? Tracking your progress and reflecting on your strategies can offer insight into what is best for you. Here are some routines that might boost the learning process: • Sleep - Studies show that a lack of sleep can lead to brain malfunctioning. If the person stays awake for a long time, toxins start developing inside; these chemicals clog thinking processes. The general recommendation is to get, on average, eight hours of sleep. • Change the setting — Try to choose different places to crack open the books: study in a library, outside, living room, or kitchen. As a result, in a testing room, you will not get confused or frustrated by the new environment. • Stick to the schedule - Set a specific time indicating the end of the studying session, for example, 6 or 7 pm. After this period, you cannot return to learning — you sit back and enjoy your evening. It is a part of mind training — your brain learns to work fully during the day. • Reinforce your learning style - People perceive information differently. Some rely on images and visual representations; others better understand the material by listening to it. If you stick to a particular way of learning, it is better to exercise all the senses to become a versatile student. • Be in harmony with your surroundings — Whether to study with some tunes or not is a personal choice. However, scientists claim that blasting music with lyrics might easily distract attention from studying. If you get accustomed to listening to songs while learning, the absolute silence of the testing room can startle you.

If you mention the word learning' to any student, you may hear them grumble about sleepless nights, mental breakdowns, and complex topics. Indeed, acquiring knowledge might be a heavy burden. It is a great responsibility, especially when parents set high hopes for their children. Learning is not all about academic validation. It has a deeper meaning - it is a gift for humankind, a privilege people have to use as much as possible. The world has many mysteries — people still haven't discovered the potential of the human brain or unveiled the enigma around the black hole. Active learning and applying wisdom and practical thinking can lead humanity to breakthroughs in many spheres. Learning is an ideal instrument for changing thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. It can allow for self-growth in several ways. You might rethink your perspective on the world or even transform your personality. You can also learn to do something new to help others and yourself. It is a great way to make a difference in the world. Besides, education can be fun and inspiring; it keeps you sharp, helps your brain grow, and improves your skills. All this hard work is worth it! To become an advanced learner, you should avoid things that might set you back. Among these are lazy learning, cramming, and burning the midnight oil. Instead of highlighting your textbook, take short notes on the material. It is one of the most efficient methods of learning. Try this If you have difficulties remembering any concepts, try to create a metaphor connected to this idea. You may sketch it in your notebook or keep it in your mind. For example, you might associate electrons with tiny balls.