How We Learn
How do we learn?
Good question.
Our brains are created of 86-100 billion neurons!
Before we get cocky about the amount we have,
know that other animals (whales, dolphins, and others) have more than we have.
Our brain and body work together to make learning happen.
We are set up to begin some types of learning at birth.
As our brains develop, and they are not done developing until we are in our early 20s, our ability to learn and remember increases.
In addition, toward the end of our brain's developmental period, our ability to do critical thinking develops.
neuroplasticity & Learning
We are continuously experiencing things - sights, sounds, tastes, touches, and smells.
As our brain receives this information, it begins to process what this information means.
To do this, the neurons in the different parts of our brain connect with each other.
A sensation connects with previous experiences with that sensation (learning), and that is behind our feelings and associated actions.
To make it easier to live in the world, our brain makes these neuronal connections, sort of thought habits, and this is learning.
For example, when we hear a knock on the door, the sound connects with our previous experiences associated with that sound.
If our previous experiences (learning) of opening the door are positive, we will feel happy (feeling) and run to open the door (action).
Hebbian Learning in Neuroscience
Donald Hebb, in his 1949 book The Organization of Behavior, states that the more times specific neurons connect with each other (synaptic activity), the easier the learning process happens. This is the basis of neuroplasticity.
A phrase often used to describe this is...
Neurons that fire together wire together.
As the connections between the neurons happen more often, they grow stronger; and the connections happen more quickly and easily.
Neuroplasticity also allows us to add to and change what we learn based on new experiences.
Dan the Research man
about memory
Earlier in this module, you watched Dan talk about growth and fixed mindsets.
He spoke about neurons and neuroplasticity.
According to Hebbian theory, practice can help us remember and learn.
Pierpont's Dan & Memory Video
Below are PDF options of transcripts of the video above Dan & Memory Video
Table Version
Dan & Memory Transcript Table Form.pdfStory Version
Dan & Memory Transcript Story Form.pdfWhy is it important to have a general understanding of how we learn?
Because we can use that understanding to chose and create learning strategies for ourselves that maximize our learning and memory retention.
For example, we encode sensory information when we encode memories.
We can use that understanding to connect a cologne scent (an environmental cue) to the information we are studying for an exam. Then wear the same cologne to the exam.
We can draw a picture or graph that shows information, and use that when studying. When we need to recall the information, we can visualize the picture.
We can create a simple song that contains information we need to remember. When we need the information, we just sing the song to ourselves.
6 memory techniques to increase learning
Study Smarter, Not Harder
Our brains are amazing things.
It can help to understand how our brains learn
to determine what type of learning strategies to use.
Below are links to webpages explaining the A, B, Cs of 6 memory techniques.
Click on each one to learn how to improve your memory and increase your learning in each of those areas.
