Learning how to learn (coursera)

Question 1

Our brain has two learning modes: focused and diffuse. after we are focused on learning for some time, we need to take a break to let our learnings to sink in a diffuse mode to enable our brain to build new connections.

Answer 1

Through each sleep, our brain is upgraded and new neuron have been created.

Question 2

We learn new things to form a weak neural structure and practice of our learning makes the structure permanent and strong.

Answer 2

Spaced repetition can help transition working memory to long-term memory. (i.e. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, then Sunday.)

Question 3

what can sleep do about our metabolic toxins?

Answer 3

Being awake creates metabolic toxic chemicals and sleep can wash these toxins out.

Question 4

what are the pillars of chunking?

Answer 4

1. you have to understand in order to chunk
2. you have to know the context when to use the knowledge and how to use it
3. practice can provide bottom up learning
4. top down learning by reading the structure of a book before going to details

Question 5

what is a good way to make sure you understand the content when you read and keep the knowledge in your brain? (not to create illusion of competence)?

Answer 5

recall/retrieve the content from time to time during reading.

Question 6

what three neuromodulators are associated with our learning, motivation and emotion?

Answer 6

acetylcholine (affects focused learning and attention)
dopamine (about unexpected reward, motivation)
serotonin (affects about social life and risky behavior): lower serotonin, the more risky people is

Parkinson disease happens is when people lose a lot of dopamine

Question 7

what is the underlying pillar of simplifying problems for problem solving?

Answer 7

building a library of chucks in our brain can create serendipity at our diffuse mode of thinking - the links of chunks are created at this model.

Question 8

There is a way of deliberate practice that can help avoid over learning and expand the context of when and how to use the already learned techniques. what is it?

Answer 8

interleaving. Practicing the established techniques with new contexts or situations or connecting them with new knowledge can enhance creativity.