LHTL - ALT 3 - JP Flashcards
What are the 2 modes of learning/thinking?
- Focused 2. Diffuse
What is focused learning?
Concentrating intently on something you are trying to either learn or understand
What is diffuse learning?
A relaxed thinking style related to neural resting states
When does diffuse learning happen?
Learning/thinking that occurs in the background, during periods of offline time when the brain is not actively engaged in learning, trying to understand or paying attention in some other way.
When does focused learning occur?
it is deliberately activated during conscious, aware times of learning and thinking
What are two techniques to help your brain understand information and remember it?
- analogy
- metaphor
What is an analogy?
a comparison between two things with similar features. usually used as to explain or clarify items, to draw associations
What is a metaphor?
something that is used to represent something else. doesn’t have to have like features, just bring to mind a symbol
What is a good analogy to use to gain understanding of focused and diffuse learning?
A ball (i.e. a thought) being launched in a pinball machine and bouncing from one bumper to another.
The ball represents a thought, either familiar or new.
The path the ball takes in the machine represents a neural pathway either known or unknown by the brain.
What would a known neural pathway look like in a pinball machine?
a well established path between bumpers. at each bumper, more information is gathered to culminate into final understanding.
What would an unknown or new pathway look like in a pinball machine?
The ball would bounce around a bigger portion of the brain, basically doing a search until it could find similarities between new and old.
How do you look at things using diffuse mode of thinking?
Broadly, from a very different, big-picture perspective as opposed to detailed, focused perspective
How do you look at things using focused mode of thinking?
detailed way, as if traveling along a “nicely paved road”
Can you do problem solving in diffuse mode?
No, only look at things broadly to make connections and get the “gist” of things.
Can you understand fine aspects of a concept during diffuse thinking?
No
Can diffuse and focused thinking exist at the same time?
NO, either one or the other
What is an analogy to understand how focused and diffuse thinking exist together?
A coin - can only see one side at a time
being in one mode limits your access to the other mode’s way of thinking
Who are two famous people of history that were well known for strategically activating their diffuse modes of learning?
- Salvador Dali - keys to switch back to focused
- Thomas Edison - ball bearings to switch back to focused
What happens when the brain switches between diffuse to focused modes of thinking?
The brain will gather up those diffuse mode connections and ideas in the mind, dumping them into focused mode for concentrated effort and to be built upon.
Why is it important to switch back and forth between the 2 different modes of thinking when learning something new, especially if it’s difficult?
It allows the brain to create connections, fit into the big picture and form ideas in the diffused mode that can then be built upon in focused mode
What is the most effective way to gain muscular strength?
Do a little work every day, gradually building, scaffolding
What is the most effective way to gain neuro-structure?
Do a little work every day, to gradually grow a near-scaffold to hang your thinking on
Why does learning something new or difficult take time?
The brain needs to alternate its way between the two modes of thinking to process and assimilate the new material
What analogy can you use to understand the differences between the two modes of thinking?
a pinball machine
What type of spacing between rubber bumpers is associated with the focused mode of thinking?
tight spacing which seems to help keep your thoughts concentrated
What type of spacing between rubber bumpers is associated with the diffuse mode of thinking and why?
widely spaced which allow for broad ranging ways of thinking
What type of thinking is usually associated with focused thinking/learning?
involves thinking about things you are already somewhat familiar with like trying to find a word that rhymes with another or solving multiplication problems
where does focused thinking occur?
In the prefrontal cortex
What type of thinking is usually associated with diffuse thinking/learning?
trying to solve problems or learn something new
Why does trying to solve problems or learn something new need diffuse mode of thinking?
This type of processing needs broad ranging perspectives to go out and seek other information to connect to or pull together in order to see patterns and solve problems
What are some strategic ways to activate the diffuse mode?
- exercise 2. taking a walk or showering
Why is it a good idea to move away from concentrating information which you are struggling to understand or a problem you can’t quit figure out?
It allows continued neural processing in the background, just below the conscious awareness, so that new neural structures can be built - i.e. understanding or solution
What 2 strategic activities enhance and strengthen the formation of neural structures we are building as we learn something new?
- Practice activities
- Spaced Repetition
What strategic activity enhances the formation of memories (the formation of strong neural pathways)?
rehearsal activities
What stops information from falling out of the four slots found in working memory?
Repetition
<p>Why are subjects like math and science a bit more challenging for some people?</p>
<p>There is no analogous thing that you can point to-the concept is abstract. Can't point to something concrete to explain or understand the concept
</p>
<p>Why is it easier to understand concrete things?</p>
<p>Because your brain can actually see the concrete structure/item and it can immediately find it in its schema
</p>
<p>Are emotions concrete or abstract?</p>
<p>Abstract
</p>
<p>Why are emotions easy for the brain to understand?</p>
<p>Because emotions are tied to the limbic system which activates memory and understanding, so even though they are abstract, their feelings associated with their memories are deeply embedded. We can feel emotions even though we can't point to anything concrete to explain them</p>
<p>Why is it important to practice anything new?</p>
<p>To help enhance and strengthen the neural connections you make during the learning process</p>
<p>What are neural pathways</p>
<p>The connections that are created between neurons during the learning process that together provide all the information needed for the brain to access a specific memory.</p>
<p>Why is it important to practice over time instead of all at once, as in cramming?</p>
<p>Because spaced repetition "sets" and "hardens" the neural pathways so that they can become more and more permanent instead of falling apart like a road is washed away in storms.</p>
<p>What happens if you cram instead of space repetition?</p>
<p>the neural pathways formed during learning are very weak and short-lasting. They will deteriorate and eventually be mostly lost.</p>
<p>What is abstract thinking?</p>
<p>thinking in terms of concents and generalizations rather than being able to point at or retrieve memories of abstract objects</p>
<p>What is concrete thinking?</p>
<p>thinkingofobjectsorideasasspecificitemsratherthanasanabstractrepresentationofamoregeneralconcept</p>
<p>How are neural pathways strengthened?</p>
<p>Through practice</p>
<p>What is spaced repetition?</p>
<p>Spacedrepetitionisalearningtechniquethatincorporatesincreasingintervalsoftimebetweensubsequentreviewofpreviouslylearnedmaterialinorderto exploitthepsychologicalspacing effect.</p>
<p>What is the spacing effect?</p>
<p>thephenomenonwherebyanimals(includinghumans)moreeasilyrememberor learnitemswhentheyarestudiedafewtimesspacedoveralongtimespan("spacedpresentation")ratherthanrepeatedlystudied inashortspanoftime("massedpresentation").</p>
<p>Who first presented concept of spaced effect?</p>
<p>Hermann Ebbinghaus in 1885</p>
<p>What 3 three theories explain why spaced effect enhances the creation and strengthening of neural pathways?</p>
<ol>
<li>study phase retrieval theory</li>
<li>Deficient Processing</li>
<li>Strategy Shift Hypothesis</li>
</ol>
<p>What is thestudy phase retrieval theory?</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>thefirstpresentation isretrievedatthetimeofthesecond.Thisleadstoanelaborationofthefirstmemorytrace.</p>
<p>Mass presentation doesn't give same benefit because the first presentation is still active at the same time as the second and subsequent presentations<br></br>
</p>
<p>What is Deficient Processing?</p>
<p>massedrepetitionsleadtodeficientprocessingofthesecondpresentation—thatwe simplydonotpaymuchattentiontothelaterpresentations - instead only achieving recognition memory instead of strengthening pathways<br></br>
</p>
<p>What is the Strategy Shift Hypothesis?</p>
<p>Retrievalfailureprovideslearnerswiththeopportunitytoevaluatetheirencodingstrategiesfor effectivenessandadapttheirmethodsaccordingly.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Mass presentation does not give learners the opportunity to evaluate encoding strategies in this way.</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>How do neurons become linked together?</p>
<p>Through repeated simultaneoususe/activation</p>
<p>What is a good way to picture how neurons strengthen from repeated use?</p>
<ol>
<li>Imagine the pinball bumpers with 3 pathways.</li>
<li>Imagine one pathway barely visible - early practice</li>
<li>Imagine another pathway firmer/darker</li>
<li>Imagine a 3rd pathway very dark and solid line</li>
</ol>
<p>Why do many people call learning "studying"?</p>
<p>Because the idea is to work with the information hard by focusing on it intently - to study it from many different angles, with different senses, to pause and think about it while focusing on it intently.</p>
<p>Why is it important to take breaks or change focus to something new during studying: learning?</p>
<ol>
<li>During the time of seeming relaxation, the brain's diffuse mode of thinking/learning is activated (turned on). It has a chance to work away in the background to help achieve conceptual understanding. </li>
<li>Gives the neural mortar a chance to dry</li>
</ol>
<p>What does your knowledge base look like if you don't give the neural mortar time to dry/set through the use of spaced repetition and diffuse thinking activation?</p>
<p>What is working memory (short term)?</p>
<p>A memory system during which the brain holds a few ideas together at the same time to try to connect them to gain understanding of a concept, solve a problem, practice a memory until it becomes permanent</p>
<p>What part of the memory process is working memory?</p>
<p>It's the part of the memory process that has to do with what your mind is <strong>immediately</strong> and <strong>consciously </strong><em>processing</em></p>
<p>Where is working memory located in the brain?</p>
<p><em>i.e. Where is its home office?</em></p>
<p></p>
<p>Prefrontal cortex but it also has connections to other parts of the brain from which it accesses stored long term memories so that it can use them to process.</p>
<p>How many chunks of information (new or stored) can working memory use at one time?</p>
<p>4</p>
<p>What is an informationchunk?</p>
<p>Groups of memory items, either stored memories or new information</p>
<p>What's the benefit of grouping together new information into chunks during learning?</p>
<p>Working memory can only actively manage 4 chunks of information - like having only 4 memory slots on a computer - by grouping information together, the working memory is tricked into working with more information at once. </p>
<p>What kinds of information can you strategically chunk?</p>
<ol>
<li>Break up reading material into logical relational chunks</li>
<li>Condense processed material into mind maps or other organizational tool, like mnemonics</li>
</ol>
<p>What is a good analogy of short term memory?</p>
<p>A piece of paper using invisible ink. The ink disappears in a short period of time so the information is difficult if not impossible to retrieve</p>
<p>What is short term (working) memory</p>
<p>A type of memory that lasts for a very short period of time. The body's natural dissipating process (metabolic vampires) destroy it unless more is done with it.</p>
<p>What causes short term memory to be destroyed?</p>
<p>The body's natural disspating processes: metabolic vampires.</p>
<p>How can you avoid losing short term memory</p>
<p>Frequent repetition, like repeating a phone number until you get a chance to write it down. </p>
<p>What is 2 strategies to help retain short term memory so that it can be captured for a while?</p>
<ol>
<li>Repetition</li>
<li>Closing eyes to avoid distractions/focusing</li>
</ol>
<p>What is long term memory?</p>
<p>A memory system in which memories are stored indefinitely</p>
<p>Where is long term memory stored in the brain</p>
<p>Distributed all over the brain, depending on how it was encoded:</p>
<ul>
<li>what relationships were used to understand it</li>
<li>what prior knowledge was used as a scaffold</li>
<li>which senses were initially used whileinteracting with the information to learn it</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p>Why is it important to practice retrieval of long term memories?</p>
<p>The long term memory storage warehouse is immense, with billions of memories all stored on top of each other. It takes the brain a while to locate and retrieve. The more you practice it, the better the brain knows the path and how to "pick" it.</p>
<p>What type of information is stored in long term memory?</p>
<ol>
<li>Fundamental concepts & techniques</li>
<li>Rote memorization items</li>
</ol>
<p>What are 2good analogiesfor shifting short term memory into long term memory?</p>
<ol>
<li>Gluing things into place, small layer at a time</li>
<li>A spider weaving prey into its web - goes over it many times to make it stay</li>
</ol>
<p>What creates toxins in the brain?</p>
<p>Being awake
</p>
<p>How does the brain get rid of toxins in the brain?</p>
<p>During sleep, brain cells shrink producing more space between toxins and cells. Fluid can then wash the toxins free and out of the brain</p>
<p>What do toxins do to the process of thinking/learning?</p>
<p>metabolic toxins actually block neural pathways reducing the brain's ability to learn, retrieve and think</p>
<p>What is a good analogy for trying to process with toxins?</p>
<p>Trying to drive a car with sugar in the gas tank</p>
<p>What other conditions are associated with getting too little sleep over time?</p>
<p>1. headaches
2. depression
3. heart disease
4. early death</p>
<p>How does sleep help other areas of the brain start talking more easily with one another</p>
<p>The complete deactivation of the conscious located in the pre-frontal cortex at the forefrontof the brain happens during sleep. </p>
<p>What happens when the prefrontal cortex is deactivated during sleep?</p>
<p>Conscious thought is deactivated - shut down which allows other areas of the brain to better "talk" to each other.</p>
<p>What does "rehearsal" look like?</p>
