Modes of Learning 1-1: 1-2 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
2. 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
2. 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
2. 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
