Module 1 Flashcards
What are the two fundamentally different modes of thinking?
Focused mode and Diffuse mode.
Describe the Focused mode of thinking.
It involves intense concentration on something you’re trying to learn or understand.
Describe the Diffuse mode of thinking.
It is a more relaxed thinking style related to neural resting states, allowing for broad, big-picture perspectives and new neural connections.
What analogy is used to explain the two modes of thinking?
The game of pinball.
How does the pinball analogy represent the Focused mode?
Close placement of bumpers represents familiar thought patterns, allowing thoughts to move smoothly along familiar neural pathways.
How does the pinball analogy represent the Diffuse mode?
Widely spaced bumpers represent new ideas or approaches, allowing thoughts to travel broadly and form new neural connections.
Can you be in both thinking modes at the same time?
No, you can only be in one mode at a time, similar to seeing one side of a coin.
What technique did Salvador Dalí use to access his diffuse mode of thinking?
He would relax with a key in his hand, and as he fell asleep, the key would drop and wake him up, allowing him to capture diffuse mode ideas.
What technique did Thomas Edison use to access his diffuse mode of thinking?
He would relax with ball bearings in his hand, and as he fell asleep, the ball bearings would drop and wake him up, allowing him to capture diffuse mode ideas.
What is the importance of alternating between focused and diffuse modes of thinking?
Alternating between the two modes helps in effectively learning new and difficult concepts.
What is the goal of the ‘Learning How to Learn’ course?
To give a better understanding of how we learn, based on research from neuroscience and cognitive psychology, and to help learners improve their skills and techniques.
What are some practical tips provided in the course to improve learning?
Preventing procrastination, condensing key ideas, and alternating between focused and diffuse modes.
How does sleep affect learning and the brain?
Sleep helps in forming new synapses and stabilizing memories, effectively upgrading the brain.
What is the default mode network?
Brain areas that are most active in the resting state, involved in diffuse mode thinking.
Where can you find more information about the brain and learning?
The website brainfacts.org.
