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How to Learn > Module 2 > Flashcards

Module 2 Flashcards

1
Q

What are chunks in the context of learning?

A

Compact packages of information that are easily accessible by the mind.

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2
Q

How do chunks improve learning?

A

They improve understanding, creativity with the material, and help perform better on tests.

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3
Q

What is the first step in forming a chunk?

A

Focus your undivided attention on the information you want to chunk.

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4
Q

Why is understanding the basic idea important in chunking?

A

Understanding helps create meaningful chunks that can link to other memory traces.

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5
Q

What are the two modes of thinking involved in learning?

A

Focused mode and Diffuse mode.

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6
Q

Describe the Focused mode of thinking.

A

It involves concentrated attention to connect parts of the brain and is essential for creating chunks.

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7
Q

Describe the Diffuse mode of thinking.

A

It involves random connections and a broader perspective, helping in forming new ideas and approaches.

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8
Q

What are illusions of competence in learning?

A

Using ineffective study methods that make you think you’re learning when you’re actually wasting time.

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9
Q

What is overlearning and its potential drawback?

A

Overlearning solidly ingrains information but can lead to ineffective learning by reinforcing the same patterns.

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10
Q

What is interleaving in the context of studying?

A

Introducing variety in studies to make learning more effective.

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11
Q

How does chunking help in language learning?

A

Structured practice and repetition combine focused learning with free speech to embed basic words and patterns.

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12
Q

How does chunking apply to sports and music?

A

Creating neural mini chunks through practice and repetition, which combine into larger chunks for expertise.

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13
Q

What is the role of practice and repetition in chunking?

A

They reinforce memory traces and help build larger chunks from smaller ones.

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14
Q

Why is self-testing important in learning?

A

It helps solidify understanding and recall by testing yourself on the material.

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15
Q

How does chunking make the brain run more efficiently?

A

It simplifies complex ideas into manageable chunks, reducing the need to remember all underlying details.

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16
Q

What is the key to true understanding in learning?

A

True understanding is achieved when you can do something yourself, not just observe or understand it conceptually.

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17
Q

What are the three steps to chunking?

A
  1. Focused attention, 2. Understanding the basic idea, 3. Gaining context.
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18
Q

Why is gaining context important in chunking?

A

It helps you see not just how, but when to use the chunk, integrating it into broader knowledge.

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19
Q

What are the two processes involved in learning?

A

Bottom-Up (practice and repetition) and Top-Down (big picture understanding).

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20
Q

What is recall and why is it effective?

A

Recall involves looking away from the material and remembering key ideas. It enhances deep learning and helps form chunks.

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21
Q

What is mini-testing and why is it valuable?

A

Mini-testing involves testing yourself to identify gaps in knowledge and correct mistakes, which improves understanding.

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22
Q

What is retrieval practice?

A

Retrieving ideas from memory to strengthen neural links, build memory, and boost conceptual understanding.

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23
Q

How can studying in different environments help learning?

A

It helps avoid dependency on environmental cues and improves recall in different settings, such as test rooms.

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24
Q

What are neuromodulators and their role in learning?

A

Chemicals that influence how neurons respond to other neurons, important for learning and memory.

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25
Q

Name three key neuromodulators involved in learning.

A

Acetylcholine, Dopamine, and Serotonin.

26
Q

What role do acetylcholine neurons play in learning?

A

They form neuromodulatory connections to the cortex, important for focused learning and activating circuits that control synaptic plasticity, leading to new long-term memory.

27
Q

How does dopamine affect learning and motivation?

A

Dopamine controls reward learning, is released when we receive an unexpected reward, and motivates actions that may not be immediately rewarding but lead to future rewards.

28
Q

What are the effects of addictive drugs on dopamine activity?

A

They artificially increase dopamine activity, leading to craving and dependence, which can hijack free will and motivate harmful actions.

29
Q

What is anhedonia and what causes it?

A

Anhedonia is a lack of interest in things that once gave pleasure, caused by a loss of dopamine neurons.

30
Q

What is Parkinson’s disease and its symptoms?

A

A severe loss of dopamine neurons causes Parkinson’s disease, characterized by resting tremor, slowness, rigidity, and ultimately catatonia.

31
Q

How does serotonin affect social behavior?

A

Serotonin levels are linked to social status and risk-taking behavior, with higher levels in dominant individuals and lower levels in those with higher risk-taking behavior.

32
Q

What is the role of the amygdala in learning?

A

The amygdala integrates cognition and emotion, processing memory and decision-making, and regulating emotional reactions

Memory Enhancement: If a piece of information is emotionally charged, the amygdala ensures it gets a special place in your memory, making it easier to recall later, similar to how a librarian might place popular or important books in a prominent spot.

33
Q

How do emotions affect learning?

A

Emotions are intertwined with perception and attention, interacting with learning and memory, and are crucial for effective learning.

Positive emotions, such as interest and excitement, can enhance attention and focus, making it easier to absorb and retain information.
Negative emotions, like anxiety and stress, can distract and reduce the ability to concentrate, hindering learning.

34
Q

What is the concept of ‘transfer’ in learning?

A

Transfer is the idea that chunks learned in one field can be related to similar chunks in different fields, aiding in understanding new concepts.

35
Q

How does chunking help in problem-solving?

A

Chunking creates a library of neural patterns that can be accessed to solve problems quickly and creatively by connecting different chunks.

Simplifies problems
Improves focus and memory
**Aids in transfer **(Chunks learned in one context can often be applied to different but related problems)

36
Q

What are the two ways to solve problems?

A

Sequential step-by-step reasoning (focused mode) and holistic intuition (diffuse mode).

37
Q

How do metaphors aid in learning?

A

Metaphors link abstract concepts to familiar ideas, helping the brain form connections and understand complex topics.

38
Q

How can generative AI like ChatGPT help in learning?

A

It can create vivid, memorable metaphors to explain challenging concepts, aiding in understanding and retention.

39
Q

What is overlearning and when can it be useful?

A

Overlearning is practicing beyond mastery in a session, useful for automaticity in tasks like public speaking or playing an instrument.

40
Q

Why should you be wary of repetitive overlearning during a single session?

A

It can be a waste of valuable learning time and doesn’t strengthen long-term memory connections.

41
Q

What is deliberate practice?

A

Focusing on more difficult material to gain full mastery, rather than repeating what you already know well.

42
Q

What is Einstellung?

A

A phenomenon where an initial idea or neural pattern prevents a better solution from being found.

43
Q

What is interleaving in learning?

A

Practicing different types of problems or techniques in one session to build flexibility and creativity.

44
Q

How does interleaving benefit learning?

A

It helps you learn more deeply and develop creative power within and across disciplines.

45
Q

What did Thomas Kuhn discover about paradigm shifts in science?

A

They are often brought about by young people or those trained in different disciplines, who are less trapped by previous training.

46
Q

What is the Law of Serendipity in learning?

A

Lady Luck favors the one who tries; focusing on one concept makes learning subsequent concepts easier.

47
Q

Why is it important to avoid practicing only the easy stuff?

A

It can create the illusion of mastery, while true mastery requires practicing more difficult material.

48
Q

What mistake did Dr. Fortenberry make early in his college career?

A

He took an advanced calculus course that set him back in his studies.

49
Q

What does Dr. Fortenberry do to prompt diffuse mode or neural resting states?

A

He takes breaks involving total mental turn-off, such as reading cartoons or watching silly TV shows.

50
Q

What is the importance of multi-mode input in learning?

A

Using various modes of input (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) helps internalize material more effectively.

51
Q

How can study groups help in learning?

A

By challenging each other and explaining material to peers, which helps validate understanding or identify fallacies.

52
Q

What is Scott Young’s approach to avoiding illusions of competence in learning?

A

Diving into problems as quickly as possible to check understanding and identify gaps.

53
Q

What is the importance of testing yourself frequently in learning?

A

It helps you feel the tension and stress of not knowing, which improves your knowledge and memory of how to solve problems.

54
Q

What is self-explanation and its benefit?

A

Self-explanation involves writing out or teaching a concept to someone else, helping identify gaps in understanding and reinforcing learning.

55
Q

How did Richard Feynman approach understanding difficult concepts?

A

He meticulously read and understood not only the main paper but also all supporting papers to ensure a thorough understanding.

56
Q

Why are vivid examples important in learning?

A

The mind learns better with concrete examples rather than abstract concepts, making it easier to understand and remember.

57
Q

What is the role of motivation in learning?

A

Developing a passion for learning, even in subjects you initially dislike, can be achieved by taking small steps and building confidence through mini projects.

58
Q

How can failure be beneficial in learning?

A

Learning from failure by adjusting strategies and not being set back helps improve understanding and resilience.

59
Q

How can online resources like MOOCs and MIT’s OpenCourseWare be effectively used?

A

They offer high-quality courses and structured learning formats, allowing for exploration and learning in various subjects.

60
Q

What is the benefit of adjusting strategies in learning?

A

Adjusting strategies and not being set back helps improve understanding and resilience.

61
Q

What does ‘learning more by studying less’ mean?

A

Focusing on high-intensity, efficient study methods for shorter periods can lead to better learning outcomes than low-efficiency, prolonged studying.

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