Module 4 and Optional Interviews Flashcards
What benefits does physical exercise have on learning?
Promotes neurogenesis in the hippocampus, more effective than drugs for learning, and benefits overall health.
Describe critical periods in brain development.
Times when the brain is most receptive to learning, like language acquisition up to puberty or stereopsis in early years.
What is the relationship between stereopsis and vision development?
Depth perception can be lost if eyes aren’t aligned early on, but with practice, recovery is possible as seen in Sue Barry’s case.
Can you practice learning skills beyond critical periods?
Yes, practice can repair or train the brain even after critical periods, though it requires more time.
Why is the ‘zombie’ metaphor used in learning discussions?
To show how brain damage, especially in the frontal cortex, impacts learning, planning, and language capabilities.
What brain area is associated with learning, planning, and language?
The prefrontal cortex, which matures later, affecting decision-making, planning, and social behavior.
What does the EVR case study illustrate about brain damage?
Damage to the prefrontal cortex can impair judgement despite high IQ, leading to personal and financial issues.
How significant is learning outside the classroom?
Learning to learn is essential for life, not just for academic achievements.
How do metaphors facilitate learning?
They link new concepts to familiar ones, enhancing understanding, especially with visual aids.
What historical example shows visualization’s impact on science?
Chemists visualizing molecules in the 1800s led to significant scientific advancements.
How do metaphors help in overcoming problem-solving blocks?
They offer new perspectives, helping to avoid ‘einstellung’ or getting stuck in one way of thinking.
What does ‘chunking’ mean in the context of learning?
It’s like muscle memory for the brain, making complex information easier to recall through repetition.
What is meant by ‘deliberate practice’ in learning?
Concentrated practice on challenging material to enhance learning abilities.
How can working memory influence creativity?
A smaller working memory might foster creativity by allowing for less rigid focus.
What is Imposter Syndrome in learning?
A common feeling of being a fraud despite success; acknowledging it aids in managing self-doubt.
What does ‘interleaving’ in learning involve?
Mixing topics to deepen understanding, similar to sports training where skills are perfected over time.
What are the key components of Richard Felder’s test prep checklist?
Understanding texts, group work, outlining problems, active discussion, consulting instructors, and ensuring sleep.
Explain the ‘Hard Start, Jump to Easy’ test strategy.
Begin with difficult questions then switch to easier ones to engage both focused and diffuse thinking.
How can reinterpreting stress improve test performance?
Viewing stress as excitement can change one’s physiological response, enhancing performance.
What breathing technique can combat test anxiety?
Deep breathing, expanding the chest like a barrel, counters the stress response.
What are the benefits of collaborative learning?
It helps identify errors and deepens understanding through peer explanation and discussion.
How do you ensure a study group is effective?
Keep it focused on learning, not socializing, and consider changing groups if unproductive.
How does testing enhance learning?
Taking tests is a learning strategy in itself, promoting better retention than just studying.
What strategic approaches should be used during a test?
Start with hard questions to engage diffuse thinking, and review work from different perspectives for errors.
