12 very useful things to know
about learning and your brain
Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s capacity to grow and evolve in response to life experiences.
Parts of your brain, like the hippocampus, form new neurons (neurogenesis). Other parts of your brain make new connections between brain cells.
As we age, we have less brain cells (neurons) but the neurons we do have still have the ability to form new connections. That means you can no longer say “I can't learn at my age”, that's absolutely not true.
Neural pathways
Neural pathways are bundles of neurons that connect different parts of the brain and nervous system, facilitating communication between them. These pathways are essential for transmitting information, enabling everything from basic reflexes to complex cognitive processes. The efficiency and strength of these pathways can be enhanced through practice and learning, which is fundamental for skill acquisition and memory
The social brain
Social pain refers to the emotional distress experienced from social rejection or loss, such as being excluded or losing a loved one. Research shows that social pain activates the same brain regions as physical pain, particularly the anterior cingulate cortex and the insula. This overlap suggests that our brains process social and physical pain similarly, highlighting the profound impact of social connections on our well-being.
Social pain is also something we experience when we find ourselves in situations where we don't speak a language.
Positivity
By activating several areas of the brain that are important for learning and memory, while reducing the influence of negative emotions that can interfere with the learning process, POSITIVITY PRIMES YOUR BRAIN FOR LEARNING!
Have a specific goal
Having a goal enhances our ability to learn and helps us adapt to new challenges with increased resilience (neural rewiring) , it boosts our cognitive function and empowers us to navigate challenges more effectively (prefrontal cortex activation) and it heightens our motivation, enhances emotional regulation for a more balanced and fulfilling journey (positive feedback loop).
Here are six ways that can help you set a goal: Goal Setting Models
Chunking
You usually don't eat a big cake in one bite. You eat it bite after bite. That's what chunking is all about : bite size, digestible learning. Breaking down large pieces of information into smaller, manageable units or “chunks.” makes it much easier to remember as it leverages our brain’s natural ability to remember grouped information more easily than individual items (ex: remembering a phone number as smaller groups of digits makes it easier to recall).
Spaced repetition
(the opposite of what we did in school!)
Spacing is incredibly effective for longtime learning . Short spaced-out sessions on a regular basis. If you've played around with language learning apps, that's what you've done. This method enhances long-term retention and understanding by allowing the brain to consolidate information between sessions. Spacing helps prevent cognitive overload.
Storytelling
Storytelling is about using narratives to convey information and engage learners. Stories make complex ideas more relatable and memorable by providing context and emotional connections. This method appeals to different learning styles and helps learners retain information longer by embedding it in a meaningful context.
Learning begins with what you already know
Learning anything always builds on prior knowledge even if we don't realize it. You've been growing your knowledge of a language for longer than you think.
Associating, comparing, contrasting new information we're learning to related information that we already know is where it all starts.
click on image to read about it
Connect new information to your real life
Relating new information to real-life experiences enhances understanding and retention. When learners see the relevance of new knowledge to their own lives, they are more likely to engage with the material and remember it. This connection makes learning more practical and applicable.You get a chance to test, succeed or fail, analyze, try again "in context".
Accountability
Accountability in learning involves taking responsibility for your own educational progress. This can be achieved through self-monitoring, setting personal goals, and seeking feedback. Accountability helps you stay motivated, allows you to track your progress, and make necessary adjustments to achieve your objectives.
Consistency is key
The 11 previous points I've shared with you all converge to one thing : keeping you consistent in what you learn and how you learn it. And to stick with it and have the best results you've ever had.