Sixth Form Study Programme 2. How to study and learn effectively

Agenda What is effective learning? The biology of learning Albert Einstein’s brain Is it too late for you? How to train your brain What do you do now?

What is “effective learning”? Learning occurs through the brain in making its own meaning, its own sense of things

What ‘type’ of learner are YOU? Surface learner Deep learner TODAYFUTURE To be successful at A level you have to become a Deep learner

We are all different..

...same brain structure The neurons in our brain are responsible for processing information the number of neurons in the brain is about the same as the number of stars in the Milky Way...1 cm 3 has >1million neurons

It is all about connections... Each neuron has an axon which transmits information to other neurons through electrochemical stimulations. These electric charges travel down the axon at a rate of between 1 and 100 metres per second

THIS is learning Repeated stimulation of a group of neurons causes them to develop more connections... This establishes an understanding, a grasp, a deep learning New mental or motor experience nervous impulses to brain Neural connections formed

Albert Einstein’s brain he had no more brain cells than anyone else, just more connections between them, and even then more capacity left!

Is it all to late? Neural genetically inherited Experientia l As result of experience Reflective Can be developed & is within our control 40 – 70% result of environment and ‘training’. All you need to do is stimulate the connections in your brain.

How do you train your brain? Key Principles: Recognise relationships across a range of sources and experiences Concept formation depends upon what you do in your head (THINK about it!) Pattern recognition (connections) depends upon your experience: some ‘get it’ quicker than others. (learn from others and different sources)

(1) Recognise relationships Try same concept from different angles in different ways: don’t just rote learn Draw it, mime it, speak it, chart it, say it, sing it, demonstrate it, model it, list it, dance it, write it – DON’T JUST READ IT

(2) Help you to THINK Work things out for yourself Articulate ‘draft’ ideas – talk ideas through, ask stupid questions Use ‘trial and error’ as a learning strategy Don’t rely on ready made meanings and notes – key word defns, mind maps, sketches, storyboards “Intelligent behaviour is knowing what to do when you don’t know what to do”

“Humans never really understand or learn something until they can create a personal model” (3) Build experience Learn from feedback – the brain is geared for feedback. Research from different sources – textbooks, internet, CDs, TV programmes Practice questions (on your own), write definitions over and over, repeat tests

How to remember things The strength of a memory and how easily it is retrieved depends upon the strength of the initial input When several senses are simultaneously involved the message is received through a number of channels in the brain and stand better chance of remaining prominent

People recall.. Read hear See See and hear Say Say and do 10% 20% 30% 50% 70% 90%

So what do you do now? Become a DEEP LEARNER Become an Active Learner Get Organised Set a routine and time for learning