Let’s talk about brains! To date, the human brain is the most complex biological feature we’ve encountered in the universe. It’s the driver of intelligence, interpreter of senses, and regulator of behavior, and operates 30 times faster than the quickest supercomputer. Additionally, it only requires the energy it takes to power a lightbulb. Believe it or not, with all that computing power, there are still ways we can maximize our ability to learn new things.
To understand how this is possible, let’s dive into how the brain functions physically. Then we’ll outline some useful and interesting tips on how to maximize your brain’s capacity to learn.
Our three-pound supercomputer and the hippocampus
The brain is like a team of specialists. Each part is responsible for certain functions. Essentially, the brain sends and receives electronic and chemical signals throughout the body via these “specialists”. Different signals manage different processes.
So which specialist is responsible for learning? That is, of course, a medium sized structure resembling a seahorse called the hippocampus.
The hippocampus is a major player in our daily lives, as it oversees long- and short-term memory in most mammals. The ability to retain information is vital to the learning process. Scientists study this part of the brain when observing mice tenaciously solve a laboratory maze in search of cheese. Without the ability to memorize, the likelihood of learning becomes pretty much null.
How we learn and tips for maximizing knowledge
We typically learn through four basic methods: visually, auditorily, kinesthetically (physically), and through reading and writing. Naturally, some students in a classroom may absorb information better while hearing the instructor’s voice during the lesson, while others learn better when there’s a visual component. Understanding which style or styles work best for you could be the key to learning a new language, mastering an instrument, or simply absorbing information more efficiently.
Your learning style is your friend. Here are some tips on how to maximize your learning potential based on your preferred style. Visual learners tend to prefer charts and pictures. If this sounds like you, consider turning notes into pictures or diagrams. You can also try comprehending the “big picture” before focusing on the details.
For those more inclined to learn through hearing the information, try summarizing the main points by repeating them out loud to yourself. You can also discuss the material with another person or try listening to instrumental music while focusing on your work.
If you’re having trouble resonating with these first methods, perhaps you can identify with the reading and writing style. These learners are usually avid note-takers and can absorb text-heavy resources without much struggle. For these individuals, taking notes and translating what was said or written into their own words can be incredibly helpful when trying to recall the information later.
Finally, for someone who prefers a tactile learning experience, try to combine your learning with a motor-based activity such as reading while on a treadmill or chewing bubble gum. After you have absorbed the material, try demonstrating what you have learned rather than explaining it.
Understanding your learning style is just the first step to maximizing your learning capability. The next section discusses further tips in maximizing your brain’s potential to absorb new information.
The brain craves novelty
Mix it up! Several studies on learning suggest that novelty can greatly improve the motivation to learn, as well as your capacity to retain the information. Novelty simply means exposure to new ideas, experiences, and modes of learning. Does this mean that in order for you to learn the trumpet you’ll have to hitch a ride to the International Space Station and practice in zero gravity? While that is novel, you don’t have to go to such lengths to increase your ability to learn more quickly and effectively. Simply incorporate variety into your learning experience and activate new parts of your brain. Routine is great for creating stability, but anti-routine is necessary for novelty.
The science behind novel learning
You know that feeling you get when you get a new phone, a new outfit, or a new piece of furniture? Well, that’s because you’re experiencing what’s called a dopamine rush. The same process occurs when experiencing a new learning technique. The release of dopamine plays a huge role in motivating us to learn. One of the best ways to activate this “dopamine kick” is to expose the brain to new or novel modes of learning. The idea is, having a high motivation to learn increases the chances of retaining the information. Simple, right? Often our brains will do the work for us if we can just coax it in the right direction.
So, what are your waiting for? Go ahead and massage those neurons by taking our fun and novel general knowledge quiz! There’s no better time to start learning than the present.
