Sixth Form Study Programme

2. How to study and learn effectively

Agenda

What is effective learning?The biology of learningAlbert Einstein’s brainIs it too late for you?

How to train your brainWhat 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?

TODAY FUTURE

To be successful at A level you have to become a Deep learner

We are all different..

...same brain structureThe neurons in our brain are responsible

for processing informationthe number of neurons in the brain is about

the same as the number of stars in the Milky Way...1 cm3 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

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?

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:Key Principles:Recognise relationships across a range of

sources and experiencesConcept 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 yourselfArticulate ‘draft’ ideas – talk ideas through,

ask stupid questionsUse ‘trial and error’ as a learning strategyDon’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..

10%

20%

30%

50%

70%

90%

So what do you do now?