I’m sure with all the technologies and pocket fishermen and whatnot that someone has figured out ‘why’ and ‘how’ we learn. Can anyone point me to a book on the subject? I figure if I can improve my learning abilities by 50% then I will have 50% less time spent studying and doing homework each week.
So are there any theories? is pattern recognition a major factor in learning? What about sensing the underlying meaning in the subject, does that speed up learning? Are giving the subject material value to you personally or tying it into what you ‘already know’ considered major factors in learning? What about music, does music help? Are there books that show you how to do these things?
This is my first pass at this…I can get you the books, websites, references and stuff later.
Yes, there are LOTS of theories about how people learn, how they learn best, how to maximize learning, etc., etc., etc.,
But you’re not interested in learning more ‘effectively’. You’re interested in learning more efficiently. Learning occurs most effectively when the subject is interesting to the learner, it is connected to other areas and is not in isolation, it is relevant to the learner, it is learner directed and and there are people/resources/materials available on an as-needed-basis so that the learner can proceed as fast or as slow as comfortable.
Learning more efficiently is a different kettle of fish altogether. You’re talking more about strategies and methods that might allow you to memorize or consolidate information in as little time as possible but with the greatest potential for recall later—like for homework or for tests.
So, do you really want to know how to learn? Or do you really what to know how to pass? I’m not judging, I just want to know what YOU want to know.
This book is a great review of the intersection of cognitive science and neuroscience. It can be too much information at times, but, even then, it’s an interesting read. However, if, as wonder9 said, you are looking to learn for temporary recall, this won’t help. It’s really meant to guide instructors, not students.
I read a lot of books. I also listen to a lot of music. Right about the time NIN Downward Spiral came out, I picked up the book Anvil of Stars. I listened to Downward Spiral on repeat and read the book. Now, whenever I listen to songs off that album (particularly the songs I don’t like) I remember random passages from that book.
Similarly, the soundtrack to Last of the Mohicans and the Ecco the Dolphin video game remind me of the Rocky Mountains… because a mix tape with that on it got jammed in the tape player when we drove cross country to drop my brother off at school.
Subsequently, I’ve found I can pick a particular type or piece of music, and sit down and learn whatever it is I’m trying to learn. Then, later, I’ll go through the test, answer what questions I can, skip the questions I’m not sure about, hum the song to myself, and then go back and answer a couple more questions.
I think it’s mostly about learning how to associate and organize what you’re attempting to learn so that you’re able to recall it on demand.
