According to Lila Landowski, a neuroscientist and lecturer at the University of Tasmania there are things we can do to learn faster and more efficiently.
For us to learn neuroplasticity needs to happen which is the brain’s ability to physically change in response to experiences. Inability to learn quickly usually stems from the disconnection of synapses in the brain… so for them to reconnect we have to:
- Pay attention: we have the ability to choose how much attention we pay to things. Don’t use your phones too much it makes you less attentive. Exercise and meditation help.
- Alertness: while chronic stress has the ability to diminish your alertness normal bits of stress help improve alertness by increasing adrenaline. Exercise, breathing, and cold shower, caffeine also help. Eating big meals usually switches off our alertness…. sleep is crucial for alertness.
- Repetition: It is key when it comes to learning. By neuroplasticity you are making brand new connections, and it is done by repetition.
- Breaks: Are really important for learning by giving a chance to replay the information afterwards. Take a 10–20 min break after you finish learning.
- Mistakes: Mistakes increase the level of anxiety which serves a really important purpose by saying Hey! You need to be more efficient and open the window for neuroplasticity. Don’t wait everything to be perfect.
BY SENAIT G/HIWOT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2024
