An article titled “Forget What You Know about Good Study Habits” remained at the top of
The New York Times‘ MOST POPULAR list all week. New research shows that our old theories about routine and quiet and unimaginative repetition don’t engage the brain and optimize studying. I think the research suggests a new twist for your self-study.
Here’s the URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/07/health/views/07mind.html?src=me&ref=homepage
The take-away for me and my quest to help The Silver Sages re-define themselves is that
we have to be open to alternative practices as we learn. The research says your brain is more receptive when it’s more energized–like circuit training for the brain. If you switch up your studying routine, your brain is excited by the objects, textures, sounds, and colors in your new surroundings and attaches all of that to the history facts or algebra that you’re trying to learn.
Let’s apply that information to the process of sitting down with a legal pad (or iPad) under a tree and quietly considering who you are, what gives you joy and a sense of fulfillment at work, and what strengths you bring to a job or work group. What if you sit in a noisy coffee shop and explore the same questions? a busy lobby? a corner table at the local museum’s cafe’? The new research suggests that you can amplify this exercise with unexpected sensory inputs. What if you carve out the time to consider two or three different environments for your self-study? I think you’d come up with some fascinating information about yourself and what you’ve done and what really inspires you to work hard and passionately?
Now, go and sit under the tree if you like. The fresh air will oxygenate your blood, and that’ll be a kick for your brain, too. I suspect that, if you’re someone who works better with fewer distractions, you need the peace and quiet. I’d just like to encourage you to be very imaginative as you listen for the answers to those probing questions.
Have other suggestions to maximize a self-study? Please share. I love to learn.
Always listening,
Dr Mell
