Involves a direct approach to solving problems

using rational, sequential, analytical approaches

Description Associated with the concentrating abilities of the
Focused Mode brain's prefrontal cortex

Approach Concentrate on the task

Focused vs Diffuse Mode The brain makes random connections in a relaxed

Description fashion
Diffuse Mode
Approach Relax, take a shower, go for a walk, etc.

Short Term Memory Four slots of working memory

Takes a brain state in active memory and stores it in

long-term memory by modifying synapses on the
Consolidate dendrites of neurons. This takes time to do.

long term memories can remain dormant for a

long time until the memory is retrieved and
Reactivation reinstated in short term working memory
Process
The reinstated memory is in a new context, which
can itself be transferred to long term memory,
thereby, altering the old memory though
Reconsolidation reconsolidation

Recall Recall the main ideas of a text

Test yourself to evaluate how well are you doing in

Long Term Memory Test your study process

Repeating what you want to retain over a number

Spaced Repetition of days Flashcards

Compress information more compactly -- such that

it's easier to draw a "chunked" idea or concept into
mind

Consolidation Approaches Decription As you gain more experience in chunking in any

particular subject, you will see that the chunks you
are able to create are bigger
Making A Chunk
Focused attention To connect parts of the brain to tie together ideas

Understanding of the basic idea

Approach
Practice to help you gain mastery and a sense of Deliberate practice: focusing intently on the parts of
the big-picture context the problem that are more difficult to you

Use first letter from each item on the list to create

First letters an easy-to-remember setence

Help to create a meaningful group from otherwise

unrelated items

Memory Palace Imagine a place you are very familiar with and then
deposit memorable versions of the item on your list
in various locations in your palace
Visual and Spatial Memory
Make a very memorable visual image representing
Visual Image one key item you want to remember

Conceptual chunks are mental leaps that unite

scattered bits of information through meaning

Chunks connect parts of the brain to tie together

ideas
Brain and Memory
Create chunks (bottom-up) If you have a good library of chunks, you can more
easily skip to the right solution by "listening" to
whispers from your diffuse mode
Learning how to learn Space out study sessions with smaller bits of
information to be mastered in each session
Credit:
Coursera "Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to
Allows you to see what you are learning and where
help you master tough subjects" Big picture (top-down) it fits in.
Instructors: Dr. Barbara Oakley and Dr. Terrence Sejnowski
Mindmap: Murphy Chen Metaphor

Analogy

A chunk you've mastered in one area can often

help you much more easily learn chunks of
information in different areas that can share
surprising commonalities.
Learning & Understaning Approach
Chunks can help you understand new concepts.
Transfer This is because when you grasp one chunk, you will
find that that chunk can be related in surprising
ways to similar chunks not only in that field, but
also in very different fields

Helps to build flexibility and creativity

Interleaving
Help to learn more deeply

Help to more deeply encode what you are trying to

Handwriting learn

When getting stuck on a problem (due to your

initial ideas block your ability to see the real
solution), take a little break allow other neural
Take a little break modes to have access to the material

Acetylcholine Focused learning and attention

Dopamine Unexpected reward

Neurotransmitters
Social life
Serotonin
Risk-taking behavior

Helps the brain form new synapses

Make a task list before sleep. This helps your

subconscious to process the list overnight, making
Sleep it easier to work on your tasks the next day.

During sleep, your brain erases the less important

parts of memories and simultaneously strengthens
areas that you need or want to remember
Approach
Allow the brain to grow new neurons, helps
Exercise improve your ability to learn and remember

Surround ourself with creative, supportive people

Enriched environment strengthens the synapses in our brains.

Neural discomfort

Cue
Cause
Routine
Habits
Reward

Belief

Focus on what you are working on for 25 minutes

Procrastination (focused mode)
Pomodoro technique Take rest for 5 minutes, give yourself some rewards
(diffuse mode)

Concentrate on process instead of product

Approach
Reduce distractions

Remove your self from environments which contain

Avoid procrastination cues procrastination cues