Neuroplasticity is the physical change that occurs in the brain through the growth and reorganization of neural networks. This happens in response to several factors, including learning new information. Our brain never stops creating new connections in response to changing needs. This process allows us to learn, create memories, and adapt to different experiences.
The work of Carol Dweck, professor of Psychology at Standford University, has highlighted the importance of mindset when it comes to learning. She has coined the term, Growth Mindset, which is the belief that you can learn and develop new skills despite any obstacles or challenges that are in your way. It is also the belief that intelligence is like a muscle that can be developed. Students with Growth Mindset embrace challenges because they see them as a way to develop and grow. It is reframing your approach from “I don’t know this” to “I don’t know this, YET.” Dweck’s research has shown that students who adopt a Growth Mindset see positive impacts in their motivation levels, academic behaviors, response to setbacks, and academic achievement.
Developing a Growth Mindset is a journey, but there are a number of things you can do to take the first step and adopt this mindset *:
- Accept challenges out of your comfort zone.
- Ask questions.
- Appreciate obstacles.
- Understand that mistakes are a part of the process.
- Choose learning well over learning fast.
- Don’t be threatened by feedback.
- Reflect on your learning.
- Seek out new experiences.
*Based on the work and research of Carol Dweck
In as little as 24 hours after learning something new, our memory of that information can be reduced by as much as 80% if the material has not been revisited. By day 30, if you have not revisited that material, what you will remember can drop down to as much as 2% -3%. Our brains are constantly recording information and keeping track of the world around us. Due to the amount of information being processed, your brain frequently dumps information that is not needed. Information that is revisited or reviewed acts as a signal to your brain to hold on to this information. As you are exposed to this information more frequently, the less time it takes for your brain to access the information and the longer it will take for your brain to dump it.
As indicated, memory is something that needs to be developed and crafted. In order to enhance your memory, you can adopt strategies to become an active learner. This will create frequent and meaningful experiences you are more likely to remember. Here are some examples:
- Create questions from readings and lectures. Use these questions as a frequent review of the material.
- Summarize information from readings or lectures in your own words.
- When learning new material, make a connection to something you already know or to a past experience. This is called a memory hook.
- Use mnemonic devices. These memory tools will allow you to use acronyms, silly sentences, or visuals to help remember a concept.
Metacognition is the ability to step back to assess and observe your own thinking and learning. It involves self-monitoring and self-reflection. Developing metacognition skills allows you to feel more in control of your learning. There are four questions you can consider to become more aware of your thinking and learning:
- What do I need to learn?
- How am I going to learn it?
- How is my progress while learning this material?
- Did I learn it effectively?