COMO ESTUDAR E APRENDER - Prof Pier

Summary

The transcript discusses the concept of intelligence and its malleability, emphasizing that it is not a fixed genetic trait but rather a quality that can be developed and learned. The speaker, Dr. Leser, is highlighted for his contributions to psychological testing, particularly the mental aptitude test, which he himself took and was upset by the results. The narrative explores the importance of eliminating incorrect answers in tests to improve chances of success and touches on the significance of speed in reasoning. It also criticizes the Brazilian educational system for producing 'students' who pass exams but lack deep understanding and learning, contrasting 'aluno' (student) with 'estudante' (someone who studies). The speaker advocates for active, individual learning, recommending writing by hand as a more effective method than typing or reading on screens for better retention. The summary also addresses the impact of different activities on brain function, as demonstrated through neuroscientific studies, and stresses the importance of an efficient educational system in enhancing intelligence levels, as evidenced by comparative IQ tests in different countries.

Takeaways

• 📝 Writing by hand is crucial for learning and remembering information, as opposed to typing, which doesn't engage the brain as much.
• 🚫 Avoid studying for excessively long hours without breaks, as it can lead to burnout and decreased retention.
• 🎶 Listening to music without lyrics in a language you understand can help keep the brain active during study sessions.
• 🧠 The brain is more effectively trained when you engage in active, individual study sessions rather than passive, collective ones.
• 📚 Reading from paper that reflects light is more conducive to learning and retaining information compared to screens that emit light.
• 🤓 The concept of 'intelligence' has evolved; it's now understood to be something that can be developed and learned, not just a genetic factor.
• 📈 There's a 'ladder of intelligence' that one can climb daily by consistently engaging in learning activities.
• 🧐 The traditional Brazilian educational system is criticized for producing 'students' who pass tests but may not deeply understand or retain the material.
• 🇯🇵 The Japanese educational system is highlighted as more effective, with higher average IQ scores, suggesting that intelligence can be taught.
• 🇧🇷 The Brazilian IQ average is noted to be lower, implying that the educational system may be hindering the development of intelligence.
• ⏱ Time management is essential during tests; eliminating incorrect answers quickly can significantly improve your chances of success.
• 👵👴 Older methods of studying, such as using physical notebooks and writing notes, are encouraged over modern digital note-taking for better memory retention.

Q & A

Who was Dr. Leslie and why is he significant in the context of the transcript?

Dr. Leslie was the first person who invented the typology test, which was shown to work effectively in the 1960s. He is significant because he included the famous mental level test within various subjects and was upset when he took the mental level test himself and got a low score.

What is the misconception about intelligence that was prevalent during Dr. Leslie's time?

The misconception was that intelligence was a genetic factor, similar to the color of one's eyes, and that a low mental level test score would demotivate a person because they would believe they could never improve.

How do neuroscientists view intelligence, talent, and vocation today?

Neuroscientists today view intelligence, talent, and vocation as learned qualities, not purely genetic ones. This understanding has shifted the perspective on how these attributes can be developed and improved over time.

What is the strategy for solving a missing square puzzle as described in the transcript?

The strategy involves eliminating the squares that are already occupied in the given pattern and choosing the square that fits where the three elements (triangle, circle, and square) are not placed in the previous squares.

Why is it crucial to eliminate incorrect options when taking a test?

Eliminating incorrect options is crucial because it significantly increases the chances of guessing the correct answer, especially when time is limited, as it allows the test-taker to focus on the remaining possibilities.

What is the concept of the 'intelligence ladder' as mentioned in the transcript?

The 'intelligence ladder' is a metaphor for the idea that everyone has the potential to increase their intelligence level. It suggests that with daily effort and learning, a person can 'climb' a step each day, gradually improving their intellectual capabilities.

What are some activities that can hinder the process of becoming more intelligent according to the transcript?

Activities that can hinder the process include taking Ritalin (which can decrease conscious intelligence), spending more than an hour a day on Facebook (which has been shown to 'dumb down' people), and not engaging in active, individual learning practices.

How does the speaker suggest one can measure their progress on the 'intelligence ladder'?

The speaker suggests taking an IQ test today and then again after a significant period, such as a year. By comparing the results, one can observe an increase in their intelligence score, indicating progress up the 'intelligence ladder'.

What is the difference between an 'aluno' (student) and an 'estudante' (learner) as per the transcript?

An 'aluno' is someone who attends classes and aims to pass tests and obtain diplomas, whereas an 'estudante' is someone who actively studies a subject for an extended period, demonstrating a deeper engagement with the material.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of writing by hand rather than typing when studying?

Writing by hand engages more regions of the brain, leading to better retention and understanding of the material. It is a more active and individual process that helps in synthesizing information and committing it to memory.

What is the significance of the speaker's advice against studying for 14 hours a day?

Studying for such extended periods is not effective because the human brain cannot process that much information in a single day. It is more beneficial to study in a focused and active manner for shorter periods to ensure better comprehension and retention.

How does the speaker relate the brain's activity to the process of studying and the importance of writing?

The speaker explains that writing activates more regions in the motor cortex of the brain, which aids in better learning and memory retention. This is contrasted with typing or reading, which engage fewer brain regions and are less effective for studying.