3 técnicas indicadas por cientistas para qualquer pessoa melhorar nos estudos

BBC News Brasil

16 Feb 202004:47

Summary

TLDRIn this engaging video, BBC News Brasil reporter Paula Adamo Idoeta explores effective study techniques grounded in neuroscience, as recommended by Barbara Oakley, co-author of 'Learning How to Learn'. Oakley, who once struggled with science and math, shares transformative insights into harnessing our brain's focused and diffused modes to enhance learning. The video reveals three key strategies: alternating between concentrated study and relaxation, avoiding last-minute cramming to strengthen neural connections, and employing active recall to cement knowledge. These scientifically backed tips promise to boost learning efficiency for both children and adults, making the daunting task of mastering new subjects much more approachable.

Takeaways

😀 Alternate between focused and diffused modes of thinking to improve learning and problem-solving.
🕰️ Study regularly, rather than leaving tasks until the last minute, to allow the brain time to reinforce neural connections.
⏳ Use the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of focused work, followed by a short break) to improve concentration and learning.
🧠 Practice active recall by attempting to remember and verbalize key ideas from a text or lesson without referring to the material.
🌙 Get enough sleep, which is crucial for consolidating learning and forming memory.
📝 Start with more difficult exercises or tasks, alternating with easier ones, instead of leaving the hardest for last.
🚫 Avoid illusions of learning, such as rereading material without actively recalling it or thinking you understand a solution when you don't.
📚 Use techniques backed by neuroscience to improve learning efficiency and expand your abilities, even in subjects you perceive as challenging.
🎯 Break tasks into focused periods of work, with breaks or alternating subjects to engage both focused and diffuse brain modes.
🧠 Understanding how the brain learns and applying techniques like active recall and spaced repetition can significantly enhance learning and memory.

Q & A

Who is Barbara Oakley and what is her contribution to learning strategies?
-Barbara Oakley is an American author co-author of the book 'Learning How to Learn'. She focuses on applying neuroscience to improve learning. Oakley herself struggled with sciences and math in school but later excelled in these subjects by leveraging neuroscientific principles.
What are the two modes of brain operation mentioned in the script?
-The script mentions two modes of brain operation: the focused mode, which is active when paying attention to specific tasks, and the diffuse mode, which is when the brain is relaxed and not focused on a specific task.
How can alternating between focused and diffuse modes improve learning?
-Alternating between focused and diffuse modes allows the brain to concentrate intensely on a task and then relax, enhancing clarity of thought and often leading to breakthroughs or better understanding after a period of relaxation.
What does Barbara Oakley suggest doing if you're stuck on a problem?
-Barbara Oakley suggests taking a break to switch your brain from focused to diffuse mode, such as taking a short walk or switching to a different type of task, to increase the chance of finding a solution upon returning.
Why is it not advisable to leave tasks until the last minute according to neuroscience findings?
-Leaving tasks until the last minute doesn't give the brain sufficient time to strengthen new neural pathways or reinforce existing ones, which is crucial for learning. Continuous and spaced review over time strengthens these neural connections.
How can sleep impact learning?
-Sleep is crucial for learning because it is during sleep that the brain consolidates what was learned during the day, strengthening new neural connections and reinforcing learned material.
What is the suggested technique for avoiding procrastination and enhancing focus during study sessions?
-The suggested technique is to use a timer to dedicate 25 minutes to focused study without distractions, followed by a short break enjoying a predetermined reward, which helps the brain stay focused during study sessions.
What is 'active recall' and how does it aid learning?
-'Active recall' is a technique where you actively try to remember key ideas from the material you've studied without looking at the text, either by speaking out loud or thinking silently, immediately testing and reinforcing memory.
How does the misconception of learning, such as re-reading a page, affect actual understanding?
-Misconceptions of learning, like re-reading a page, can lead to 'illusions of learning' where one believes they've grasped the main ideas without truly understanding the material, which can hinder actual learning progress.
What is the significance of revising new material soon after learning it?
-Revising new material soon after learning it is significant because it prevents neural connections from weakening or being lost. Continuous revision strengthens these connections, making the learning more durable.

Outlines

00:00

🧠 Overcoming Common Study Mistakes

Paula Adamo Idoeta, a reporter for BBC News Brasil, introduces the topic by discussing common study mistakes, such as procrastination and prioritizing easy tasks over difficult ones, which are contrary to neuroscience findings. She mentions her conversation with Barbara Oakley, co-author of 'Learning How to Learn', who once struggled with science and math but later embraced these subjects through neuroscience. The video aims to share three science-backed study techniques beneficial for both children and adults.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Procrastination

Procrastination refers to the habit of delaying or postponing important tasks until the last minute. This concept is introduced in the first sentence, "Deixar a lição de casa para última hora, estudar que nem louco na véspera da prova," which describes the common practice of procrastinating on homework and studying until the night before an exam. This behavior goes against the scientific recommendations discussed later in the video.

💡Neuroscience

Neuroscience is the study of the structure and function of the nervous system and the brain. The video mentions "últimas descobertas da neurociência," referring to recent findings in this field that provide insights into how the brain learns and retains information. Neuroscience underpins the study techniques and recommendations discussed by Barbara Oakley, the co-author of the book "Aprendendo a Aprender" (Learning How to Learn).

💡Focused Mode

Focused mode, as described in the video, refers to the state of the brain when it is actively concentrating on and paying attention to a specific task or subject matter. The video states, "O cérebro, trabalha em dois modos: o focado, que é quando a gente está prestando atenção ao professor, ou um exercício," indicating that focused mode is the brain's state of intense concentration.

💡Diffuse Mode

Diffuse mode, as opposed to focused mode, is the state of the brain when it is relaxed and not actively engaged in a specific task. The video explains, "e o difuso, que é quando o cérebro tá relaxado," highlighting that diffuse mode occurs when the brain is at rest. This state is important for learning as it allows the brain to process information and generate insights after periods of intense focus.

💡Alternating

Alternating refers to the practice of switching between focused and diffuse modes of brain activity. The video emphasizes the importance of alternating between these two states, stating, "E para aprender, o cérebro precisa alternar entre esses dois modos, primeiro se concentrando bastante, e depois relaxando para conseguir pensar com mais clareza." This alternation allows the brain to integrate and consolidate information effectively.

💡Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that involves breaking down work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. The video introduces this technique as a way to help the brain focus and alternate between focused and diffuse modes, stating, "Desligue todas as distrações, ou sejam nada de TV e Whatsapp, e marque o temporizador para 25 minutos." The technique uses a timer and small rewards to encourage focused work and regular breaks.

💡Active Recall

Active recall is a learning technique that involves actively recalling and retrieving information from memory, rather than simply re-reading or reviewing material passively. The video introduces this concept as "recordar ativamente," stating, "tira os olhos do texto e tenta lembrar sem olhar quais são essas ideias." This practice strengthens the neural connections associated with the learned information, making it more memorable.

💡Illusions of Learning

Illusions of learning, as mentioned in the video, refer to the false sense of understanding or mastery that can occur when using passive or ineffective learning techniques. The video cautions, "Como o bom aprendizado é geralmente mais difícil, a nossa tendência às vezes é cair nas ilusões de aprendizado, de fazer as coisas do jeito fácil." This concept highlights the importance of engaging in active learning practices to avoid the illusion of understanding without true comprehension.

💡Aptitude

Aptitude refers to an individual's natural ability or talent for a particular subject or skill. The video addresses this concept when stating, "se você souber usar o seu cérebro com mais eficiência, vai economizar muito, tempo, evitar muita frustração e expandir seus horizontes de aprendizado, até mesmo para as matérias para as quais você acha que não tem nenhuma aptidão." This suggests that by employing effective learning strategies, individuals can improve their performance even in areas where they may perceive themselves as lacking natural aptitude.

💡Efficiency

Efficiency, in the context of learning, refers to the ability to learn and retain information effectively and productively. The video emphasizes the importance of using the brain efficiently, stating, "se você souber usar o seu cérebro com mais eficiência, vai economizar muito, tempo, evitar muita frustração e expandir seus horizontes de aprendizado." This concept suggests that by employing scientifically-backed learning techniques, individuals can optimize their learning processes and achieve better outcomes.

Highlights

Leaving homework for the last minute and cramming the night before the exam are common but ineffective study habits.

Neuroscience discoveries suggest new techniques for improving study habits.

Barbara Oakley, co-author of 'Learning How to Learn,' discusses her transformation from struggling in math and science to mastering them.

The brain operates in two modes for learning: focused and diffuse.

Alternating between focused and diffuse modes helps the brain process and understand complex information.

Taking short breaks and changing subjects can help overcome obstacles in understanding difficult material.

Starting with difficult tasks and alternating with easier ones can enhance learning efficiency.

Procrastination hinders the brain's ability to form and strengthen neural connections.

Sleep is crucial for consolidating new learning and strengthening neural connections.

Using a timer for dedicated study periods followed by rewards can increase focus and efficiency.

Forgetting material soon after learning it is common and can be countered by active recall techniques.

Active recall involves testing memory away from the material to enhance learning retention.

Reviewing and recalling information at different times reinforces memory and understanding.

Avoiding 'illusions of learning' such as rereading or looking at solutions without understanding them.

Efficient brain use can save time, reduce frustration, and expand learning capabilities.