Education Archives

Creating New Neural Pathways: The 2-Step Method

How are memories formed in the brain? When creating new neural pathways, what factors influence how strong and lasting those memories will be? Creating new neural pathways is the foundational part of how memories are formed in the brain. You can form stronger neural pathways by splitting your learning process into two steps: taking effective notes, and applying active learning strategies like spaced repetition, active recall, and teaching. Read on to learn more about how to supercharge your memory and the two-step method for creating new neural pathways.

Retrieval Practice Strategies: Flashcards and Summarizing

How can you use retrieval practice strategies to improve your studying? Is active recall the best way to learn? Retrieval practice strategies like creating flashcards and summarizing information force you to actively engage with the information you’re studying and remember things better. Knowing how to practice these techniques effectively can make a big difference in how well you perform. Learn how to use active recall techniques to practice retrieving and strengthening memories.

How the Spaced Repetition Technique Improves Memory

What is the best memory retention method? Can the spaced repetition technique improve your memory retrieval? The spaced repetition technique involves giving your brain time between repetitions of information instead of repeating information many times in a short period. This improves the chances that you will commit the information to long-term memory, where rote memorization tends to rely only on short-term memory. Learn how to use the spaced repetition technique to enhance your studying practice.

The 3 Most Effective Note-Taking Strategies

What are the most effective note-taking strategies? How can these strategies help you remember things better? The three most effective note-taking strategies are clarifying your learning goals before starting, creating multisensory associations with the material, and actively engaging with the content by taking notes about your original notes. These strategies can help you retain more information while you’re studying. Continue reading to discover how to use these effective note-taking strategies to improve your learning skills.

The 4 Best Multisensory Learning Techniques for Memory

Does multisensory learning work? What techniques can you use to solidify memories using your senses? Multisensory learning works by tying new memories to existing webs of association. By incorporating multiple senses into your learning practice, you can create stronger networks of association and remember things more clearly. Continue reading to learn the four best techniques for multisensory learning.

How the Student Loan Payment Restart Will Impact the Economy

When will the student loan payments restart again? Will the reduced spending damage the economy? The end of the federal student loan payment pause on October 1 could significantly impact borrowers’ personal finances, spending, and the broader US economy. The long-term burden of student loan debt is expected to influence major life decisions for millions of borrowers. Continue below to learn about the potential impacts of the returning student loan payments.

The Regrettable Absence of Inquiry in Education & Its Impact

Why don’t adults ask as many questions as kids do? How is our schooling to blame? Inquiry is an incredibly important skill, but we tend to stop asking questions as we get older. Warren Berger points the finger at schools—the exact place where curiosity should be most encouraged—and says that formal education too often trains people out of asking questions. Read more to learn about the woeful neglect of inquiry in education and the difference it makes.

Embrace the Mastery Plateaus & Reject the Easy Shortcuts

What does the path to mastery look like? Should you expect a steady upward progression? The truth is, says George Leonard, most of the mastery journey does not feel like success. The majority of the path consists of plateaus, and it’s only now and then that you experience a leap forward. He urges you not to get discouraged and to embrace the flat zones as an important part of the process. Read on to learn more about mastery plateaus and how to embrace these stages.

The Path of Mastery: Expect a Journey, Not a Destination

What’s mastery? What’s the life of a master like? Is being a dabbler, an obsessive, or a hacker keeping you from becoming a master? If you want to master something, you should expect to travel a path, not arrive at a destination. George Leonard explains that mastery isn’t an end goal so much as a continual process of learning, discovery, and exploration of that skill, whether it’s taekwondo, oil painting, marathon running, or chess. Read more to learn what to expect on the path of mastery.

The Importance of Instruction in Skills Mastery: Don’t Go It Alone

Are you trying to master a skill? Do you have an instructor? What role should an instructor play in your pursuit of mastery? In Mastery, writer and educator George Leonard describes in detail how you can walk the path of the master—the life lived in disciplined dedication to your chosen skill, craft, or art. He says that you shouldn’t walk this path alone; you should take along an instructor. Continue reading to understand the importance of instruction as you pursue mastery.