Tips for working effectively using a variety of methodologies that allow the brain to learn well.

1. Quick tips for learning
Christian Marquay∗
Monday 09 September 2019
Abstract
Learning is not innate but requires specific knowledge. By grouping different
articles, we obtain methodologies to put in place to enhance the way the
brain works to enable it to better acquire knowledge. In a counter-intuitive
way, the organization is only effective if it allows sufficient rest times and if it
allows to carry out a limited number of products to accomplish the project.
1 Introduction
We are learning all our lives, and this is especially true in our ever-changing
world. There are habits, good and bad, that we put in place during our
work. It is important to determine which ones should be favored in order to
optimize our learning time and which ones to fight by developing appropriate
methodologies. We will first see the focused and diffused modes of thinking
[1] to understand how our brains work. We will then focus on ways to combat
procrastination [2] and in particular the importance of sleep [3] to evacuate
toxins. We will finally get to know the limits of our working memory [4] and
to see how to use it well.
2 Focused and Diffused Thinking
There are no geniuses like in Aladdin’s lamp knowing how to do everything
thanks to unusual gifts. Successful individuals achieve results through hard
work, following methods now recognized as metaphor, story and visualiza-
tion, interleaving and focused and diffuse modes of thinking. A person with
∗
christianmarquay@hotmail.com
1

2. a lot of experience in a field can fall victim to Einstellung. This phenomenon
consists of valuing a preconceived idea, which leaves little room for innova-
tion. There are methods to go beyond that. Today, companies have devel-
oped the teamwork to confront several points of view. Team members can
have different experiences and have the opportunity to transfer knowledge
from another area with a similar problem.
Metaphor, story and visualization are particularly effective ways of making
your memory work and remembering various elements in your long-term
memory. The brain uses key images or phrases to store difficult concepts
more easily. It facilitates the work of the learner. When focused on a specific
subject, the focused mode of thinking starts and allows to deepen the subject
thanks to the close knowledge. However, we must think about taking breaks
between these intensive sessions called Pomodoro. These breaks then allow
the diffused mode to record knowledge in long-term memory, and to see it
from a new way opening the door to creativity. Interleaving between focused
and diffused modes of thinking improves the understanding of a subject.
3 Procrastination, Memory, and Sleep
Procrastination is the fact of not being able to regulate oneself and of pushing
things back and forth. This is reflected in particular by doing his work just
before the deadline, but also on a daily basis by postponing the bedtime or
the time to play sports. The time spent sleeping goes down with the years,
but the human body requires at least eight hours of sleep for an adult, and
nine hours for a student. This rest period allows the body to clean itself,
especially by removing the toxins that poison it. It’s also a time when the
brain is transformed, neurons creating new connections between them to
reinforce learning. Unsurprisingly, those sleeping the least have the most
psychological problems and overweight problems.
To fight procrastination, eat your frogs first. Starting by doing a task for
which there is no motivation, the brain will pass the first unpleasant moments
and will then be in a logic of work. A good solution then is to program the
agenda of the next day every night before bedtime. The brain will take ad-
vantage of the time of sleep to integrate the tasks to be done and it is as much
time gained by knowing exactly what to do at the time of working. Finally,
procrastinators have this failure to participate too late in discussions, or are
content to listen to what others say, which gives the illusion of learning by be-
lieving that it is sufficient for a good understanding. Participating regularly
to learn actively improves outcomes by strengthening neural connections.
2

3. 4 Chunking
Working memory is a short-term memory that tends to fade quickly as soon
as the work session is over. To keep the knowledge gained, the data should
be stored in the long-term memory that functions more like a warehouse.
The working memory is limited in terms of capacity. It retains only a limited
amount of data, but this data can be a group of data as well. Indeed,
chunking consists of grouping data into clusters. The working memory can
use up to four clusters, called chunks. Beyond this number, the working
memory tends to mix the data or to forget them because it is overflowed.
This is how we retain an entire course more easily if it is divided into thematic
chapters. This amounts to compressing the data.
There are many ways to group ideas into chunks, but they are all equivalent
in terms of learning efficiency. In any case, the working memory is limited
to a maximum of four chunks beyond which it no longer makes it possible
to correctly record all the data in the long-term memory. In fact, what
differentiates work in chunking is the complexity of the elements that make up
the different chunks. Complex elements will be more difficult to compress in a
chunk than simple elements. This supports the usefulness of using metaphors
to improve working memory since metaphors have less complexity than the
elements to which they relate in addition to allowing visualization.
5 Conclusion
We have seen that learning requires flexibility and perseverance in intensive
work sessions called Pomodoro, but also important moments of rest that
allow the brain to wander to other subjects and eventually make the con-
nection with completely different domains but with similar problems. Our
brain is reluctant to perform certain tasks but eat your frogs first and good
planning allows it to defeat procrastination. It evacuates toxins and creates
new neuronal connections during the sleep phase which is essential for its well
being. In the work phase, chunking allows him to better confront complex
concepts by addressing several simpler ideas. The first thing you need to do
is to apply the methods you think you need.
References
[1] T. Bertoncelli, O. Mayer, and M. Lynass. Creativity, learning tech-
niques and triz. Procedia Cirp, 39, pages 191–196, 2016.
3

4. [2] N. Michinov, S. Brunot, O. Le Bohec, J. Juhel, and M. Delaval.
Procrastination, participation, and performance in online learning envi-
ronments. Computers & Education, 56(1), pages 243–252, 2011.
[3] F. M. Kroese, C. Evers, M. A. Adriaanse, and D. T. de Ridder.
Bedtime procrastination: A self-regulation perspective on sleep insuffi-
ciency in the general population. Journal of health psychology, 21(5),
pages 853–862, 2016.
[4] F. Mathy and J. Feldman. What’s magic about magic numbers?
chunking and data compression in short-term memory. Cognition, 122(3),
pages 346–362, 2012.
4