This document summarizes Nasimul Hasan's presentation on learning and how to enhance the learning process. The presentation discusses why learning is fun and compares good learners to bad learners. It also covers key topics like the brain's two modes of thinking, the memory process, overcoming procrastination, and avoiding the illusion of learning. The goal is to reduce diffuse thinking and increase focused thinking while also improving memory performance by moving information from short-term to long-term memory.

1. Learning is Fun
A Presentation prepared by
Nasimul Hasan
For the final assignment of the course
‘Learning How to Learn’, conducted by
Dr. Barbara Oakley and Dr. Terrence Sejnowski
University of California, San Diego

2. 1. Why learning is fun?
2. Good learner Vs. Bad learner
3. Key ideas and Methods to enhance learning
1. Brain Modes
2. Memory Process
3. Procrastination
4. Illusion of Learning
4. Conclusion
2
Topics to be discussed
Nasimul Hasan

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Have you ever been in a tour flying in the sky all alone ?
1. Why learning is fun?

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This is called Paragliding, a sport and no doubt a
adventurous and exciting one. You will never know
the exact feeling that someone gets while
paragliding. It’s something beyond description.
The feeling is heavenly.
So, how to get that heavenly experience?
It’s easy, Learn!!

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But …
 I’m afraid I can’t do it
 I hate heights
 I am too old to learn something new
 And bla bla bla …..
If you have a lot of excuses though,
I can say ‘YES YOU CAN MAKE IT’
All you have to do is to try to be a good learner

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2. Good learner Vs. Bad learner

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3.1 Brain Modes
• The Brain features 2 modes of thinking:
 Focused Mode: The concentrating Mode. Thoughts follow
a nicely paved road which is an already worn path.
You use it, When you focus consciously on a task
 Diffuse Mode: Neural Resting Mode. New neural
connections are created to address new problems.
You use it when you relax in a chair and let your mind go, or
when you exercise or practice a hobby

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The Brain can’t use the 2 modes at the same time.
It’s a back and forth process
You need to get used to switching from one mode to
another in order to:
 Take care of an issue when you get stuck. That
implies centering your consideration on another theme
and giving the diffuse mode a chance to work to make
the suitable neural associations keeping in mind the
end goal to discover an answer.
 Keep you from falling into the trap of Einstellung,
which is a barrier introduced by your center mode that
keeps you from discovering better thoughts to tackle
an issue.
Cont…..

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3.2 Memory Process
• There are 2 types of Memory:
 Short term Memory (STM):
• An inefficient mental Blackboard, fade away
• Can only handle a few items at a time
• Processed consciously : Active state
 Long term Memory (LTM):
• A Storage Warehouse
• Need to access the information from time to time in order to find it
when needed.
• Not a conscious process: Inactive state.

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How to pass the information from STM to LTM?
• Form Chunks
How to build a Chunk?
Focus your attention on the information
Understand the main idea
Practice – do it! ( understanding something doesn’t
mean you can do it)
• Use the top-down and bottom-Up techniques
• Use Practice and Spaced repetitions
• Exercise
• Recall
Cont …

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• Test yourself
• Interleave your study
• Use Analogies and Metaphors
• Get used to the Memory Palace
technique
• Create meaningful groups
• Work with your teammates
• Sleep
Cont …

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3.3 Procrastination
The reality of putting off an errand or a movement when
you can really address it immediately. It goes about as a
toxin and its long haul impact are actually assaulting on
learning.
Not all procrastination is bad!!

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How to overcome?
1. Change your habits without mobilizing too much willpower
2. Watch for procrastination cues
3. Use the Pomodoro technique
4. Make a to-do list
5. Start your day with the most important tasks
6. Reward yourself for any achievement
Cont …

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3.4 Illusion of Learning
Illusion of competences results from bad learning habits
and/or bad knowledge of the memory working process.
How to overcome?
 Use Recalling technique
 Try to do it all yourself
 Write it down
 Highlight important things to remember better
 Cramming

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Cont …
Avoid:
› Group work
› Multitasking
› Distraction
› Not sleeping for a long while

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Conclusion
There are two types of modes of thinking and memory. The
objective is to lessen the diffused state of mind and set for a
focused mode. Another important thing is to try to increase
the memory performance by driving STL into LTM. We
should try to avoid bad procrastination and keep away from
the illusion of competence.

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Reference
1. Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master
tough subjects by University of California, San Diego, Coursera
2. Quora
3. Google images
4. http://www.slideshare.net/nicroeper/developing-learner-autonomy-
818-8914700 Last visited September 9th, 2016
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique Last visited
September 9th, 2016

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Any Question?

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Nasimul Hasan
International Islamic University Chittagong
nasimul_hsn@yahoo.com