So it turns out that frequent breaks in study time allow the brain to play what you just learned over and over and over, thus reinforcing the learning and solidifying it into long term memory... also giving you more dopamine to make the learning more desirable.
Lecture for 50 minutes and think you're an effective teacher? Nope.
You may have taught the material, but you didn't teach the kid. You may have thought you were an effective teacher, but you were a lousy steward of the brain.
If you've only got a hour, you are much smarter going 7 1/2 minutes, then created a break or diversion. (FINK calls it a creative interruption that focuses on the same theme in another way). Then go 7 1/2 more, and divert attention again. Then again. Then let them talk about it. Then quiet things completely down, put on some soft music, dim the lights, and go over everything you just did one more time.
That's our method. We took 16 years to figure it out and systematize it.
Here's the article, complete with links.
I like it. Theres a difference between actually teaching someone something and simply giving them something to take notes from.
Younger brother teaching english in Honduras at the moment. We hear alot of stories.
Posted by: Trogdor | February 16, 2006 at 04:29 PM