How We Learn New Things
There are two parts to how we learn new things:
1. We Learn by Constant, Spaced Repetition
In the picture with the orange seats, you will see that they are set in rows and there are many of them exactly the same. If this picture were to be constantly brought to your attention daily, at the same times every day, you will learn the pattern. You can see it in your mind’s eye with your eyes closed.
Examples of “patterning” in our education system (the great halls of learning) would be learning the alphabet by constantly repeating it with our classmates. Perhaps we even sing the alphabet song. We learn the multiplication tables the same way. Some of the tools we use are flash cards and music. We can tap our toes to the rhythm of the song. These help us instil the information in our memories by highlighting three of our five senses, sight, touch and hearing. The alphabet is sung to rhythmical, musical notes making it easier to remember. Flash cards can be in colours, designs and shapes, also helping us to instil information to our memories.
You learn by reaching out for knowledge, particularly the kind that interests you. So read frequently, learn alone, in groups, and by observing others and you’ve involved more senses, thus, the better the memory.
Add to this the repetition of speaking, singing and moving to the same words, songs and dance on a daily basis and you have learned new things. It is safe to say that this form of learning has been successful, enjoyable and makes you feel good.
2. We Also Learn by Impact
Impactful experiences can be traumatic, and rarely do we seek them out.
You’re in a car accident because you were distracted by your phone, a passenger or you haven’t replaced that very worn tire yet. The impact of that lesson involved all of your senses all at once and you are in shock. You have injuries that take a long time to heal and your entire life is ‘impacted’.
Will you allow distractions in the future? Will you procrastinate on safety going forward? Likely not. Mainly because you did not like the consequences. It is doubtful you will ever forget how not being responsible can change your life.
Other examples of ‘impact’ lessons are losing a friend or partner, becoming very sick, not passing a final exam, etc. You may not have directly caused Impact Learning experiences, but your habits of procrastination or ignoring warning signs could have very well contributed.
I call it the “tap, slap, 2×4″ consequence. ie: you know there is a law against using your phone while driving. That’s the ‘tap’. You get caught using it and get a fine. That’s the ‘slap’. Then you cause an accident. That’s the ‘2×4 wooden board smacked between the eyes”. Can you think of a time you brought on a nasty consequence because you ignored the tap ‘n slap?
Taking Responsibility
Impact lessons are not an enjoyable way to learn and they do not make us feel good. But, we are human and we ALL do it! As long as you take personal responsibility or your part in the experience rather than trying to pass the blame, you will have learned and you do remember. ie: it is not the fault of the teacher that you failed your final exam, right?
Learning and remembering life’s lessons and taking personal responsibility are key factors in Bouncing Back from those rare Critical, Pivotal Crises moments when our lives seem to implode. Every day is a rehearsal.
Either way, we are learning and growing through all our life experiences, and we can always look for the value in each one.
Recommended Reading:
https://www.borntobounceback.ca
