Terrence Sejnowski

Learning How to Learn

1. IDEA 1

   The brain has two thinking modes

   Oakley and Sejnowski explain that the brain switches between a focused mode, for concentrating on a problem, and a diffuse mode, for relaxed, wandering thought. Learning well means using both, not just staring hard at the page.

2. IDEA 2

   Picture thinking as a pinball game

   The authors compare thinking to pinball. In focused mode the bumpers are close together, so thoughts travel along familiar paths; in diffuse mode they are spread out, letting thoughts bounce widely and find new connections.

3. IDEA 3

   Rest lets the diffuse mode work

   When stuck on a problem, the authors suggest taking a break: a walk, a shower or a game. Stepping away lets the diffuse mode quietly work on the problem, and the answer often appears when you return.

All 8 ideas from Learning How to Learn →