Regarding academic life, one aspect whose importance cannot be overstated is the practical grasp of concepts. While many students try to get by with rote learning, the fact is that it accomplishes precious little. With application questions in exams being a reality, rote learning can only go so far in helping students ace the exams, not to mention the fact that it won’t help them in the context of life.
Only when you establish a solid foundation with all the concepts can you advance to the next level of learning. An essential requirement for this is an improved ability to grasp new ideas. Many students often face difficulties in learning new concepts, leading them to believe that this ability is fixed, something one is naturally born with. Nevertheless, the truth is that you can enhance this capacity with a growth mindset and the application of practical tips.
At Pragyanam School, we firmly believe that when a child’s curiosity is piqued, they become eager learners. This approach works well for students of all ages, whether they are seeking school admission and just beginning their educational journey or are further along.
Let’s explore some ways students can enhance their ability to understand and retain new, often complex concepts:
Table of Contents
1. Effective note taking
Taking thorough and accurate notes when a concept is being taught is extremely important. Choose a note-taking style that suits you. For instance, creating mind maps for complex concepts can significantly help some individuals visualize the concept. Students can also use the Outline method, which involves using main headings and subpoints to clarify the concepts. Many students also find the Charting Method beneficial, as it includes drawing separate columns for classifying information, such as main points and advantages. Organizing information in this manner aids both comprehension and retention.
2. Chunk down
We all know the feeling of being overwhelmed when first presented with a complex concept. The key to understanding it lies in breaking it down or chunking it into bite-sized pieces. You can absorb it one piece at a time without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Make use of multiple resources
Beyond the textbook, you can utilize multiple resources that break the concept down, such as videos and presentations. It’s important to remember that each of us has different learning styles, and selecting resources that match our learning style can significantly ease the learning process.
Furthermore, you need to think beyond traditional learning methods to grasp any concept. While mind maps and associations are exciting tools, you can also create engaging acronyms and word associations to aid concept retention.
4. Regular Brain exercises
Besides the above tools and tips, the brain must be active and agile. You need to help increase the ability of the brain to process complex information. Simple things like Crosswords, Sudoku, and more will help you strengthen those neural pathways. It will also work well to tap into the power of visualization. Visualization or using mental imagery goes a long way in grasping concepts and accelerating learning. It is seen that when visualization takes place, there is a dual coding as the concept is perceived both in terms of text and image.
A concentration workout can also go a long way in helping you focus better. Simply put, this mental workout can be done by concentrating on any activity for some time. For instance, you could doodle for 15 minutes at a stretch, toss a balloon for a long time, or simply spend some time not blinking. These seemingly small activities can go a long way in improving focus and concentration.
5. Enough Rest
While the key to comprehending information is mandated with studying more, it’s essential to recognize that adequate rest is equally necessary. In fact, an overburdened brain and high-stress levels can impede the brain’s processing capabilities. Research indicates that taking purposeful breaks from studying to refresh your mind and body can significantly enhance your ability to focus. One highly recommended technique is the Pomodoro Technique, a time management method that involves 25 minutes of focused work followed by a five-minute break. After four consecutive cycles, taking a longer break lasting 15-30 minutes is advisable.
Furthermore, the significance of a good night’s sleep and a nutritious diet cannot be overstated. Maintaining a balanced diet and staying adequately hydrated by drinking enough water are crucial factors.
6. Physical Exercise
A healthy mind is said to rest in a healthy body. It is extremely important to undertake physical exercise to keep the body fit and the brain sharp. Significantly, exercise also boosts the secretion of helpful brain chemicals while holding the stress hormones at bay.
7. Hobbies
“The proverb ‘All work and no play make Jack a dull boy’ holds true. Another key to enhancing your grasping power is engaging in leisure activities you enjoy. Beyond stress relief, a hobby can also stimulate the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter in the brain associated with pleasure. Pursuing your hobbies is also known to improve your creative problem-solving abilities. Needless to say, all of this positively impacts your overall well-being and your brain’s grasping power.
8. Meditation
To say that our mind constantly indulges in thoughts is to state the obvious. Meditation can go a long way in calming the brain and improving its grasping power. Research has shown meditation affects different parts of the brain, including the parts responsible for memory and learning. Meditation is also known to play a role in improved cognition.
To Sum Up
With these handy tips, you will indeed witness a significant improvement in your concentration. Beyond these tips, there’s a word of caution for parents: it’s crucial to understand that every child is unique, so comparing one to another doesn’t work well. Instead, remember to motivate your child and praise their efforts, not just the results.
Here’s to improved learning!
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