The brain is like an electrical circuit. Each time you learn something new you build new connections between the neurons in your brain. Just like an electrical circuit, the signals are transmitted from one neuron to another through electrical currents. The stronger the signal, the greater the connection between neurons.
So what does this mean?
If you have a daily ritual, you would feel the effects of a strong connection. This strong connection may be a simple task like putting on and lacing up your football or tennis shoes – this undertaking can be completed without you even thinking. This is a result of automaticity within your brain’s circuitry, which has been strengthened through repetition.
So how do we build new and strong connections around education?
An isolated fact can be difficult to remember. This fact and the brains ability to recall it can be made easily through relating it to other networks or prior knowledge within your brain.
Say you need to remember that Albert Einstein was born in March 1879. Perhaps you can remember March as the third month and three is your favourite number. You can remember 1879 because you live at 18 Main Street and you catch the #79 bus to get home from work.
These connections through association of prior knowledge strengthen knowledge retention and you would be more likely to now remember Albert Einstein’s birthdate.
This technique can be applied to many facets of life both within and outside of the classroom.
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