Comments on: Rethinking the way we learn

By: Sandra Harriette

Sandra Harriette — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 10:28:25 +0000

I skimmed through that article on the UVA website. There’s a lot of good stuff there that could fuel some other articles!

Rethinking the way one learns is pivotal to the learning process as a whole. When in school, I definitely wanted my brain to do more than just retain information for tests: I wanted to DO something with that knowledge. The way school systems are set up, actually retaining that knowledge from memorized facts isn’t so easy.

By: todbizz

todbizz — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 01:27:49 +0000

Reblogged this on todbizz.

By: Robert E

Robert E — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 15:12:05 +0000

Ken Robinson has some interesting ideas about education, as well as being a humorous and thoughtful speaker. I have to admit that rote learning and memorization have certainly benefited my education and propelled my creativity rather than contained it.

By: Ric Rogers

Ric Rogers — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 14:32:08 +0000

I have enjoyed a couple books on this subject; “Brain Rules” probably the best among them. This is the first time I have seen or heard of studies relating learning ability to learning preference. Very insightful. In the end it makes sense. The brain works how the brain works. Why should what we personally enjoy affect the neurochemistry involved.

I am involved in two related stories right now. The first is “The Origin of Tepees” by Jonnie Hughes. I cannot recommend this book enough. Great insights on learning and culture as science and history, but also told with a great sense of humor. The other is “Moonwalking with Einstein” which talks of memory and forgetting and how the brain can be trained to excel at either. This may suggest that higher IQs have more to do with intuitive success in using our memories more effectively than with actual “ability”…”Grey” area there (Ha!)

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 13:55:41 +0000

In reply to Malin. I'd say your experience supports the research. Rote memorization increased comprehension and appreciation for the skill.

By: Malin

Malin — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 12:37:57 +0000

The topics of memorizing and learning to read made me smile remembering how I learned to read when I was 5. I had my favourite book read to me (by very patient parents) until I knew every word of the story by heart. At some point I must have thought the parents were redundant in this process, started to pick up the book myself and knowing the story I learned how to read the letters and written words. I can still remember my awe when I realized that what I had figured out with this book made it possible to read any book I wanted when I wanted. Not sure if this supports or contradicts the facts above but I still love reading to this day 🙂

By: William Newman

William Newman — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 11:28:26 +0000

While many students are prepared for university level learning in the USA our K-12 system does produce disparate ranges in knowledge and skills. In my work as an undergraduate adjunct faculty member I have seen a tangible number of upper-classmen whose writing skills are basic steps above “text language” rife with incomplete sentences. Fundamental learning is lost to a growing number of students even as we cater individual learning to the “lowest common denominator” in our classrooms.

By: Paul Kurchina

Paul Kurchina — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 04:15:25 +0000

Will pick up his book