Saturday 9 January 2010

Alternative ways of learning.


Last time on the class we were talking about education systems in some countries. There all were wery similar in some sides. But science knows some alternative methods of leaning. They are sometimes funny, but can we be sure that they works?
I'll describe some of them. Maybe some of you had contact with some of this tricks? Tell us something about that. Do these methods works?

Mnemotechnics
In most of schools the most iimportant is one, old rule : "Repetitio est mater studiorum". But mnemotechnics is based on another rule. Here the most impirtant is to imagine. People who teach mnemotechnics often says that all you need to remember even the most difficult thing is just to associate it with something almost trivial or funny.
There are many kinds of this learning method like "hooks", "chain", or "digit-letter" system.
Its good to know these methods for yourself but if I have to be truth, I never tried them.

Mind maps.
Start making note from centrally located, colorful drawings, from which create lines and curves in every direction. Drawing will reflects your brain structure and way of thinking based on associations. It is prooved that this method makes brilliand effects!

Foto reading.
It is unusual, even for many magical way of reading. With a special focus photography, the entire page of text are transmitted to the right hemisphere, which are processed and remembered. All the information goes to the unconscious mind, and are activated to consciousness by means of appropriate techniques. Photo reading deepens intuition and creativity and allows you to unlock the potential of the right hemisphere neglected in the course of the standard education.

Fast reading.
It is conscious reading process runs in the same way as the traditional reading but 5 times faster. Reading the text is processed step by step, in a completely linear. During a quick reading, the reader starts the analytical and logical reasoning, which allows critical and closely follow the text.

"Chemical helpers"
In world fully of stress some people are looking for substances which can help them to get on. Some people calls that "alternative way to learn" so I decided to add it here. I'm not going to write here the names of this matters, but its no problem to find it on the web. Not all of them are legal, so be warned before using it.
I rather wanted to ask you. Is this kind of support worth of use in your opinion?

52 comments:

  1. I finished course of fast learning and memorizing when I was in primary school. There was few methods connected with mnemotechnics but to be honest I don't know how much I benefit from this course and its methods. I think that it was good because I trained my mind, but in normal life I don't use methods which I learnt... I think that people should find own method of memorizing. For me the best way is writing a lot. If i write something I at once remember about it and that's why I can't live without agenda:)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I also don't think that mnemotehnics are effective way of learning. My brother finnished similiar course as Awa, and it didn't help him. My method of learning is to try to learn from the lesson, write as much as possible, than, before exam, I rewrite my notes, using colourful pens while choosing the most important informations and repeat them many times. I never learn late in night and I never use "chemical helpers". I think that they can rather do harm than help.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think everyone has got his own method of learning, developed for many years of education. Some people try to find some new methods of fast remembering but in my opinion, they are not successful when aren't connected with inborn skills of remembering. It is known that some people are audiles, some of them are visualizers and in my opinion a good solution is to adapt the way of learning to our predispositions.
    On the other hand, I think that "Chemical helpers" aren't good for our health and, what is more, they can addict us. Besides, when we learn something, we broaden our minds and develop our brains. It also helps us in being creative:)

    ReplyDelete
  4. In my opinion there is no good alternative learning methods. I just have to concentrate on what you are doing. I can not access an maps, diagrams, simply because I feel that I don't have timie for their creation their. For me the best method of learning is repetition. If we are not to repeat it, no maps will not do.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I don't use this kink of method. I think that the best learning is repeat, repeat and repeat- for me. I think that taking a pill to help to memory is useless, people take tablets for everything. It this ok? I don't thinks so, it is better more learn. Everyone have own metod to learn and every kind of method is good.

    ReplyDelete
  6. There is a lot of methods of learning and everybody have his own one, adjust only for him. Maybe it is a good way, but im my opinion quicknees of learning depend in a majority of our skills to remembering. In my case mind maps or another special diagrams are useless. I believe in this old rule "Repetitio est mater studiorum" and in fact for me the best way of learning is just repeat. But i must to say that I stress color the most important informations.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I think that every method of learning which gets results is good until it isn't a chemical helpers knows as "afterburner". But the truth is that the best way of learning is to repeat and repeat and read a lot. For me, very useful is associate some facts with other things. It can be helpful if you learn many similar things which you still confuse.

    ReplyDelete
  8. When I was a child (or maybe the teenager) I wanted to learn how reading fast. But after being a bit old I suppose, it's a waste of time. In real, adult life, when we are studying, eg, we don't need this ability. These type of reading is good when we want do know what's the article about - but without understanding it. Put a pills - it's crazy, because it's not good for our health, and we don't learn anything -after few days we don't remember what we learn, read, etc. In my life, I do the mind map twice, and in my opinion, it's not a good idea for learning vocabulary or something else - we spend a lot of time preparing it, but after few days we don't know anything - and we don't understand what is about!

    ReplyDelete
  9. In my opinion the best way is to repeat it.
    Mnemotechnics isn't good way of learning, it's stupid...but if it help someone so ok. But flatly i don't agree that chemical helpers really help. Maybe it bright your brain it is only for a while, and it's not the way it should be. Learning is for you...you have to understand thing and be able to use it, not only for an exam and after that forget everything

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh... mind map. I saw it and I remembered, how I first made it years ago. I think it is a good way to sum up some informations, but I don't prefer it. Too many colours are for me difficult to choose the more important information. I can't concetrate. But I have this problems not only with mind maps, the same is with books. I alwyas choose old, black-white books, without colourful pictures. But I know, much more people have different preferences.
    For me better is mnemotechnic, because it is only in my mind, without colours:)
    But the best methode of learn is to make notes and understand something.

    "Chemical helepers" are stupid way to learn. They don't help (never!), they only make harm.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I appreciate some traditional methods of learning too.
    I try to associate similar or opposite things, I make notes (bacause reading is sometimes not enough) and repeat.
    Chemical helpers work but are short-acting with huge harm.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I think that every learning technique is good as long as it works for someone. It all depends on ones natural abilities and preferences. For example I learn best by listening so I try to attend lectures and make good notes that I read than. Sometimes when something is hard to memorise I read it aloud quietly or rewrite it once again. But I know people for who mind maps are the best way to learn. One thing for me is clear - chemical helpers do more harm than good so I do not use them no matter what but I just can't stand coffee or energy boosters either :P

    ReplyDelete
  13. I finished course of fast learning and memorizing when I was primary school too. And in my opinion Mind Mapping is a useful technique that improves the way you take notes, and supports and enhances your creative problem sloving. By using Mind Maps, you can quickly identify and understand structure of a subcject, and the way that pieces of information fit together,as well as recording the raw facts contained in normal notes.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Those methods show us that there are different ways of learing than learning by heart while readind the book. I'm very fond of mnemotechnics, which I find time-consuming, but mind maps can be really great and making a one once helped me to learn the events of World War I.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I can't agree, that mnemotechnics are uneffective or stupid ways of learning. For me, some of them are quite useful - like making 'maps of mind', especially when I'm learning something not new at all. Maybe because I have visual type of memory - I remember, how some pages of my notes look, so if I know, that e.g. some term, which I need was highlighted on yellow and placed at left top corner, associated with some other thing, it's easier to remind myself, what was it. And making maps of mind is for my, hm, more funny and gives me more satisfaction than preparing traditional notes, so if I have enough time, I draw instead of writing.

    What about 'chemical helpers' - I absolutely share the oppinion, that they can't help - maybe for a short time, but if our health is worth it?

    ReplyDelete
  16. I've tried to learn something by making mind maps many times, but unfortunately it doesn't work on me. Many of my friends use this technique and they are very satisfied from it.
    I agree with you that using 'chemical helpers' isn’t a good idea and I don’t believe that trough all your life you can always learn by taking pills. It must have huge bad influence on health.
    For me the best way of alternative learning would be the method with putting books under the pillow. I would like to very much to this technique works:).

    ReplyDelete
  17. I've been learning the mnemotechnics on a special course and the hooks are incredible when you have to remember some numbers like dates or telephone numbers. But when it comes to university the mnemotechnics aren't really useful for me. Maybe they can work when you must learn things by heart but fortunately on archaeology there aren't many such things. I've been also learning fast reading but the course was useless for me.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Personally I don't believe in this alternative voodoo stuff. People who claim that this methods are sufficient are lying. They are probably some nerds who want to cover their 'nerdness' with supernatural powers learned on special courses.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Drugs as support of learning? I've never try it, but i regulary drink magnesium or eat dark chocolate. Once I ate ginseng, but it tastes like wood (actually it is a root:)), so maybe it could help but flavour was ... let say that it was unacceptable. But some of my friends drinks syrup for cold or cough or they take some pills for alzhaimer's disease. The most funnisest thing and horrible at once in this case is that they are students of medicine and pharmacy. They excatly know how much they should take not to overdose, but when I think about future of our health system I see only rainy days.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I've tried few methods of alternative learning and I must say that I don't see any positive effects. The best way of learning and revising for me is reading my notes few times make a short break, check what exactly I remember and read again thins which I've forgotten. It's effective for me because I remember quite good things which I can see. When it comes to learning vocabulary it connect english word with polish meaning. Sometimes I remember words which I' ve heard in my favourite songs.
    I wouldn't try drugs as support of learning because I think that they are harmful even if I would remember something it'll last shortly.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I totally agree with the preceding speaker - these alternative methods are often useless. We waste hours on planning the way of learning and drawing mind maps. In my opinion the best way to learn is to precisely work out the subject and make short notes with a lot of charts.
    Drugs are mostly just a temporal solution. Some of them can be really dangerous. For me the best "chemical helper" is yerba mate. It really helps to concentrate and isn't harmful.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Before matura exam I have tried various ways to improve memory and to that end I read many books on this subject and tried various supplements. After all these experiments, I conclude that the best is the traditional method of taking notes, and systematic repetition. If we do this conscientiously, we shouldn't have any problems

    ReplyDelete
  23. The Mind Map method sounds really promising and next time I'll try it ;)
    I enjoy learning mathematical subjects because it is like solving a puzzle. I feel satisfied every time I find an answer for such exercises. So I think that finding joy in learning is a key to success.
    During those exhausting periods like an end of semester I help my memory with chemical substances. Of course I don't use illegal stuff! A can of Redbull and a pinch of tobacco snuff (I don't smoke but nicotine has a positive influence on my mind) give me energy and help to concentrate.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Some of new methods of learning look interesting and promising but so far there isn't one method which really works. Maybe one day somebody will find better way.Let me know

    ReplyDelete
  25. the simplest way it can be mnemotechnics, you only can linked that what you need remember with something else. Yopu don't have to learn something special metode like at fast reading

    ReplyDelete
  26. In my high school we had special lessons about Mind Maps. That time I thought it was useless and boring (the teacher was really crazy), but now I’ve realized it's really working! I’m a "looker", so if I try to memorize I think about some images and places where the information is written. Mind Maps are time-consuming, but very effective.
    Drugs? I accept only nuts, magnesium and appropriate time of sleep:)

    ReplyDelete
  27. I think that the most important thing is a systematic learning which seems to be a key to success.
    But alernative ways of learning are also very important.These methods are useful and helpful but the basis should be hard working.
    Mnemotechnics,Mind maps,Foto reading and Fast reading really work!My favourite method is :Mnemotechnics...I associate some difficult facts with something funny or trivial and it's working!
    I recommend this way of learning:)

    ReplyDelete
  28. I have never done any alternative ways of learning, but when I read yours posts I see that alternative ways of learning isn't good for everyone. I think that everybody differently learn, and something is good for one persone, but bad for other. I agree that sistematic learning is the best, because we always know that we will catch learning. I try do that:-)

    ReplyDelete
  29. I find new ways of learning as interesting and useful subject. Contrary to learning by heart new methods help to learn in "wise" or "stimulating" way that affects both on memory and intelligence. We should remember that learning should develop knowleadge and analitic thinking. In short way I can compare new ways of learning to doing math or physic. About chemic support I can only remember that substance omega3 is prooved to help to concetrate but it wil not learn instead of us. Drugs ... it is prooved that drugs just leave holes in memory.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I think the metod of memoraizing which is the best for one person can be the worst for another one.It depends on who do you like learning, what kind of matherial you have. The most important is to reapeat everything systematical.Very important too is a healthy diet with a lot of nuits.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I use mnemotechnics and fast reading to learn. I can't learn without imagine. I draw any maps, pictures and et cetera, I search association and affilations to concrect theme and I register all my thought process in brain, not on paper. When I must read very long part of book, I use fast reading. On the lesson I always remeber what I read. It's really fantastic way of learning. I think we shouldn't use "chemical helpers", I tried "sesja" a few weeks ago and I slept after it. I learned anything and I wasted all evening. I agree with Joanna, everyone has individual method of learning.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Evryone has to work out its own learn techniques, because evryone has a differen ability to remember things.The truth is that the more you learn the easier it becomes for you to combine facts, to deduce. Learning is a hard work, in fact you don't need any alternative ways of learning, you just need to be patient, give yourselfe more time, and finally you will see, it will work.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Sometimes I use mnemotechnics.
    "All you need to remember even the most difficult thing is just to associate it with something almost trivial or funny".It depends on person but I must say that it works and it helps to remember difficult words :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. For me there are so many methods of learning how many people:) Any individual found by the time school teaching methods that best correspond to him. Rote, repeated reading, or listening to the notes ..... I can personally recommend the best method for learning vocabulary in the world:) is called a 'card'. On one side write the word of Polish, and the other his English counterpart. Through the pages turning from one side to another very easily remember the word visually. It really works!

    ReplyDelete
  35. When I'm not able to learn, then use the alternative ways of learning. Very often I use the method mnemotechnics and speed reading, they have more free time and my memory is just as much information as a slow reading. Mind maps never tried. Using the "Chemical helpers" will cause only short-term support teaching, and certainly harm your health.

    ReplyDelete
  36. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  37. In my opinion every way to learn is good,an effect is important.Only what can be dangerous for our health and mind it is "chemical helpers"I hear a lot about people which to go mad or even died taking it,so it is too big risk,I don't recommend it.Personal I think that cup of hot coffee to the concentration is better than everything,even some mind maps :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. Aneta's right. "Chemical helpers" cause many problems. I don't like coffee, but strong tea also works.
    I've tried mind maps and I can tell that it's a big help when you need to remember complicated things. Making up some stories also worked well.
    I've always wanted to learn fast reading. It must save so many time!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I use only chemical helpers. I use it only when I have very much to teach and I don't have time. In fact I don't know that this method is real helpful. Maybe this take only in my subconsciousness? Maybe This is only placebo? In any event I don't abandon with chemical helpers.

    ReplyDelete
  40. As it had mentioned earlier - everyone has a individual the best method of learning for him. I usuallu do not use any preparations supporting learning. I took couple of times "neotropil" - improving memory and "sesja" but it caused me a greater response. I belive that there is no universal advice on how to effectively learn and all the preparations are really not much they can do.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I'm little surprised that most of you have opinion about chemical helpers (mostly that they are useless and do harm). I've never used them, but since you have such experiences maybe I also should try...
    For me the best method of learning always has been repetition. Moreover, I try to read about the same thing from few sources. It helps me to focus on various aspects of studied subject and remember information which previously has escaped my notice.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Current methods applied by pupils are more and more good and more and more effective. But a few years ago everyone still studied to the memory and without understanding. Chemical helpers? It is very sad, since this method is probably also gaining popularity. I have my ways, apart from mind of maps of course. First - sticking small yellow slips of paper with definitions and words. Second - learning of rhymes for example with the order of arranging the bone. Third - best!? on the mirror I have stuck taking the skull with names in the Latin - I always study when I am looking in the mirror:)

    ReplyDelete
  43. For me repetition is the best method. Every time you're remembering more and more. When you learn it - try to keep it in your mind. Mind maps are also quite good, you can create associations. I don't think chemical sources really works, I took some few times and I didn't feel well. It's easier to take a nap, have a good meal and then - spend some time on learning.

    ReplyDelete
  44. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  45. When I learn something new I use associations. The simpler are the best. It's nice and easy way, the best for me.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I agree that there is no one and only efficient alternative method of learning. I think that everyone has his own way of studying, the one that is the best and easiest for him. Personally, when I have to learn a lot of new vocabulary, I associate it with something I know, for example words. This method works best for me.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I think that everyone should choose the best method for yourself. Some people has a good visual memory so for them the bests are things like mind maps or foto reading. Each method which is succesful is good. Except chemical helpers. It can be really dangerous.

    ReplyDelete
  48. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Alternative methods of teaching these days are very popular. Now, most people are studying, it comes to training. People want to learn quickly, and at the same time effectively. I think many people are opting for such courses.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Alternative ways of learning ... hmmm. It is possible that it is effective. I myself have tried, and even sometimes I use mnemotechnic. Sometimes it is helpful but not very efficient. However, the chemical helpers are not necessarily a good thing. May lead to addiction. But they let everyone use what he likes.

    ReplyDelete
  51. This way its very popular these days. We want to learn quikly and we dont want to waste time for things that we can do better in smaller time period.

    ReplyDelete