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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
How We Learn summary
Stanislas Dehaene
Why Brains Learn Better Than Any Machine . . . for Now
16 mins
Brief summary
How We Learn by Stanislas Dehaene delves into the intricate processes of the brain, unveiling how we acquire new skills and knowledge. It combines neuroscience with practical advice to optimize our learning experiences.
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How We Learn
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Learning transforms perception into knowledge
Understanding “learning” involves appreciating how our brains construct and refine internal models of the world around us. These models are vast and varied, covering everything from the layout of our local environments to complex language structures and even the nuances of other people’s behaviors. These internal models aren’t static representations; they are dynamic, constantly updated frameworks that help us navigate and interpret everyday experiences.
When we learn, we essentially train our brains to simulate possible realities. For instance, consider the mental maps we carry of places like our neighborhoods or homes. These aren’t simple maps; they’re rich, interactive simulations that allow us to navigate these spaces mentally without physical presence. Such capability extends to language, where our brains can distinguish familiar words from nonsensical ones, and to physical coordination, like the intricate balancing act involved in riding a bicycle.
The brain’s ability to dream represents another fascinating aspect of its modeling capabilities. Dreams aren’t random images; they are intricate narratives crafted by the brain’s internal models. They allow us to experience realities that do not exist and to play out scenarios that have never happened. In a way, our ability to dream illustrates how the brain rehearses, explores, and refines its models continuously.
Our brains also play a significant role in how we perceive the world when we are awake. Every sensory input involves the brain in interpreting and predicting based on previous knowledge and context, transforming ambiguous visual information into a coherent perception. This process highlights a crucial aspect of learning: It’s not only about acquiring facts, but about enhancing our capacity to interpret and respond to our environments.
Learning is also about making continual adjustments. When new information presents itself, or when an unexpected outcome occurs, our brains quickly incorporate this new data into existing models. This is evident in how we adapt to physical changes, like adjusting to distorted vision with prisms or glasses, and how these adjustments can recalibrate our perceptions even after the tools are removed. This adaptive quality allows us to navigate the world more effectively and to correct errors in our understanding and actions.
Learning, in other words, is about more than just gathering information – it’s about forming, testing, and refining the mental models that allow us to understand and interact with the world more effectively. As we navigate through life, our ability to adapt our learning processes determines how well we can adjust to new challenges, understand others, and perceive the world around us.
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What is How We Learn about?
How We Learn (2020) explores the complex mechanisms by which the human brain processes, adapts, and retains information. Contrasting these natural learning capabilities with the current state of artificial intelligence, it highlights the advantages of human cognition and provides actionable insights for optimizing educational practices to fully harness cognitive potential.
Who should read How We Learn?
- Educators seeking to enhance learning strategies
- Neuroscience enthusiasts exploring brain functionality
- Parents interested in boosting children’s cognitive development
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