According to the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve, our memory is like a sieve, since we forget almost half of what we have learned in the first 20 minutes.
You can of course improve your learning results by repetition, which is a fairly common method in language teaching. However, he cannot remember random abstract information, and repetition is a stressful process. The more you try to memorize new words by repetition, the more stress you will have, and the more stressed you are, the less information you will be able to absorb.
The most efficient process of memorization is that the whole brain learns and establishes links and associations.
Our word memory can be modeled as a Google grid in which each dot represents a different word, each linked to words and associations that relate to it. To memorize new words we must create more associations and images to help us remember. This is known as memory by association and this method is well presented by Tony Buzan in his Mind-mapping. We can create connections using links, mental pictures, images, colors, sounds, emotions, and associations. We can use mind maps or create a story with new words and phrases. We can link new words to different phrases, images, stories and associations. By creating more associations, it is easier for your brain, your subconscious mind, to absorb the new information and it is easier for you to memorize these words and phrases.
whole brain learning
Whole brain learning is an instructional approach derived from neurolinguistic descriptions of the functions of the left and right hemispheres of the brain in which the learner makes connections that take advantage of both hemispheres of the brain and thus make the learning process more meaningful. be much more productive.
The left hemisphere deals with logical and analytical skills. The right hemisphere is the center of visual and artistic abilities. Many language instructors believe that left brain learning strategies are effective and therefore place the emphasis only on strategies that engage only the left brain. Some examples are pronunciation exercises, dialogues and grammar exercises. Evidence shows that second language learners who made their way through traditional language courses succeeded only because they were able to naturally switch from left to right brain. However, most students in traditional language classes struggle with learning the language and find it difficult. This is also one of the reasons why adult learners often give up and fail in second language classes.
In whole brain learning, learners are encouraged to visualize, imagination is considered the basis for understanding. For this reason, teachers use storytelling, images and animations. For example, new vocabulary words can be introduced by building a story or a play. Students can even act out the meanings of the words or make up their own stories. In addition, physical activity is involved in whole-brain learning, which means that learners are encouraged to use the language in a meaningful social context, for example in role-playing, problem solving, etc. By switching between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, students create more associations and links, thereby improving their long-term memory and acquiring language naturally.
Reduce anxiety and stress
Another aspect of teaching the whole brain is managing the emotional climate, reducing anxiety and stress. Instruction enhances the learning experience with soothing music and colors. Research results have confirmed that in a relaxed state of mind you will memorize new words more easily. Teachers can play music as they read the words and definitions, leaving time for listeners to draw pictures of the words. The teacher then uses guided meditation to create a relaxed state that contains memories of success before the listeners hear the words and definitions again.
By using soothing sounds with brainwave entrainment technology that stimulates alpha brain waves, you will be more relaxed and help improve your creative visualization. This puts your brain into creative thinking mode, as lower brain waves increase your ability to think creatively. It is also known that in alpha, we can bridge the gap from our conscious level to our subconscious level, which means that your conscious and subconscious mind are both learning.
So to learn faster and with better results, you need to reduce stress and engage your whole brain in the learning process by creating links and associations.
