Learn how to learn - week 1

True/False about Sleep Sleep is designed to allow for snoring, which clears your sinuses but makes you sound like an asthmatic banshee.

Not true--nice try, though!

Select the true statements below regarding the "Pomodoro technique." 1) The Pomodoro technique involves setting a timer and working intently, without interruption, for 25 minutes. 2) To use the Pomodoro technique, you want to ensure that, as much as possible, you remove all distractions and temptations that might bother or distract you during the time you are working. 3) The Pomodoro technique involves working as intently as you can for as long as possible. When you're mentally exhausted, you can take a break. 4) Multitasking while doing a Pomodoro--for example, having your cell phone turned on so you can catch critical messages, is okay. The main thing is not to worry about the distractions and to return to work immediately after you might be distracted.

1) true, 2) true, 3) False--the Pomodoro technique actually involves working for a limited amount of time. 4) False. Although you certainly would want to return to your work if you happened to be distracted while doing a Pomodoro, you want to avoid multitasking where ever possible. Cell phones should be turned off!

[Below, recall the word that belongs in the blank space.] In the __________ mode, the brain makes random connections in a relaxed fashion.

diffuse

True/False about Sleep Sleep has been shown to make a remarkable difference in your ability to figure out difficult problems and to understand what you are trying to learn

true

True/False according to the video concerning the difference between the focused mode and the diffuse mode, the focused mode is affiliated with ... A direct approach to solving problems that you are rather familiar with.

true

It's quite common to get stuck on a problem--often because you have initial ideas about what the solution should be that block your ability to see the real solution. What is a next best step to take when you've already spent time reanalyzing the problem by focusing intently, and you find that you are simply stuck? 1) Keep working away on the problem--the solution will come as long as you keep your focus on it. 2) Stare intently--it is your focused mode that will provide the big picture perspective you need to solve the problem. 3) Switch your attention to something completely different, or even better, go for a walk or take a shower--anything that allows your mind to relax and dart randomly around. 4) Mentally rethink the problem yet again from where you started, following each step carefully to look for where you may have gone wrong. Even if you have done this several times before, it might work this time.

3! Taking your attention off of what you want to solve helps allow other neural modes to have access to the material. You won't be conscious of your brain continuing to work in the background on the problem--but it is!

True/False about Sleep If you go over what you are learning right before you take a nap or going to sleep for the evening, it will NOT increase the chance of you dreaming about it.

The statement is false. Indeed, if you go over what you are learning right before you take a nap or going to sleep for the evening, you DO have an increased chance of dreaming about it.

True/False according to the video concerning the difference between the focused mode and the diffuse mode, the focused mode is affiliated with ... A relaxed, daydream-like approach to problem-solving.

false

True/False according to the video concerning the difference between the focused mode and the diffuse mode, the focused mode is affiliated with ... A way of pretending to understand used by Shakespearean actors, as one of the videos discussed in detail.

false

True/False regarding procrastination. Procrastination is a rare problem.

false

True/False about Sleep During sleep, your brain erases the less important parts of memories and simultaneously strengthens areas that you need or want to remember.

true

True/False according to the video concerning the difference between the focused mode and the diffuse mode, the focused mode is affiliated with ... A pinball machine that has bumpers which are very tightly grouped together, so the pinball (the thought) can't go very far without bumping into a bumper.

true

True/False regarding procrastination. Everybody has some issues with procrastination.

true

True/False regarding procrastination. When you don't want to work on something, a sense of neural discomfort arises. However, researchers have found that not long after you might start working on something that you find unpleasant, that neural discomfort disappears. So an important aspect of tackling procrastination is to just get yourself through that initial period of discomfort. The Pomodoro technique helps you do that.

true

True/False regarding procrastination. When you feel neural discomfort about something you don't want to do, switching your attention to something more pleasant helps you feel better--temporarily.

true