![\"Margie](\"http:\/\/stgwww.capella.edu\/blogs\/cublog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2015\/08\/0e3ad70-300x300.jpg\")
<\/a>In spring 2015, Meacham published Brain Matters: How to Help Anyone Learn Anything Using Neuroscience<\/em><\/a> (an accompanying conference<\/a> will be held in the fall) and is currently working on a second book about learning and the human brain. \u201cOnce you discover how the brain works,\u201d Meacham says, \u201cyou realize that some of the things we think are true about learning are really not, while other things are right on the money.\u201d<\/p>\n Meacham\u2019s ongoing interest in neuroscience has been fueled by a desire to improve learning among students. How can teachers teach better? How can learners absorb and retain more knowledge? To that end, Meacham has sought out research that can be applied directly to everyday learning. Simplified, here are four neuroscience insights that can help you learn:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When the brain links bits of information, a biochemical electric charge races through a line of brain cells, also called neurons. Your initial introduction to a topic creates the path, and subsequent learning strengthens that neural chain\u2014similar to driving between two places over a matter of days, until it happens almost seamlessly.<\/p>\n Skimming the material before a lecture or class is a great way to establish an initial neural pathway, Meacham says. As you absorb information, you\u2019ll have a basic scheme for organizing it, and your brain will be primed for learning.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The physical act of taking notes forces you to translate concepts into your own words, which allows your brain to make connections to existing neural pathways. Restating information in familiar terms strengthens overall processing, Meacham says, and linking to existing neural pathways creates efficiencies.<\/p>\n Additionally, reviewing your notes shortly afterward illuminates the neural pathways once more, strengthening the overall bond between the cells and sharpening your ability to remember even the finer points.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Proper maintenance is important for all the muscles and organs in your body. Are you hydrated and fueled? Getting enough oxygen and rest? Your gray matter can\u2019t absorb the maximum amount of information if you\u2019re not in good physical shape. It\u2019s simple: good health leads to better learning. \u201cYour brain is connected to the rest of your body,\u201d Meacham says. \u201cSo if your body is out of whack, your brain is out of whack.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To survive, our ancestors developed brains that could alert us to dangers at any time. \u201cYour brain periodically scans your environment, so you\u2019re aware of any changes,\u201d Meacham says. \u201cBasically, it\u2019s to make sure you don\u2019t focus so much on having dinner that you become dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n But learning requires you to focus. So when you realize your brain has gotten distracted by something that is neither dangerous nor important but simply new or eye-catching, bring your focus back to learning, Meacham says. \u201cTell yourself, \u2018That\u2019s not important right now. I need to be paying attention to this other thing,\u2019 and pull yourself back in.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n1. Prime Your Mind Beforehand.<\/h4>\n
2. Take Notes As You Learn and Review Them Later.<\/h4>\n
3. Keep Your Body\u2014and Brain\u2014in Top Shape.<\/h4>\n
4. Every Brain Needs Training to Focus.<\/h4>\n