July 29, 2010

A system that doesn’t forget to remind me

Recently, in a discussion with Dave Farrow, creator of the Farrow Study Method, I realized that students are in the same ‘memory boat’ as I am. Between classes, studying for tests, writing papers, trying to “get a life” and maybe working a full or part-time to keep a life; they also need study systems in place to help them learn easier and never forgets to remind them of what they really need to know. Dave and I talked about the different ways that students can cope with the pressure and perform more successfully in their academics.

Do you know more about your gadgets than your brain?

I’m always amazed that we seem to know more about our gadgets, computers and VCRs than we do our own brains. In order to utilize and get the most from the precious gift you carry around, you might want to learn a little more about it. And who would be the foremost authority? Carl Sagan for one.

You can’t really teach people anything unless…

You can’t really teach people anything unless they are willing to learn. What I like most is working with willing and eager learners – people who are hungry and are excited about learning new things. These people are GHB’s (growing human beings) and are usually optimistic, open-minded and curious.

A Closed Mind is as Good as Dead!

I’ve heard it said that a closed book can’t be read, a closed mouth can’t be fed and for sure, a closed mind is as good as dead. What’s the point of having a brain if we don’t delight in developing it to the max?

Are you an Owl or a Lark?

There are two kinds of people – Owls and Larks. Owls like to stay up late and do their best work when all of the fanfare dies down. The drag butt in the mornings and don’t get activated until mid morning or afternoon. On the other hand, Larks are morning people. They rise with the sun, sun shinny and smiles and they irk the daylights out of owls. Knowing which type you are will make a big difference with your study habits and results.

The Most Important Skill for Learning is Reading

Did you know that the most important skill for learning is reading? Think about it – you have to read in every subject, including math! The whole of our existence is about communication – and words are king in that they convey lots of detail, ideas, information and valuable genius insights. You must read in order to prepare for tests and even write your papers.

Turn that thing off and turn on to Baroque!

When you study, you can’t afford to entertain distractions. To get the most of your study time, turn off the TV, PlayStation, Xbox, Gameboy, and whatever else! Now, the only exception is music. The key to effective learning is to be in the right state and the right kind of music can facilitate learning in an incredible way.

Interview: Dave Farrow – The Millionaire Memory Man – on Studying…

Dave Farrow is the current Guinness World Record holder for Greatest Memory. Dave was able to remember all 3068 cards in random order to make the claim of having the greatest memory.

The Heart is Wiser Than the Head

Researchers at the Institute of HeartMath have discoverd that your emotional state affects your brain’s ability to learn.

Not too hot, cold, hungry, thirsty or angry = better study

Can you really concentrate, study and learn well if it’s too hot, too cold, or if you’re hungry?