The way of learning by Tanvirul Haider

Learning is the process of gaining knowledge through studying. It also defined as Learning is the process of acquiring new understanding, knowledge, behaviors, skills, values, attitudes, and preferences.

“Learning without thinking is useless, Thinking without learning is dangerous.” -Confucius

In cognitive psychology, there is a strong relationship between learning and thinking. Learning with thinking will produce effective knowledge. There are two types of thinking where the human being generally applies. One is focused mode and another one is diffused mode of thinking.

Focused mode is that when you concentrate intently on something you're trying to learn or to understand. It is straightforward thinking. In this case our brain works in one track where no distraction exists. On the other hand, diffused mode is associated with a state of neural rest. It is more relaxed state of thinking where connection of more neurons occurs. It does not happen in a certain region of brain; it happens all over the brain. According to the neuroscientist, no one can use both thinking methods in the same time.

For example, you want to learn something new, so you should apply both focused mode which specify the subject and diffuse mode which help to understand context. Alternating between focused and diffuse thinking is the best way to master a subject or solve a difficult problem. First, we use the focused mode to understand the basics without any distractions, then we use the diffuse mode to internalize the connection between that we have already learned and knew.

We will repeat the focused mode to stick the information in our brain. But the more repetition is bad to solve a problem. Because it keeps our mind inside the box where we cannot think deeply or differently. This phenomenon is called Einstellung, means removing our ability to premise a problem and blocks the creativity.

On the other hand, diffuse mode will prevent from thinking straight. It helps to think outside the box. So, we should take advantage from the both methods to be master in a topic or subject.