Right now, I’m experiencing a miniature version of this. I’m learning about how optogenetics works. This technique depends on an understanding of both neuron action potentials and G Protein Coupled Receptors, which has forced me to review each of those structures. This in turn forces me to review the structures of the various molecules and enzymes involved, which forces mild review of even deeper precursors such as Glutamine-Histidine-Serine structures in active sites of enzymes. I imagine that if you weren’t cramming for an exam, and were genuinely interested in the subject matter, and were consciously trying to develop your “mental movie” to build understanding, this would be the natural approach to take.
In general, I really wonder to what extent our educational system’s need to test and measure students has operationalized “learning” in a way that’s deeply different from what would be optimal for, say, producing competent scientists.
Right now, I’m experiencing a miniature version of this. I’m learning about how optogenetics works. This technique depends on an understanding of both neuron action potentials and G Protein Coupled Receptors, which has forced me to review each of those structures. This in turn forces me to review the structures of the various molecules and enzymes involved, which forces mild review of even deeper precursors such as Glutamine-Histidine-Serine structures in active sites of enzymes. I imagine that if you weren’t cramming for an exam, and were genuinely interested in the subject matter, and were consciously trying to develop your “mental movie” to build understanding, this would be the natural approach to take.
In general, I really wonder to what extent our educational system’s need to test and measure students has operationalized “learning” in a way that’s deeply different from what would be optimal for, say, producing competent scientists.