Yesterday, I wrote about my chemistry trick. To learn the structure of proline, we don’t try to “flash” the whole image into our head.
Instead, we imagine ourselves standing on a single atom. We imagine taking a “walk” around proline. We might try to visualize the whole molecule as it would appear from our position. Or we might just see the next atom in front of us as we walk.
Why does this work? It exploits the cut principle. We don’t try to recall every bit of information all at once. Instead, we recall only a small piece of the structure at a time.
This technique also benefits from pacing. During our imaginary walk around the molecule, our brain has time to recall the next step in the journey. It can forget where we came from, and focus on remembering where we’re going.
Finally, the technique is more stimulating and relaxing. Wouldn’t it be nice if more of our studying felt like the mental equivalent of taking a walk around the neighborhood?
Why the chemistry trick works
Yesterday, I wrote about my chemistry trick. To learn the structure of proline, we don’t try to “flash” the whole image into our head.
Instead, we imagine ourselves standing on a single atom. We imagine taking a “walk” around proline. We might try to visualize the whole molecule as it would appear from our position. Or we might just see the next atom in front of us as we walk.
Why does this work? It exploits the cut principle. We don’t try to recall every bit of information all at once. Instead, we recall only a small piece of the structure at a time.
This technique also benefits from pacing. During our imaginary walk around the molecule, our brain has time to recall the next step in the journey. It can forget where we came from, and focus on remembering where we’re going.
Finally, the technique is more stimulating and relaxing. Wouldn’t it be nice if more of our studying felt like the mental equivalent of taking a walk around the neighborhood?