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Sometimes I wonder, how life would be if I am not who I am? More often than not, we often look at others and envy them, thinking how lucky they are and how we are not. Sometimes, it seems that some people have just all the luck in the world and you don’t. People around you, some are blessed with looks, some with intelligence and some with wealth. I’m sure that deep down, there will always come a time when you’d wish you were some one else.

Thinking again, have you ever considered how many people aspire to be you? Today, I walked past a beggar sitting by the streets, and he just looked at me walking past him. His expression speaks of a yearning to be like anybody that passes along the streets, with decent clothes and a home. It was then I realised that I was in fact lucky to become who I am. Even you, reading this blog on the computer show how lucky you are! Do you know how many people in the world have no access to a computer, much less to the internet? Even the ability to read this article shows how blessed you are. Many parts of the world are stricken with disease, poverty and illiteracy? We’re really lucky I tell you! =)

I think it is important to be contented with what we have. Pursuing materialistic riches all your life will only end up in you dying rich! Then again, as my father always likes to say: “Money isn’t everything, but it helps!” So, in life, by all means do pursue for success but always remind yourself about how lucky you are as you do. Be contented, if you have now become a millionaire, please don’t envy your two-million-aire neighbour beside your bungalow! Be contented! (^0^)

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Last Saturday, my Biology tuition teacher, Mr. Khor, gave a talk on what he said was “the most important thing in learning.” It was at that day that I had an “Aha” moment on what learning is all about. So, now I’m writing this article to supplement the original article on July 01, 2005. After much thought and that amazing talk, here’s what I’ve found out about learning in general.

The first step to learning is the actual input of information. Consider this, there is nothing much to understand if you don’t have anything to understand, right? It’s like baking a cake, all your expertise in cake making is useless until you actually have the basic ingredients in your hands. To baking cakes, this is like shopping for ingredients. So, filling up your head with information is the first step to learning!

The problem: “I read and read and still don’t get it!”

The solution: Repetition method

If you come to think of it, the term “Try, try and try again” comes into mind! Notice how this phase is actually a living example of the meaning it is trying to convey? The word “try” is repeated 3 times! The phrase basically talks about how repetition will ultimately help you achieve your ultimate goal, for example, to master Physics! This method is commonly applied but is of little awareness by its users. Notice how in math, practise makes perfect? The psychological effect behind it is really significant so pay attention! Working on many math questions here actually helps you form a habit. How do you know that 2+2 equals to 3? This is because you have been exposed to this sum so many times until it is habitually of you to call the value 3. Also, the method of answering math questions becomes faster and more effective as it become a habit. For example, Binomial Expansion to some is a very complex process to expand the equation but to some the have practised, expanding the equations has become second nature to them. Expanding the equation looks as though as it takes no effort, as though the mind does not even need to think! Why? It has become a habit!

Repetition method here for other subjects can be seen as such: Memorizing formulas and facts. After several times of reading, one will find the information which seemed pretty confusing in the beginning, getting easier and easier. This does not mean it has become a habit, but instead, the information of what you’re reading actually starts to stick on you, bit by bits, every time you read it again. For History for example, the only way to remember is to actually read it many a times until all the information gets into your head. Repetition is one of the best ways to get information into your long term memory and if a story is read plenty of times (say 20 or more times), 30 years from now you’d still be able to tell the story as vividly as if you’d read it the first time! Mr. Khor gave a good example on how this concept was applied and I would like to share this to you. Books such as Peter and Jane (by Ladybird) applies this concept. A single word that is needed to be learn is actually repeated in the book a minimum of 12 times By that time, the child would have fully grasp the new word (not necessarily the meaning though) .In addition, the word is actually carried forward to the other books the in the following series. So, by the time the child finishes the entire series, words like “water” and “dog” will be imprinted into their minds permanently as the have been exposed to the word for hundreds of times!

Application: Well, nothing much to say here, read anything you want to understand many a times. Remember, repetition method does not only include reading. Listening to the teacher, working on exercises, all of the also form of repetition, so pay attention in class! =P

The problem: “I’ve done what you’ve said and yet still blew it in exams. Forgetful maybe…”

The solution: Memory Triggers

Ok, let’s say that you have read and read again the book but when asked for a certain elaboration, you cannot do so. You have all the knowledge but why can’t you use it? The reason is this, the information is all inside your head but information management is poor. Consider this; it is easier to absorb a chapter of bio but in doing so you “forget” another chapter. That’s the problems faced by most students studying broad base subjects! Actually, the information is still there but it may be messed up with other parts of the subject. As a result, you either “forget” (can’t find the info) or you are confused (info is mixed with other info). To overcome the, your mind must be tagged and archived systematically…memory triggers must be used.

Basically, memory trigger are what that helps you extract the information from you mind, when and where you need it. Some people call it the key to your mind, but whatever you call it, the idea is basically the same. Information is processed and files nicely in your mind. It is like you rewriting you notes and organizing it better. The same applies, only this one is about organizing your head. The basic idea of this is the form chain ideas (connective ideas). If for example you remember about a great fact about chocolate and that in turn may lead you to remember other fact about chocolate or the process of chocolate making. To connect those ideas, there are basically two ways: Mind Map or visualisation. The above diagram is actually a mind map while visualisation involves using pictures or images in your head.

Application: Both are equally effective but its usage mostly depends on the information you’d like to control. Daily reminders, parts of plants and such - use visualisation! History, chronological facts, connective idea - use mind maps!

The problem: “I have done all and have a good grasp of the subject. How do I proceed?

The solution: Total understanding, connections of concepts (see post on 1st July 05)

Now with all the information straightened out and controlled, it’s time to take your newly acquired knowledge for a test drives.

Application: Try questions and such to reinforce your understanding for school level. For life skills, try to apply what you have learn on the matter for that is what understanding is all about.

Concept connection – full integration into life
Actually, connection of concepts actually is the binding glue to this “Total Learning Method”. Its reach covers all 3 methods and brings it all together. So, by applying these 3 methods of learning into your life and this one here, the process of learning will be easier. For me, I still think that concept connection is the must be emphasized as ir represents live long learning and provokes interests. After all, you can force a donkey to the water but you cannot force him to drink.

Before I end this article, I’ll like to leave this thought with you:
“All the knowledge in the world is useless, unless one knows how to apply it.” - PY

Pic: A mind map of what I call “The Total Learning Method” , click on it to enlarge it!