Optimizing our brain power HOW DO WE LEARN? Ill only read it if its interesting I have to read something that catches my attention If its boring, I wont read it What did I just read??? HAVE YOU EVER SAID THIS.? IN WHAT FUTURE COLLEGE COURSES WILL YOU HAVE TO READ? History Government Biology Chemistry Physical science The core courses for your own major WILL EVERYTHING YOU READ BE INTERESTING? You have to understand what you read even if its boring You have to understand in order to pass your exams You owe it to your future to learn what you need to succeed SO WHAT DO YOU DO? How does the brain work? FIRST, WE HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THE LEARNING PROCESS New information connects to the old. If there is nothing to connect to, the brain resists.. Your brain connects to what is on it Your brain connects to what it knows new words What makes you understand? Remember when..? You have a car in mind Teaching a child colors. FOR EXAMPLE.. Read Watch TV you have never watched before Ask questions Read Go to class Talk to experts Google Talk to your kids Read Write things down WHAT DO YOU DO TO FIX IT? The more you know, the easier it is to learn BOTTOM LINE. This is called building background