CONTENTS 1. Introduction 1.1 Course Outline 1 1.2 Introduction ...

Do you appreciate both halves of your brain and what they do
The left side functions in a ‘linear’ way, is very logical and likes to express itself verbally as in
solving maths problems or in preparing and argument for discussion. The right side tends to take
much more of a whole or emotional view of things, and can help us project images for creative
expression of our feelings and emotions. Some of us have a bias toward the left or right of our
brains but we all have a high potential for either.
Do you tend to resent or deride those who appear more successful at study than you
are
It is a very common and human failing to react adversely to the achievements of others. In fact
very often those we deride may simply be better able to use their brains and may not necessarily
possess brains any better in themselves. If we habitually deride others success we risk telling our
own brains not to bother, as we do not wish to be like that. It is much better for our own
learning and development to try and see what habits of study lead to success and try to act
similarly. It is commonly found that the intense study that precedes examinations not only
enhances our comprehension but also our enjoyment of the subject. Try to establish habits of
regular study early in the academic year, it will lighten your load at times of stress and establish a
firm foundation for success based on enjoyment of the subject.
Do you learn more effectively with the ear or the eye
Some people remember a lot of what is said in class, or on television, the radio or talks they have
heard. Students who like to learn by listening sometimes record general facts in their subject on
a tape recorder to help later study. Sometimes they record the lectures they attend, this is
usually entirely acceptable. Other people learn best by the eye; they can pick up a lot from a
diagram very effectively, and benefit especially from written notes. We all have the capacity for
both types of memory and can improve our skill by making use of images, i.e. pictures and
diagrams to help reinforce learning. Your lecturers will often make use of both channels to help
you to learn. Reading alone is unlikely to be as successful as the lecture followed promptly by
backup reading to reinforce and expand the material covered. You will often be given hand-out
material, text and / or diagrams, to assist your study; please use them thoroughly and actively –
not just by passive acceptance.
How good are you at taking notes
Techniques of note taking from lectures or textbooks have to be thought about and worked on.
To be most effective you MUST MAKE THE NOTES YOURSELF, not just copy them (why do you
think this is).
Notes can echo the work of the two sides of the brain. Those in a formal pattern have neat
sentences, all in lines. They may use KEY WORDS – that is words which trigger off other
thoughts, or unlock meanings and memories. Such formal notes can be useful but experts
suggest we should explore another kind of note-making. Flow-diagrams or mind maps depend
more upon the total pattern and call for imagination and originality. They use key words and
images, colour, mnemonics and arrows to show links and associations. The flow pattern may
better represent the way our minds really work; such note schemes are more flexible, visually
and easily remembered. The more interest we take in them, the more use they are likely to be.
They can sometimes be quick to produce, but should not be untidy; the themes need to be clear
and the words are better printed than scrawled.
Do you think you have a bad memory
It is commonly true that people with good memories have, in effect, unconsciously developed
special tricks to help things to stick. Some such techniques, called MNEMONICS, use rhymes or
associations of words to assist the memory (e.g. Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain to remind
us of the hues of the rainbow identified by Newton as: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo,
violet). Apparently the more silly or amusing the process used to help the memory, the more
information is likely to be retained. Your lecturers may help you by establishing such silly links
from time to time in class. Have you ever tried to devise such a process for yourself If not, try
it out!
DPI_Hbook 27 ©University of Westminster