( Photo credit: https://www.embibe.com/exams/how-to-not-get-distracted-while-studying/)
In the modern age of fast technology, digital distractions have become one of the biggest addictions of our brain which is forced to constantly over process multiple random inconsistent feeds without getting time to build a coherent picture.
Taking the analogy of computers to our learning, whatever we have learnt is not stored in a hard disk, but more like in a temporary file ready to be erased byte by byte by the next series of distractions.
No wonder why books and other long form of communication have become….yawn… so “boring” or less effective. Are we slowly loosing our ability to concentrate in one subject or book without being distracted ?
In this fast paced era, our way of learning also has to change to make sure learners don’t get left out or intimidated by conventional strategies.
Also further insights into brain studies by Dr. Hermann Ebbinghaus shows how we forget and methods to maximize our memories. (https://www.growthengineering.co.uk/what-is-the-forgetting-curve/)
And the most effective ways of information retention and recall has been found to be by:
- micro-learning, learn in small coherent bits and assemble the pieces of puzzle over time
- spaced repetition: revise in repeated intervals over long term
This form of learning can be effectively done using learning cards instead of books. Each card contains a small package of information. And a collection of cards unveil new patterns and information which increases complexity slowly and steadily.
By coming up with innovative games and rules, the process of spaced repetition can be done by playing card games day after day. Within no time, one can see how our memory can recall the facts without needing much prompting or head scratching.
In card games, there is also an emotional drive of low stake “winning and losing”. This makes the information more memorable.
(Photo credit: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/twosistersinthewild/edge-of-extinction-the-trading-card-game)
Infact, all those who have played wrestling card as kids would remember that Big Show weighed 500 pounds and Undertaker’s height was 6 ft 10 inches, Triple H had 52 inches chest and The Rock was Rank No 1 ! Even after years of gap these information has been still accessible to me because we played it every day while travelling in bus to school.
I am sure learning science using card games will also be just as easy and forgettable concepts like physical dimensions, valence electronic configuration of elements and formula of ionic compounds can be easily learnt using card games.
Check the below memory card game out to see if playing this repeatedly makes you remember the pairs of the same group elements of the 2nd and 3rd row of the periodic table.
https://matchthememory.com/periodicpairsmemory
Eagerly waiting for the launch of Science Didi FUN-DO card games to explore more on this method of micro learning and spaced repetition!
To further explore on this idea, please check out the amazing educational resource of Tech Edvocate.
Don’t Forget About It: How Spaced Repetition and Microlearning Boost Memory