Your brain is like a sponge in three ways…
- It will absorb what you immerse it in.
- It can only absorb so much so fast.
- Once it is saturated, it can absorb no more.
Implications for Students and Teachers
- Only immerse your brain in true and constuctive things.
- You must pay attention to something long enough for it to soak in.
- If you want to learn X, you need to slow down and focus your attention on X and maintain your focus on X until you feel something “click” or “seep in”.
- If you’re a teacher, give your students a few extra seconds to think about the answers to your questions. You’ll both be glad you did.
- Once you feel “full” or tired, your brain is saturated. Studying beyond that point will not produce much fruit. In fact, sometimes it can interfere with and displace what you have just learned.