How do we think? I have noticed in my own life that "we" think very differently. For example: when I need to think, I clean something, or I go for a walk, or I go outside and pull weeds. My husband, however, is exactly opposite: he sits and stares into space. But he does a lot of very deep thinking that way. So, the way we go about it is very personal.
How do we learn? Again, very personal. I have to mirror something to learn, and then repeat it several more times. If someone shows me, and I don't mirror it back to them, I will forget in a very short amount of time. I've noticed with my own children they learn very differently from each other: Lane, my oldest, has to do everything "hands on," and I mean everything. Justin is a thinker, like his dad. He sees, he thinks, then he does. Alexa has to be shown several different ways to find the one that works best for her. Some things are hands on, some are watching and mirroring, some things she needs to do along with someone, and some things she needs to think about. Jake, however, just does. He hears it, he does it. Done. I've seen all these same behaviors, and more, in my students.
How do we remember? I think the best way to remember is by using multiple steps. My science lessons generally consist of 3 steps: lecture/note taking; doing an activity and applying; and reflecting. Lecture/note taking can be boring, so we keep that part short, and then follow up with an experiment or activity to drive home real life application. Then we regroup and discuss our findings/experiences. I have found that when I use all three of these steps, my students remember the most.
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