LEARNING HOW TO LEARN
Learning is the task of forming new connections
IT'S MORE COMPLICATED THAN YOU THINK. Learning takes place specifically in the cerebrum, also known as the little brain. In order to learn, our brains transmit sensory information through sensory neurons to interneurons and then to neurons within the brain. The information is transmitted from neuron to neuron through synapses between the cells. This transmission of information involves the depolarization of the cell membrane and the release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic cell into the synaptic cleft. This will cause the opening of ligand gated channels on the postsynaptic cell and create a depolarization in that neuron which can then go to activate the next neuron in line until the information reaches its target organ. ​​​​​​​​
Learning involves the strengthening and weakening of the connections among the neurons. When your brain recalls a piece of information over and over again, it is able to consolidate connections and speed up recall. Once two neurons have interacted frequently enough, they form a bond in order to transmit information easier.
Now your brain can recall information almost effortlessly. It no longer has to work and learn something new. ​​​​​​​
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When we do need to learn something new, the brain is able to recognize that. It is “programmed to pay special attention to any experience that is novel or unusual,” (Ford, et al). The brain is able to recognize novel experiences by “making comparisons between the new information brought through the senses and existing information stored in our brain’s long-term memory,” (Ford, et al).
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In layman's terms, new experiences turn your brain ON and repeated routines leave your brain OFF. By actively placing ourselves into new situations, we are encouraging our brains to work to form new connections so then we can learn.