Hi learners,

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to grasp new concepts effortlessly while others struggle to keep up?

​Rebecca Schwarzlose, a postdoctoral neuroscientist at Washington University in St. Louis, researches how the brain works—and how the maps within your brain determine what you see, recognize, remember, and feel.

By the end of this newsletter, you'll grasp the concept of brain maps, appreciate their significance in perception and attention, and discover actionable strategies to apply this knowledge in educational settings. Whether you're a teacher, a parent, or simply curious about how learning works, these insights will help you create a more interactive and responsive learning environment.

Understanding Brain Maps

Brain maps are literal representations within your brain that process sensory inputs and motor functions. These maps are formed by the activity of neurons, organized in a way that maximizes efficiency by saving space. For example, visual maps correspond to your field of vision, and damage to specific parts can lead to a loss of perception in those areas. Historically, much of the understanding of brain maps comes from studying individuals with brain injuries. Observations revealed that damage to specific brain areas consistently affected corresponding perceptions and abilities.

Implications for Lifelong Learners

• Leverage Multisensory Learning: When studying new information, combine reading with visual aids like charts or videos. Engaging different sensory maps in your brain can help solidify the information and make abstract concepts more tangible.
• Utilize Spatial Representations: Break down complex information into spatial representations. Mind maps, diagrams, and physical models can help you visualize and organize information more effectively. This approach builds on the brain’s natural way of mapping sensory and spatial information.
• Stay Mindful of Attention: Recognize that your brain prioritizes information based on relevance and potential for action. To improve focus, create a conducive environment free from distractions and set clear, actionable goals for your learning sessions.

If you want to explore this topic further, check out this podcast interview with Rebecca Schwarzlose or her book "Brainscapes".

Happy learning :)

Featured Articles

Here's a collection of articles I wrote or that I enjoyed reading. All links to my articles are friend links, so you can read them without having a Medium subscription.

💡 5 Short and Sharp Insights I Wish More Humans Knew About Learning - by Eva Keiffenheim

👀 How to Create a Learning Community and Stay Committed to Your Goals - by Eva Keiffenheim

🧠 Three Things Worth Learning in 2024 - by Eva Keiffenheim

Learning Nuggets

✨ Learn How to Shape a Better Future for All Beings on This Planet

"Active Hope" was recommended to me by artist and activist Silvia Strass and is one of the most exciting books I have read in a while. The authors Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone do a brilliant job at naming the environmental, social, and economic crises we're in and guiding personal and collective action toward a better future - without compromising on intersectionality and complexity. It'll stay my philosophical guide and practical workbook as I am reorienting the ways I will be working. Read it if you feel lost or overwhelmed by the world's current state.

✨ The Secrets Behind the Success of the World’s Education Superpowers

"Cleverlands: The Secrets Behind the Success of the World’s Education Superpowers" by Lucy Crehan explores top-performing education systems in countries like Finland, Japan, and Singapore. Crehan, a former teacher turned researcher, shares her firsthand experiences and thorough research, revealing the cultural, policy, and pedagogical elements behind their success. If you're looking for practical insights and comparisons of education reform this is an interesting read! One of the key insights for me was how the "high-performing systems" focus on helping young people thrive in multiple dimensions of their live (beyond academic success).

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