MAGICademy

Power of Attention: Neuroscience for Transformation

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In S3E10 of @MAGICademy Podcast, we delve into the fascinating world of neuroscience and learning with @Lauren Waldman, founder of @Learning Pirate. Lauren shares her expertise on how our brains process information, form memories and adapt to change. She explains the crucial role of attention in learning, the concept of schemas, and how novelty stimulates our brains. The conversation explores the importance of rest and sleep in memory consolidation, the challenges of changing established neural networks, and the potential impact of new technologies on learning.

Key Takeaways

  1. The Complexity of Attention: Attention is not a single process but involves multiple networks in the brain. It's a complex cognitive function that allocates our resources to specific stimuli or tasks, processing various aspects like color, motion, sound, texture, and shape simultaneously. Understanding these mechanisms can help us design more effective learning experiences.
  2. Schemas and Learning: Our brains organize information into schemas, which are patterns of thought or behavior. When learning something new, we filter information through existing schemas. This can be beneficial when building on existing knowledge but can also hinder change initiatives as the brain tends to revert to familiar patterns. Recognizing this can help in developing strategies for more effective learning and organizational change.
  3. The Physiology of Memory Formation: Forming a new memory involves creating and strengthening connections between brain cells in specific patterns. This process takes time and requires practice and rehearsal. It's not instantaneous, which explains why learning new skills or changing behaviors can be challenging and time-consuming. This understanding should inform how we approach learning and skill development.
  4. The Power of Novelty in Learning: The brain responds more strongly to novel experiences, with neuroimaging studies showing up to 3-5 times stronger cellular responses to new stimuli. This insight can be leveraged in learning design by incorporating novel elements to capture attention and enhance engagement. However, it's important to balance novelty with the need for repetition and practice in forming lasting memories and skills.
  5. Lauren’s Magic: Curiosity about people and her ability to connect with them, allowing her to participate in and guide their journey of joining forces with their brains.


    6. What’s Lauren’s Magic?


    Conclusion

    In conclusion, this episode equips you with practical neuroscience-based strategies to enhance your skill and development processes. By understanding the brain's mechanisms for attention, memory formation, and adapting to change, you can implement more effective learning techniques, such as incorporating novelty to boost engagement, allowing sufficient rest for memory consolidation, and patiently building new neural pathways when acquiring new skills or habits.


    Connect with Our Guest Here

    Lauren Waldman is the founder of Learning Pirate and a pioneer in applying neuroscience to professional and personal development. With a background as a CLO and years of experience in education and industry, Lauren has positioned herself as one of the few scientific learning designers working to integrate brain science into everyday life and work.

    http://www.learningpirate.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-waldman-learning-pirate-4666bab/

    https://www.instagram.com/learning_pirate/

    References

    • Mangun, G.R. (2020). How We Pay Attention. Frontiers for Young Minds.; 

    • Lytchenko, T.K., Seekins, S., Huntamer, S., White, T., Caplovitz, G.P., & Mruczek, R.E. (2021). 

    • Attention: Your Brain’s Superpower. Frontiers for Young Minds.

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      MAGICademyBy Dr. Jiani Wu