Aristotle once said that repeating things makes them second to nature. They become things you do without much thought.
Repetition is crucial in learning because it allows the brain to solidify new information by repeatedly reinforcing neural connections, allowing information to be encoded more effectively into long-term memory.
When you do something repeatedly, like play tennis, myelin builds up around the network. That means the brain processes cell signals faster and more efficiently, leading to better performance.
What is long-term memory?
Long-term memory (LTM) is the ability to store and recall information over time. It can hold an unlimited amount of information for an indefinite period. LTM takes information from short-term memory and creates long-lasting memories.
Short Term Memory is the temporary storage of information that one can recall for a few seconds to a few minutes.
Functions of Short-Term Memory–
- Attention: Helps you focus on something in your immediate environment.
- Recognition: Helps you connect new information to information you already know.
- Speech comprehension: Helps you understand speech.
- Vocabulary acquisition: Helps you learn new words.
- Reasoning: Helps you solve problems and understand things.
Important functions of Long-term Memory–
- Storage: The act of retaining encoded information over time, where short-term memories become more permanent through repetition.
- Retrieval: The ability to access and recall stored information when needed.
What is the process of Learning?
Learning is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values, and preferences through the medium of studying, experiencing, or being taught.
How does learning become more effective through repetition?
- Repetition strengthens the Neural Pathways – Neural pathways are groups of nerve fibers that carry information between parts of the central nervous system, when you repeat information, the neural pathways in your brain related to that information become stronger.
- Repetition plays a crucial role in Memory Consolidation – Memory Consolidation refers to the process in which temporary information is transferred into a long-lasting and more stable form.
- Repetition and Practice – The perfect way to retain information is through repeated practice over time. Thus, consistent repetition strengthens memory and skill development, this is often described as Practice makes perfect !!
Let us consider the subject of mathematics as an example and understand how we learn it.
To be successful in mathematics, it is not enough to read, attend a class, or study but it requires a lot of consistent practice.
How can practice make you perfect in Mathematics?
Mathematics is a practical subject that requires continuous reinforcement. There is an ancient approach to learning maths without feeling the anxiety around it.
Some readers may have heard about the Ancient Abacus however many may be unaware of its use in the modern world.
Abacus – The World’s first Calculator
An abacus is a calculation tool that uses sliding counters along rods to perform mathematical functions. In addition to calculating the basic functions of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, an abacus can calculate roots up to the cubic degree.
Each row on the abacus represents a different place value (ones, tens, hundreds, etc.). The beads on each rod represent numerical values. Users place beads in specific positions to represent numbers.
You can learn basic calculations, such as addition, and subtraction within six months. For more complex operations, like Higher Divisions, multiplications, powers, and cube roots, it may take up to three years to learn to perform the calculations proficiently.
How does an Abacus work?
Abacus learning uses Visual & Spatial memory as its key technique that assists in Mental Arithmetic.
When using an abacus, the user must maintain track of the placement of the beads, which supports the growth and reinforcement of visual and spatial memory.
By using an Abacus, the user can ‘see’ numbers & calculations in their mind and perform the most complex calculations mentally by moving the beads in their head.
This blending of Physical and Mental skills is possible by building Muscle Memory.
Muscle Memory is the ability to perform a task with more efficiency and less conscious thought after practicing it repeatedly.
How does Muscle Memory work?
When a movement is repeated over time, the brain creates long-term muscle memory for that task, eventually allowing it to be performed with little to no conscious effort.
Let’s dive deeper into the concept of Learning mathematics the Non-Traditional way.
Mathematics has traditionally been a subject of rote memorization, where students have been memorizing multiplication tables without having the ability to derive numbers on their own.
With such a dependency on memorized data, there are chances of forgetting numbers under pressure, this builds anxiety around the subject and in turn, makes it a fearful endeavor.
Learning mathematics using an Abacus works on the principle of repetition.
- Using the abacus involves fine motor skills and muscle memory. As users move beads up and down, they develop muscle memory for common calculations. Over time, leading to quicker and more accurate calculations.
- Students who have been through the UCMAS program have additional benefits including, high levels of concentration, observation, memorization, imagination, and creativity.
- Improved Speed and accuracy of calculations.
- Improved overall academic performance.
Students who joined the UCMAS program at an early age, are now adults who effortlessly incorporate the use of Abacus for performing mental maths in their work lives.
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