Want to learn a new skill? Take some short breaks
https://neurosciencenews.com/rest-learning-memory-11073/
In this study NIH researchers closely examined how memory and learning occur during a novel task. Subjects completed a typing test using their non dominant hand for a series of repeated trials over several days while performance and brain waves were concurrently monitored. Researchers found that the beta rhythm brainwave patterns associated with learning were actually present during the brief breaks in between trials of the motor task, as opposed to during actual task completion. This suggests that learning and skill refinement actually occurs during the rest period while performing a complex motor task, where a recent memory of task performance can be examined for relevant information. Additionally, the cumulative improvements of subjects between trials in one day exceeded the improvement between days of testing, indicating that this between repetition rest was just as critical to learning as rest between practice sessions
This information makes a lot of sense when you consider the information presented on attention in John Medina's Brain Rules. He indicates that human attention is limited and brief, and requires frequent breaks in order to facilitate effective learning. He suggests breaking study sessions and learning of information into blocks with several smaller breaks in between to facilitate and improve learning. It would only stand to reason that the limited nature of attention would affect learning of motor skills in a similar manner. This research expands on this idea by suggesting that the in between breaks in learning new information or skills do more than just reset the attention, and are actually the point in which the learning is occurring-- as opposed to during the studying or practice.
In this study NIH researchers closely examined how memory and learning occur during a novel task. Subjects completed a typing test using their non dominant hand for a series of repeated trials over several days while performance and brain waves were concurrently monitored. Researchers found that the beta rhythm brainwave patterns associated with learning were actually present during the brief breaks in between trials of the motor task, as opposed to during actual task completion. This suggests that learning and skill refinement actually occurs during the rest period while performing a complex motor task, where a recent memory of task performance can be examined for relevant information. Additionally, the cumulative improvements of subjects between trials in one day exceeded the improvement between days of testing, indicating that this between repetition rest was just as critical to learning as rest between practice sessions
This information makes a lot of sense when you consider the information presented on attention in John Medina's Brain Rules. He indicates that human attention is limited and brief, and requires frequent breaks in order to facilitate effective learning. He suggests breaking study sessions and learning of information into blocks with several smaller breaks in between to facilitate and improve learning. It would only stand to reason that the limited nature of attention would affect learning of motor skills in a similar manner. This research expands on this idea by suggesting that the in between breaks in learning new information or skills do more than just reset the attention, and are actually the point in which the learning is occurring-- as opposed to during the studying or practice.
In addition to Medina's findings about taking breaks for improved learning, research has been done within classrooms to study the other effects of taking a break on the brain. In one article on https://www.edutopia.org/article/research-tested-benefits-breaks, the author describes a research study that was conducted in 2012 by Mary Helen Immordino-Yang and several other researchers from USC and MIT. Their research looked at fMRI's to establish the neural activity that was considered "default". The researchers looked at the way that in a state of rest, different regions of the brain were still active and allowed for cognitive abilities to increase as an individual examined the outside world. In addition to taking a restful break, further research showed that taking a break and exercising boosts brain functioning by allowing for increased blood flow and oxygenation in the brain that would allow for more neural connectivity and nerve cell growth in the hippocampus. Research has shown the benefit of breaks, but what happens during the break can also have an impact on how the brain responds.
ReplyDeleteA recent article was posted about NIH conducting research in hopes that the findings could help patients who have paralyzing effects from strokes or other brain injuries. Lead researcher found that we need long periods of rest (ex: sleep) to strengthen new memories. In this study they measured a participant and the activity they were told to do after certain time breaks in between, it was found that they improved each time and that they leveled off around the 11th time. They looked further into beta waves to try and understand how people learn more during the resting period rather when active. https://www.zmescience.com/science/short-breaks-memory-skill-2363625/ . It is interesting to see all this research done to find out exactly how the brain can improve upon new skills while people rest.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate everything you have added to my knowledge base.Admiring the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer.Thanks. learning a new skill
ReplyDelete