Why Struggling is Important for Effective Learning

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Struggling in the learning process is crucial as it helps stress test memory and leads to better retention of information. When facing challenges and making mistakes, weaknesses in memory are exposed, providing opportunities for improvement. Testing oneself on the material results in better memorization compared to simply studying. Error-driven learning, where the brain corrects itself after generating a wrong answer, enhances memorization. Cognitive conflict, when struggling to recall information, activates the brain area associated with this process, facilitating learning. Actively engaging in tasks rather than passively studying helps in effectively learning and adapting to new information by confronting and addressing memory weaknesses.

"The only things that are important in life," declared the French filmmaker Jean Renoir, "are the things you remember." But what do we remember and why? That's the subject of a new book, "Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory's Power to Hold on to What Matters," by pioneering neuroscientist Charan Ranganath. He joins us today to explain why you still know the lyrics to the song you loved in eighth grade but can't remember the name of your kid's eighth-grade teacher, how memory shapes your identity, and what you can do right now to improve your recall.

THE NEXT BIG IDEA CLUB

We all know that reading is the best investment we can make in ourselves, but figuring out what to read — well, that’s another matter. Which is why we started the Next Big Idea Club. We get the best new books (as chosen by our friends Malcolm Gladwell, Adam Grant, Susan Cain, and Daniel Pink) into the hands of curious people. Like you! Join us today at nextbigideaclub.com