What is Learning? :Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects (Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects) Answers 2026

Question 1

Good next steps when you’re stuck (check all that apply):

• ✅ Switch your attention to something completely different, or go for a walk/shower.

• ❌ Keep working away on the problem without stopping.

• ✅ If tired, go to sleep and try again in the morning.

Explanation:
Switching to diffuse mode (relaxing, walking, sleeping) helps the brain form new connections. Forcing focus while stuck is ineffective.

Question 2

True statements about the Pomodoro technique:

• ✅ Setting a timer (often 25 minutes) and working without interruption.

• ❌ Multitasking during a Pomodoro is okay.

• ❌ Doing Pomodoros endlessly with no breaks or rewards.

• ❌ Setting an unrealistically large task for one Pomodoro.

Explanation:
Pomodoro requires focused, distraction-free work on small, manageable tasks, followed by breaks and rewards.

Question 3

In the __________ mode, the brain makes random connections.

• ✅ diffuse

• ❌ spread out

• ❌ focused

• ❌ weight-lifting

Explanation:
Diffuse mode is relaxed and allows broad, random neural connections.

Question 4

True statements about procrastination:

• ❌ Checking messages during a Pomodoro is okay.

• ✅ Everybody struggles with procrastination.

• ✅ Neural discomfort fades shortly after starting work; Pomodoro helps overcome it.

• ❌ Rewards after a Pomodoro are not important.

Explanation:
Starting work reduces discomfort quickly, and rewards are crucial for motivation.

Question 5

Focused mode is affiliated with (check all that apply):

• ✅ Drawing upside down to focus on details.

• ❌ Relaxed, daydream-like thinking.

• ✅ Pinball machine with tightly packed bumpers.

• ✅ Using familiar ideas and existing neural pathways.

Explanation:
Focused mode is analytical, structured, and relies on existing knowledge.

Question 6

True statements about sleep:

• ✅ Brain cells shrink, helping wash away toxins.

• ✅ Sleep improves problem-solving and learning.

• ❌ Skipping sleep and cramming is effective.

• ❌ Dreaming doesn’t improve understanding.

• ✅ Lack of sleep leaves metabolic toxins that impair thinking.

Explanation:
Sleep is critical for brain cleanup, memory consolidation, and insight.

Question 7

Technique to move information into long-term memory:

• ✅ Spaced repetition

• ❌ Focused mode

• ❌ Einstellung

• ❌ Interfusolistic thinking

• ❌ Neurothoughtpatterns

Explanation:
Spaced repetition strengthens neural pathways over time.

Question 8

True statements about practice:

• ❌ Practice kills creativity in abstract subjects.

• ✅ Practice is MORE important for abstract ideas.

• ❌ Understanding alone is enough.

• ✅ Practice makes memories more permanent.

Explanation:
Practice builds and strengthens neural connections.

Question 9

Activities that arouse diffuse mode (check all that apply):

• ✅ Riding as a passenger and looking out the window.

• ❌ Calculating a tip.

• ❌ Giving step-by-step directions.

• ✅ Relaxed, free-form dancing.

Explanation:
Diffuse mode activates during relaxed, non-focused activities.

Question 10

Exercise (check all that are true):

• ❌ Unrelated to learning.

• ❌ Inhibits learning.

• ✅ Sparks creative problem-solving.

• ✅ Helps disconnect and activate diffuse mode.

Explanation:
Exercise improves learning and creativity by engaging diffuse thinking.

Question 11

Why math and science can be challenging (check all that apply):

• ❌ Involve concrete ideas.

• ✅ Not strongly tied to emotions.

• ❌ Closely related to emotions.

• ✅ Often involve abstract ideas.

• ✅ Hard to find real-world analogies.

Explanation:
Abstract concepts without emotional or physical anchors are harder to grasp.

Question 12

The __________ mode uses rational, sequential problem-solving.

• ✅ focused

• ❌ diffuse

• ❌ Dali

Explanation:
Focused mode is analytical and linked to the prefrontal cortex.

Question 13

True statement about the brain:

• ✅ Exercise can help the brain grow new neurons even without enrichment.

• ❌ Isolation is the only path to success.

• ❌ No new neurons after infancy.

• ❌ Aging means inevitable decline.

Explanation:
Neuroplasticity continues throughout life.

Question 14

True statements about the human brain:

• ❌ Adult brains can’t form new synapses.

• ❌ Brain connectivity never changes.

• ✅ Sleep helps form new synapses.

• ✅ Brain connectivity is dynamic.

Explanation:
The brain is adaptable and constantly changing.

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