Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Shocks to increase learning

No, not shocks as a punishment for misbehaving students.

There is research into how shocking some parts of the brain increases learning ability.

Some felt that the shocks quieted conscious parts of the brain so subjects wouldn't overthink their activities.  I think that is possible but wonder - the great thing about learning only a fraction of the actual research and information- if the shock could have erased some of the early prejudices and doctrines of the activity so that the subject could start afresh without misconceptions getting in the way.  A swimmer who has swum tens of kilometres using poor arm position needs to forget what he has been doing to change it.

Anyway, maybe electroshock is a shortcut. Time will tell.

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