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My learning style is exactly the same way, I can barely memorize four-character strings unless I can find some sort of mnemonic pattern, but abstract concepts a
by lmkg 17y ago
My learning style is exactly the same way, I can barely memorize four-character strings unless I can find some sort of mnemonic pattern, but abstract concepts are quick and easy. In a surprise twist of fate, that's why engineering was utterly impenetrable to me in school, while mathematics (my major) was a breeze. I think it has to do with the method of teaching. My required intro engineering courses were rather practical, so I couldn't find enough theory to wrap my head around.
There's evidence that you're right about the correlation with upbringing. Someone did a study on elementary school children, teaching them basic one-digit multiplication, and the concepts of place value, and then had them invent their own algorithms for long multiplication rather than rote-memorize the standard one. The methods they invented were invariably less compact and required more work than the standard method, but the students also performed well above average on standardized tests for multiplication.
I suspect that the high-performing individuals in the "softer" disciplines like literary analysis also function in the same way, just on fluffier concepts and less rigorous abstractions.
- stcredzero 17y agoI remember the day when I figured out that multiplication is iterated addition. No one had ever bothered to explain that. We were just told to memorize tables. I was at the bus stop. "Three times three. OH! Add three together three times! Don't you get it? That's why it's called TIMES!" My fellow grade schoolers just looked at me. (I grew up in a truly podunk town!)
- kirse 17y agoWas it from that point on when you realized how smart you were and decided that anyone who questions Evolution is incapable of abstract reasoning? Such scientific close-mindedness is cargo-cult science, my friend... I believe Feynman spoke on that one too.
- trapper 17y agoWhat? Anyone who understands the evidence for evolution should accept the theory, because it's just that compelling. If there is another explanation for all of the data & experimental confirmations then let us know, I'm sure you've got a paper in Nature awaiting.
- billswift 17y agoSome people who are otherwise reasonably bright have real trouble understanding systems. Interestingly they tend to accept claims about systems that they don't really understand that fit with their social/political associates. For example, liberals tend to accept evolution but question free-market economics because that is what their associates do, and vice versa for conservatives. Those that can understand both tend to become fairly libertarian, though remaining liberal or conservative on many specific issues.
- NathanKP 17y agoIt is decidedly bad practice to transport such a personal disagreement between threads.