Trials and glucose

What helps with learning?

The thought of the next exam brings beads of sweat to your forehead? That is understandable. But luckily there are a few things you can do - so that you start the exam or Abitur learning phase with a good feeling. You can find out what these are here. You also learn what happens in your brain when you feed it new information. Also read about the benefits of glucose when studying for exams.

From the date of reunification to the chemical formula of carbon dioxide to the phases of mitosis: a lot of new information ends up in your head while preparing for the exam. But where exactly does what you learn actually arrive? And what can you do to ensure that your brain “stores” the learning material in the long term? After all, you have to be able to recall it in the exam or Abitur exam. Here you can find out how learning “works” – and how you can support your gray cells.

Concentrated learning: This is what happens in your brain

When you learn, the hippocampus – a specific part of your brain also known as the center of your memory – is active. This is where your brain permanently stores knowledge so that you can access it at the push of a button, even if you are stressed about exams . When you study with concentration, the so-called “effectiveness” at certain synapses between nerve cells increases. This means that synapses reconnect and change. This change is called “ long-term potentiation .” To ensure that the change occurs smoothly, your brain releases certain neurotransmitters and opens additional ion channels. In order for you to be able to recall learning content from memory during exams, your brain has to store it in a very specific part of your memory, the so-called declarative memory . We'll tell you how to get your brain to store exam-relevant information right there.

For full cognitive performance: This means that what you have learned goes to the “right” part of your brain

Memory consists of different levels. The first is the sensory level. Your brain stores all the information from your environment that you perceive consciously or unconsciously for a maximum of one second. This also includes sensory impressions. An example: While you are poring over your notes, your brain is constantly filtering out unimportant impressions and separating them from important learning content. If you smell your roommate cooking food while you're studying or hear a dog barking outside, your so-called ultra-short-term memory automatically sorts out these sensory impressions.

@fizkes/Shutterstock - When preparing for exams, music can help you concentrate on studying.

Speaking of sensory impressions: For some people, music helps them to maintain focus when exam preparation gets serious. Special deep focus playlists might be just right for you. Give it a try!

The brain stores the remaining information for a few minutes in primary memory or short-term memory. A lot of information comes in here. Therefore, the chance that you will forget what you have learned after a short time is quite high. Only a small amount of information enters long-term memory. Here information is sometimes stored for years in either procedural or declarative memory.

• Declarative memory : This is where your brain consciously “stores” what it has learned, such as vocabulary.
• Procedural memory : This is where your brain stores all the skills that you can use automatically and without thinking - like playing the piano or dancing.

In order for you to be able to recall learning content from memory during exams, your brain must store it in declarative memory. This works best if you repeat the information regularly. The reason: Before algebra and the like move into your long-term or declarative memory, they are first stored in medium-term memory . Here she quickly forgets your memory again.

Only repeating it several times will permanently change your synapses or nerve cell connections. Our tip is therefore : Don't just study five minutes before an exam, but give your brain time to memorize the content.

Dextrose for exam preparation

Let a tablet of dextrose melt on your tongue while you study - for a quick supply of carbohydrates to the body. Dextrose is a simple sugar, also called a “monosaccharide”. It doesn't have to be split first. Your body immediately absorbs it into your bloodstream. You can get dextrose in small, practical tablets, individually packaged, in a stick , in a can or in a practical mini format .

You also get dextrose with additional vitamins such as B12 or minerals such as magnesium or calcium . Vitamin B12 is involved in vital metabolic processes and can contribute to the normal function of the immune system. Magnesium supports muscle function , while calcium contributes to the maintenance of bones and teeth.

Learning tips: This is how what you learn “sticks”

Now that you know what happens in the brain when learning, you are probably asking yourself: What is the best way to ensure that the material I learn does not simply "disappear into nothingness" and remains in my memory? We’ll help you – just follow these five tips:

1. Start learning early enough - you should start at least four weeks in advance so that your brain can store the content in your long-term memory.
2. Repeat learning content frequently - you should repeat what you have already learned once a day so that it becomes memorized.
3. Don't overdo it - don't take on too much learning material at once. The reason: Your brain cannot permanently store too much new information at once. Repeat what you have already learned for a few days before moving on to new learning content.
4. Take breaks – at least every 45 minutes you should get up from your desk, stretch and walk (or dance!) around the apartment. This keeps you mentally fresh.
5. Know your limits - let a tablet of dextrose melt on your tongue for a quick carbohydrate supply to your body.

Well prepared for the Abitur or the exam phase

Good preparation and learning with structure is important so that you can give your all in your exams. Even knowing what happens in the brain when you learn can help you achieve top performance . In addition, dextrose contributes to the rapid supply of carbohydrates to your body when preparing for exams. Get started!

A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important.

SOURCES

Regehr, WG, Carey, MR, & Best, AR (2009). Activity-dependent regulation of synapses by retrograde messengers. Neuron, 63(2), 154–170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2009.06.021