Why traditional study habits don't work

This type of approach to studying doesn't work because our minds don't function like computers. A computer can take in information and then spit it back out. However, our minds are more relational in nature.

By relational in nature, I mean that our brain functions like a graph-based network. If new information attempts to enter the brain without being connected to any of our previous knowledge, it will simply be rejected.

For example, let's imagine that you are new to learning programming. If you simply run through a list of programming terms and syntax rules, you might memorize them in the short run.

However, because your brain hasn't been properly introduced to the concepts, it will eventually eject the information, viewing it as useless since it's not related to the rest of your view of the world.

However, imagine that you take a different approach. In this new, more enlightened approach, you work with your brain and allow it to connect each of the new programming concepts that you're learning to knowledge and experiences that you already have.