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Learning something new can seem impossible: why & what you can do about it (focused & diffuse modes of learning)


Have you ever felt completely stuck when trying to learn something new? You’re focused, working hard, but it feels like you're not getting anywhere? Like this girl:

A young child sits at a desk with an open book, looking frustrated and holding their head in their hands. A stack of books is on one side, and a globe sits on the other. The child appears overwhelmed, symbolizing the challenge of learning something new.

Here's the reason: when you’re tackling something unfamiliar, your brain needs more than just focus — it needs time to process in the background.


That’s where balancing focused and diffuse modes of learning comes in.


HOW THE BRAIN HANDLES NEW INFORMATION


In focused mode, your brain is laser-focused on details — perfect for studying or problem-solving.


However, when a concept is completely new, this intense concentration isn’t enough. Your brain hasn’t built the pathways to fully understand the material yet. This is why trying to push harder in focus mode can sometimes leave you feeling stuck.


What your brain really needs is the diffuse mode, a state where it steps back and begins making broader connections.


When you're doing something more relaxed, like taking a walk or resting, your brain starts seeing patterns and understanding the material in a new light.


This happens because your brain is actively working on forming new pathways without you even realizing it.

A human brain wearing an orange construction helmet is superimposed over an aerial view of a complex highway system. The image symbolizes the brain's ability to build new pathways and connections, much like constructing roads, highlighting the mental processes involved in learning and problem-solving.

THE POWER OF BOTH MODES FOR NEW LEARNING


Barbara Oakley and Olav Schewe, the authors of Learn Like a Pro, explain that these two modes — focused and diffuse — are both critical, especially when tackling completely new topics.


The image shows a book titled Learn Like a Pro: Science-Based Tools to Become Better at Anything, written by Dr. Barbara Oakley and Olav Schewe. The cover is blue with yellow and black text, featuring a series of lightbulbs above the title. One lightbulb is illuminated, symbolizing an idea or a breakthrough. The book is standing upright, showcasing its three-dimensional shape.

It’s not just about how hard you work; it’s about how you balance both modes to allow your brain to make sense of unfamiliar information.


In diffuse mode, your brain isn’t thinking about details. Instead, it’s forming a map of the broader concept. This helps when you switch back to focused mode, where you can dive into the details with a better understanding of the bigger picture.


HOW TO APPLY HTIS TO YOUR LEARNING


If you’re learning English or any new skill, start with a focused study session — working on grammar, vocabulary, or whatever else. But then, instead of pushing through when things feel unclear, take a break and let your brain shift into diffuse mode.


What you do during this time does matter though. For example, being on your phone the entire time that you were trying to supposedly relax is not going to cut it. Ideally, you'll do something that is not very intense, like one of these:


Do light stretching or yoga: Gentle movement can help relax both your body and mind without requiring intense focus, making it a great way to slip into diffuse mode.    Take a walk: Walking is one of the best activities to let your mind wander. It’s physical but not mentally taxing, which allows your brain to make connections in the background.    Do some doodling or coloring: Engaging in simple creative activities like doodling or coloring lets your mind roam free while still keeping your hands occupied.    Listen to music: Music, especially instrumental or calming tunes, can help create a relaxed environment for your brain to process what you’ve been learning.    Meditate or do deep breathing: Taking a few minutes to meditate or focus on your breathing can help reset your mind, creating space for new ideas to emerge.    Spend time in nature: If possible, spending time outdoors, even for just a few minutes, can stimulate diffuse mode. The natural environment often helps reduce mental tension and promotes creative thinking.    Do some simple chores: Doing household tasks like washing dishes or folding laundry keeps your hands busy while your brain works in the background.    Do some journalling: Writing freely about your thoughts or the topic you’re learning about can stimulate diffuse thinking and might help new ideas come to light.

That downtime is where your brain builds the connections needed to understand the material when you come back to it.


So, if you’re finding new topics difficult, remember — it's not just about forcing yourself to stay focused. It’s about using both focused and diffuse modes effectively to give your brain the time it needs to build the connections for real understanding.


Teacher Tina from SpeakEnglish2day.com

Tina is a professional English Teacher with a Cambridge education and 10+ years of teaching English to adults in-person and online.


She wants you and English learners like you to develop a solid understanding of what you need to do to start speaking better English faster (and not fall for English-in-a-month scams).

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