According to recent research on learning, there are two main ways that we process information. So which is better for learning—focused or diffuse thinking?
Ever get really stuck on something while youre meant to be studying? Like YouTube videos, Wordle, a “debate” with your partner, or literally everything but what were meant to be focusing on? It happens to every student from time to time, even the top ones. And when we hit that point, taking a positive step towards focusing can be extraodinarily hard; so much so, that we just end up chasing the next squirrel that distracts us because it feels easier.
Whats the solution? Well, there are two approaches recommended by learning experts, the first being to push through the distraction and give your full concentration to a subject, and the second, to actually embrace the distraction. In this article, were going to tell you about both so that you can leverage your unique cognitive hardwiring to expedite your way back to productive studying!
Learning is a complex process that engages different parts of the brain in various ways. Researchers have identified two main modes of thinking that facilitate learning: focused and diffuse. Understanding how to combine these approaches can help you absorb, retain, and apply knowledge more effectively. This article explores techniques for optimizing learning by leveraging the strengths of focused and diffuse thinking.
The Role of Focused Thinking in Learning
Focused thinking involves zeroing your attention in on a specific task or subject like a laser beam. It allows you to block out distractions and concentrate intently on the information in front of you
When you study through focused thinking, you direct all your mental energy towards a singular goal, whether it’s memorizing vocabulary words or working through math formulas. This state of extreme concentration activates the prefrontal cortex, the brain region that controls attention and focus.
Focused thinking is ideal for
- Grasping the fundamentals of a topic
- Understanding technical details
- Mastering complex skills that require practice
- Memorizing facts, data, dates, formulas, etc.
If you need to intensely focus on learning material, try techniques like:
- Studying in a distraction-free environment
- Taking detailed notes without multi-tasking
- Making and drilling flashcards
- Repeatedly solving problems of the same type
- Outlining key ideas and details
Focused attention is essential for imprinting new information into your memory. But on its own, it has limitations.
The Benefits of Diffuse Thinking
Diffuse thinking is the opposite of focused thinking. Your mind wanders freely, making connections between diverse concepts. This wider perspective engages multiple parts of your brain, not just the prefrontal cortex.
Diffuse thinking occurs when you:
- Take a break from focused learning
- Sleep
- Exercise
- Daydream
- Brainstorm creative ideas
Unlike focused thinking, diffuse thinking enables you to:
- Step back and see the big picture
- Make connections between different ideas
- Come up with creative solutions
- Have “aha” moments as ideas click
Diffuse thinking complements focused attention in important ways. It allows your brain to solidify what you learned through repetition and challenging practice.
Combining Focused and Diffuse for Optimal Learning
Research shows we learn most effectively when we alternate between focused and diffuse thinking. This balanced approach harnesses the unique advantages of both modes.
Try this process when you are learning challenging new material:
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Study intensely in focused mode – Master the fundamentals through note-taking, flashcards, practice questions, etc.
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Take a break for diffuse reflection – Go for a walk, listen to music, make casual conversation to allow your mind to wander.
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Return to focused mode – Review your notes again, test yourself on key facts, repeat important skills.
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Let your mind diffuse once more – Sleep on the material overnight to strengthen neural connections.
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Sharpen your understanding with focused attention again – Spend time actively recalling and applying what you learned the previous day.
Alternating focused learning with periods of diffuse thinking gives concepts time to gel. The back-and-forth interplay leads to deeper, more holistic mastery of material.
Focused and Diffuse Thinking Tips
Follow these tips to balance focused and diffuse modes for better learning:
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When intensely focused, avoid distractions and multi-tasking which strain attention.
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Take brief diffuse breaks when you feel overwhelmed or fatigued from concentrating.
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Let your mind wander during routines like walking, cleaning, commuting to spark creativity.
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Mix up problem types when practicing skills to encourage flexible thinking.
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Sleeping after focused studying helps diffuse thinking integrate memories.
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Struggling to concentrate? Try mindfulness exercises to sharpen your focus.
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Feeling “stuck” on a problem? Shift to diffuse mode to gain a fresh perspective.
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Test yourself frequently to strengthen memories formed through focused and diffuse thinking.
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Review material over multiple sessions to alternate focused learning with diffuse reflection.
The Takeaway
Learning requires a strategic combination of focused and diffuse thinking. Focused mode allows you to comprehend information and skills through intense concentration. Diffuse mode complements this by enabling deeper connections and insights.
Aim to structure your study sessions to include both focused attention and periods of diffuse reflection. This will help you get the most out of the time you spend learning and retain information longer.
So be sure to give your brain’s different thinking modes adequate time to work their magic! Both are essential ingredients for mastering material efficiently and effectively.
What is diffuse thought?
Diffuse thinking, on the other hand, doesnt zoom in on one particular thing. Rather, it looks at the “big picture”… that 30,000-foot view of a task, topic, or problem. Diffuse thinking happens when you let your mind wander freely, making those random connections that are essential for creativity.
Now, this isnt restricted to any particular region of the brain, but rather it happens all over. In fact, thats the beauty of diffuse thinking: your brain has the opportunity to consider all information (and therefore connect the dots) outside of that limited, hyper-focused view.
Usually, we employ diffuse thinking when we do non-work tasks like taking a shower or going for a run. But—and heres the interesting thing—while focused thinking is most often employed when we work or study, our greatest creativity and problem-solving happen when we are thinking diffusely!
This is why taking a break from studying or “sleeping on it” can actually lead to important breakthroughs. While your conscious mind is relaxed, your brain is able to form a creative solution to a problem or finally link ideas that have been eluding you.
Both types of thinking can be used to train the brain on a topic; they simply do so differently. To illustrate this point, consider a flashlight. You can have a concentrated beam of light that only illuminates a small area very brightly or you can have a less concentrated beam that illuminates a much broader area with more diffuse light.
With focused thinking, your brain processes very specific information deeply; with diffuse thinking, the brain analyzes much more information at once but in less depth. Just like both flashlights will take you out of the dark, both modes of thinking will help you understand a subject better. Which one will work better for you simply depends on whether you want to see the big picture or the small details.
I love a good metaphor!
(Spaced repetition is also a fundamental principle for more efficient learning: heres the science behind one of the most important cognitive learning tools you could ever employ.)
So, now the question is …
Optimal thinking patterns for optimal learning
As it turns out, the two approaches to overcoming distraction I just told you about line up with the two modes our brains use to process information: focused and diffuse thinking. One isnt better than the other; theyre just different and undertstanding them can give you a pathway back to becoming productive again when you feel stuck in a rut. So lets take a closer look at each …
Focused vs Diffused Thinking: Solve Hard Problems with this Simple Trick
FAQ
How do you increase diffuse thinking?
What is the diffuse method of learning?
What are the two modes of learning focused and diffuse?
What is focus & diffuse thinking?
A lesson from the course “Learning How to Learn.” FOCUS/DON’T The brain has two modes of thinking that Dr. Oakley simplifies as “focused,” in which learners concentrate on the material, and “diffuse,” a neural resting state in which consolidation occurs — that is, the new information can settle into the brain.
How do you use a diffuse mode of thinking?
First, we use the focused mode of thinking to understand the basics of a topic without any distractions. Then we use the diffuse mode to passively internalize what we have learned and make connections to other things we already knew. Afterward, we go back into focused mode and pare down the connections that we made to the best, most helpful ones.
How can I improve my focus & diffuse mode?
These activities include taking walks, exercising your hobbies or just trying to relax. The things which you learn in the focused mode, will grow deeper in the diffuse mode, and vice-versa. Use breaks effectively in order to let your mind wander in the diffuse mode, after it has painstakingly worked in the focused mode.
How can we improve diffuse thinking?
When asked to generate novel uses for common objects such as a brick or paperclip, a useful test of creativity, individuals who are given breaks to engage in tasks which facilitate diffuse thinking tend to come up with more ideas. So how can we better fit the two modes together? One way is to work in intense, focused bursts.
