How our brain learns
- Marco Glaesener
- 13 hours ago
- 3 min read
How our brain learns and why images help
Imagine we're sitting together over coffee, and I'm telling you something I've just thought about on the topic of learning and memory, and how our brain learns. I've become aware again of how much our brain benefits when we don't just memorize new information, but actually experience it and connect it with images or stories. This may sound banal, but the effect is enormous – and I have a few exciting exercises in mind that I'd really like to explain to you.
The importance of learning today
We live in the information age: New data is constantly bombarding us, and we constantly need to acquire new knowledge to keep up with our work and everyday lives. But how can we learn not only faster, but also more sustainably and with more enjoyment? That's exactly what the exercises I'm about to present to you are all about.
Memory test: remembering word pairs
One of the first exercises I'd like to show you is a classic memory test with word pairs. The principle is simple: You're given a list of ten word pairs, such as:
Ball and roof
Staircase and organ
Owl and pear
Flute and Dove
Pineapple and car
Spoon and hat
Sun and Ant
Zeppelin and key
Stone and pencil
Button and elephant
You have one minute to memorize these pairs. Then, walk around the table, cover the first few words with a piece of paper, and try to complete each first word with the matching second word.
Why do you do this? It's simple: It's about finding out how well you can remember isolated pieces of information. Many people quickly realize that they can only remember a few pairs. This is perfectly normal, because our brain doesn't like isolated facts, but rather contexts and images.
The power of inner images
Now comes the exciting part: On the second run through the exercise, you'll be given the word pairs again – but this time with the tip to create an image or short story for each pair. For example, imagine a large organ rolling down a flight of stairs or an elephant wearing a giant red button on its forehead. The crazier and more vivid the image, the better the pair will stick in your memory.
This is the key to effective learning: Information is retained much better when linked to images, emotions, or stories. This technique is useful not only for vocabulary, but also for anything else you want to remember.
The two halves of the brain: logic meets creativity
You may have heard that our brain consists of two halves that perform different functions. The left half is responsible for logic, language, and analytical thinking—the skills often required in school. The right half, on the other hand, is responsible for creativity, imagination, emotions, and understanding connections.
The problem: In school , only the left, logical side is usually addressed. The right, creative half often remains unused. It would be much more effective to engage both sides. The brain loves when information is presented in a colorful, visual, and concrete way – then learning is not only more fun, but also much more sustainable.
Perceptual systems: How we absorb information
Another important point is that we absorb new information best when as many senses as possible are involved. Sight, hearing, touch, sometimes even taste and smell—the more sensory channels you use, the better the content sticks.
Children, by the way, do this intuitively: They understand things literally by touching, looking at, imitating, or tasting them. For example, if you want to explain the word "milk" to someone, it's more helpful to describe the color, the taste, and maybe even the milking of a cow than to just say the word.
Practical tips for sustainable learning
Here are a few tips I would like to share with you based on these findings:
- Use pictures and stories: Think of a picture or a short story for each piece of information, preferably as absurd and colorful as possible.
- Connect new information with what you already know: The more you connect new content with what you already know, the easier it will be for you to remember.
- Engage multiple senses: Write, draw, speak out loud, move along – anything that involves more senses helps with learning.
- Learn in context: Isolated facts are difficult to retain. Always try to learn content in context, for example, as part of a story or a larger context.
Next time you want to learn something, try using mental images, short stories, and as many senses as possible. You'll see how much easier and more lasting learning becomes for you—and how much more fun it is. It's truly amazing how much our brain benefits when we allow it to work creatively and holistically.
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