Our brains are wired to better comprehend concepts when they are demonstrated through examples. Whether it's in our daily lives or in our academic pursuits, examples help us grasp complicated ideas and concepts with greater ease. In this article, we will explore the power of examples by examining how they can help explain and clarify difficult concepts.
Examples Improve Memorization and Retention of New Information
When we learn something new, it is common to struggle with retaining that knowledge. However, using examples can help us retain new concepts better. Studies show that our brains are hardwired to remember visuals more than words. By utilizing examples that are visually interesting and engaging, we can help ourselves better remember new information. For example, consider a medical student trying to remember the steps of a complex surgical procedure. By using animated examples and diagrams, they can better remember the various steps and improve their ability to apply that knowledge in a real-life scenario.
Examples Help Bridge Gaps Between Conceptual Understanding and Application
While understanding concepts is important, our ability to apply those concepts in real-life scenarios is equally valuable. In many cases, examples can help bridge the gap between what we learn and how we can apply that knowledge. That is why many engineering courses use hands-on experiments as the primary mode of instruction. By demonstrating how a concept is applied in a real-world setting, these examples help students connect the theoretical knowledge to practical applications. For instance, a civil engineering student trying to understand the concept of water flow in a pipe system may have an easier time if they are given an example of a real-life pipe system to analyze.
Examples Can Help Stimulate Creativity and New Ideas
In addition to helping with memorization and practical application, examples can also stimulate creative thinking and new ideas. By exposing ourselves to diverse examples, we can learn to think outside of the box and apply ideas creatively to novel situations. For instance, an advertising executive may generate inspiration for a new advertising campaign by looking at examples of creative ads from all over the world. Similarly, a software engineer may generate a new idea for an app by exploring innovative concepts in the field.
In conclusion, examples are a powerful tool for learning new concepts, and they have a multitude of benefits. By improving memorization and retention, bridging gaps between understanding and application, and stimulating our creative thinking, examples are an indispensable resource that can help us learn effectively and efficiently. Whether you are a student or a professional, incorporating examples into your learning routine can help you excel not only in your academic pursuits but also in your daily life.
