The following is from the book 5 elements of effective thinking by Burger and Starbird. A great book that shows you how to think better:
When great players play tennis, they watch the ball better than a beginner does.
They are doing the easier task of hitting the ball while watching it, rather than the more difficult task of hitting the ball by estimating its future location based solely on where it was at the moment it flew over the net.
When plug-and-chug physics students apply formulas with no sense of what they mean or why they are true, those students are doing a difficult task – doing physics with their eyes closed.
Students who understand the ideas behind the formulas are doing a different task. They are working with their eyes open.
The better students are doing an easier task.
Understanding the meaning and reasoning behind the formulas sometimes strikes students as an unnecessary and diversionary step. In reality understanding leads directly to easier future work and better results.
This is why I always try to explain things using simple, everyday terms.
For example, most people have an understanding of what a battery does. So when I say that a capacitor is like a battery, people can relate to that and quickly understand the basic function of a capacitor. Even though that’s not the whole picture, it’s enough to get a basic understanding of the capacitor.
Also with the transistor: Instead of going on and on about semiconducting materials and n-doped holes, I prefer to just show how the transistor works. Quickly and to the point.
This will give you the understanding you need to “do easier tasks” in the future.
Let me know what you think in the comment field below!
misigo says
great article keep up the good work.kudos
admin says
Glad you liked it!
Oyvind
Steven says
Spot on. Conceptual learning and independent reasoning is the key! Well done!
moses says
pls sir can u help me with how to use loadcell with atmeg and how to calibrate the readings…. and also using it wit arduino
Steve Davis says
Excellent! Applying the principle of keeping it simple.
Simple people like me appreciate that :-)
admin says
Glad to hear that! =)
arn Kent walker? says
God bless u you are my hero cause am that student who now works with formulas with ny eyes open thank you
Gregory Banks says
First where can i buy the usb interface connector for the usb charger circuit build? There are many types of this connector on the internet and i have been unsuccessful with finding this specific connector.
I appreciate your articles and they are very helpful.
Please continue to be an inspiration.
admin says
It’s type A.