The best programs for learning language, such as those of
the Defense Language Institute where I learned Russian, incorporate structured
practice that includes repetition and rote focus mode learning of
the language along with more diffuse-like free speech with native speakers.
The goal is to embed the basic words and patterns so you can speak
as freely and creatively in your new
language as you do in your native language.
As it turns out one of the
first steps towards gaining expertise in academic topics
is to create conceptual chunks, mental leaps
that unite scattered bits of information through meaning.
The concept of neural chunks also applies to sports, music,
dance, really just about anything that humans can get good at.
Basically, a chunk means a network of neurons that are used to firing together
so you can think a thought or perform an action smoothly and effectively.
Focused practice and repetition, the creation of
strong memory traces, helps you to create chunks.
The path to expertise is built little by
little, small chunks can become larger, and all of
the expertise serves to underpin more creative interpretations
as you gradually become a master of the material.
In other words, as you'll see later,
practice and repetition in building chunks aren't
all you need to become a truly creative master of the material you're learning.
Chunking helps your brain run more efficiently.
Once you chunk an idea, a concept, or an action,
you don't know need to remember all the little underlying details.
You've got the main idea, the chunk, and that's enough.