You are not alone, it’s shocking how often I have to relearn an old lesson but I’m older than youIt's the huge amount of information, that makes me forget things sometimes...
Balancing the information content of a lesson with the limitations of working memory then getting the newly formed memory into autonomous behaviour is one of the arts of teaching. Physical practice drills with well defined performance objectives carry us a lot of the way but long term lessons like Paul has is the way ahead for consistent positive outcomes.
The art of attaching emotion to events is a huge part of learning and is not particularly well addressed anywhere in the instructosphere. I know Mark has done a lot of reading and put into practice a lot of the psychological aspects of learning which is why he often appears with odd vegetable products. Being able to push those buttons in our students has got to be a growth area, the industry is very focused on facts and definitions but leaves this stuff alone, I don’t know why..For years I was looking for an explanation and when I finally found it, I was quite moved. Dont think I could ever forget it. Same in casting. For years I tried to get my loops looking pointy on purpose and find someone who could explain me how to shape them. When it clicked, I was very happy and wont forget.
It can be about how often I use the information or skill. And it can also be who gave it to me or about the emotion caused by getting it.
I think Mel Krieger carried a lot of people along with his enthusiasm, forming connections with our students whether through shared experience, novelty or appropriate humour are also weapons at our disposal. We should have an endorphins thread about casting hot buttons that caused a performance leap.
Regards
Vince