Study Tips Fundamental ideas about learning: Fundamental Idea What does this mean in your own words? 1 Some kind of difficulties during learning help to make the learning stronger and better remembered. 2 When learning is easy, it is often superficial and soon forgotten. 3 Not all of our intellectual abilities are hardwired. When learning is effortful, it changes the brain, making new connections and increasing intellectual ability. 4 You learn better when you wrestle with new problems being shown the solution, rather than the other way around. 5 To achieve excellence in any sphere, you must strive to surpass your current level of ability. 6