Busting 6 Popular Brain & Learning Myths (According to Science)
Are you still clinging to outdated myths about how the brain learns? From learning styles to the myth of “using only 10% of our brain,” these ideas sound convincing, but science tells a different story.
In this article, we look at some of the most common brain and learning myths that might be holding you (or your students) back. Backed by neuroscience and educational research, these insights will help you understand how your brain really works - and how to learn smarter, not harder.
MYTH no. 1: You have to find your learning style to learn effectively.
REALITY: There’s no solid research showing that teaching according to someone’s learning style - like “visual” or “auditory” - improves learning outcomes.
Yes, most people say they learn best through visuals. In fact, research shows that 65–80% of people are visual learners by PREFERENCE.
BUT! That doesn’t mean teaching in only one way is effective. On the contrary, we ALL benefit from using multiple senses when learning. Visual, auditory, kinesthetic - it’s not either/or. Studies show we all learn better through a combination of senses.
Your brain loves variety and learns best through a mix of:
✅ images
✅ meaningful phrases
✅ engaging content
✅ repetition
✅ movement
✅ emotions
✅ social interaction.
Being flexible and engaging different brain areas helps build stronger memories and understanding.
🧠 Don’t put yourself in a box. Learn in ways that are brain-friendly, not just preference-based. Instead of labeling yourself, try blending different learning strategies. Reading, listening, speaking, moving - it all activates your brain in powerful ways.
📚If you’re interested in research on learning styles, check out this comprehensive review by Pashler et al. (2008).
MYTH no. 2: We only use 5–10% of our brain.
REALITY: That’s a movie myth that has been popular for decades - but there’s ZERO scientific evidence to support it.
You use most parts of your brain daily. Even while you sleep, your brain stays active. Tasks like speaking, planning, solving problems, or remembering things light up many brain regions at once. The goal isn’t to "use more,” but to CONNECT better.
✨ Language learning helps strengthen memory, focus, creativity, and emotional intelligence - across many brain areas.
So how do we become more productive in learning? Not by “unlocking” hidden brain areas… but by doing the right things more often:
✅ Retrieval practice (quizzing yourself)
✅ Getting feedback
✅ Spacing your learning over time
✅ Challenging your thinking and embracing productive struggle
You don’t need more brain. You need SMARTER HABITS.
📚 Follow @hubermanlab (EN) and @neurokouc (CZ) for science-based tools and practical brain efficiency tips.
MYTH no. 3: The faster you get the right answer, the better.
REALITY: Speed ≠ depth. Getting a solution on a silver platter might be convenient, but it doesn’t always lead to deeper understanding and learning.
Many studies show that TRIAL, ERROR and REFLECTION are powerful parts of the learning process. Struggling, reflecting, and making mistakes actually help create stronger neural pathways than just rushing to get it right. Students who slow down, try things, fail, adjust and retry often build more flexible, durable knowledge and become flexible and independent thinkers.
Speed is great in some situations, but when it comes to long-term learning, accuracy and insight matter more than speed. So next time you or your students “don’t get it” right away… it might be a good sign. 😉
📚 Want to learn how struggle, forgetting, and mistakes improve learning? Read How We Learn by Benedict Carey - it’s full of surprising and practical research-backed insights.
MYTH no. 4: If you didn’t learn a language as a child, it’s too late.
REALITY: Yes, early years matter and some abilities (like native-like accent) are harder to master later in life. So, are kids really better at learning languages? It’s not that simple.
A large-scale study (Hakuta, Bialystok & Wiley, 2003) looked at thousands of immigrants and found that second language proficiency does decline with age, but there’s no sharp cut-off point. In fact, the decline is gradual, and EDUCATION and MOTIVATION play a much bigger role than age alone.
So yes - children have more plastic brains, but they aren’t better learners - they just have more time and fewer bills. 😄
On the other hand, adults have cognitive advantages:
✅ more experience and background knowledge,
✅ better learning strategies and focus,
✅ the ability to revise and reflect,
✅ and the drive to set and pursue goals.
✨ In other words: you may not sound like a native, but you can still get very, very good. Your brain can adapt and grow at ANY age - and it’s never too late to start.
MYTH no. 5: Rote memorization is outdated and ineffective.
REALITY: Repetition is actually HOW the brain remembers. When you engage your brain actively through techniques like ACTIVE RECALL and SPACED REPETITION, it becomes one of the most powerful tools for deep learning. Studies show that repetition strengthens neural connections, which is crucial for retaining knowledge long-term. It’s not repetition that’s bad; it’s when it becomes too boring.
🎶 Make it creative, so it’s not just about repeating - it should be about repeating with PURPOSE and FUN.
Try:
✅ Flashcards with images or movement
✅ Teaching someone else
✅ Using words in different contexts, mini stories or silly sentences
✅ Repeating in rhythm, with music or changing voices
✅ Reviewing at spaced intervals - testing yourself
✅ Involving as many senses as possible
The more meaningful and engaging the repetition, the better it sticks.
📚 Want to go deeper? Try the book Make It Stick by Brown, Roediger & McDaniel - it’s full of strategies to build lasting learning.
MYTH no. 6: Adult brains can’t grow new cells.
REALITY: Neuroscience says otherwise. Adults CAN grow new brain cells! Neurogenesis - the birth of new neurons - doesn't stop when we grow up. Every day, your brain makes around 700 new neurons in the hippocampus, the area that plays crucial role in memory and learning.
However, your LIFESTYLE MATTERS:
✅ Boost neurogenesis with learning, exercise, blueberries, dark chocolate, omega-3s, rest and even sex (in moderation 😉).
❌ Avoid chronic stress, poor sleep, and too much alcohol.
Curious how it all works? Neuroscientist Sandrine Thuret explains it beautifully in her TED Talk.
💡 Did you know that 9 out of 10 neuroscientists recommend learning languages to boost brain health and flexibility? (I obviously made up this statistics. 😁)
Learning is not about finding shortcuts or labeling your “style.” It’s about understanding how the brain truly works and using smart, science-backed strategies. Whether you're a student, a teacher, or just curious about personal growth, the best thing to do is to ditch the myths and rely on facts.