But it is with the significance of expressions in study that we are at present concerned, and here we find them of supreme importance.  We ordinarily regard learning as a process of taking things into the mind, and regard expression as a thing apart from acquisition of knowledge.  We shall find in this discussion, however, that there is no such sharp demarcation between acquiring knowledge and expressing knowledge, but that the two are intimately bound together, expressions being properly a part of wise and economical learning.

When we survey the modes of expression that may be used in study, we find them to be of several kinds.  Speech is one.  This is the form of expression for which the class-recitation is provided.  If you wish to grow as a student, utilize the recitation period and welcome every chance to recite orally, for things about which you recite in class are more effectively learned.  Talking about a subject under all circumstances will help you learn.  When studying subjects like political economy, sociology or psychology, seize every opportunity to talk over the questions involved.  Hold frequent conferences with your instructor; voice your difficulties freely, and the very effort to state them will help to clarify them.  It is a good plan for two students in the same course to come together and talk over the problems; the debates thus stimulated and the questions aroused by mental interaction are very helpful in impressing facts more vividly upon the mind.

Writing is a form of expression and is one thing that gives value to note-taking and examinations.  Its value is further recognized by the requirements of themes and term-papers.  These are all mediums by which you may develop yourself, and they merit your earnest cooperation.

Another medium of expression that students may profitably employ is drawing.  This is especially valuable in such subjects as geology, physiology and botany.  Students in botany are compelled to do much drawing of the plant-forms which they study, and this is a wise requirement, for it makes them observe more carefully, report more faithfully and recall with greater ease.  You may secure the same advantages by employing the graphic method in other studies.  For example, when reading in a geology text-book about the stratification of the earth in a certain region, draw the parts described and label them according to the description.  You will be surprised to see how clear the description becomes and how easily it is later recalled.

Let us examine the effects of the expressive movements of speech, writing and the like, and see the mechanism by which they facilitate the study process.  We may describe their effects in two ways:  neurologically and psychologically.  As may be expected from our preliminary study of the nervous system, we see their first effects upon the motor pathways leading out to the muscles.  Each passage of the nerve current from brain to muscle leaves traces so that the resulting act is performed with greater ease upon each repetition.  This fact has already been emphasized by the warning, Guard the avenues of expression.