Oct. 31, 2023, 6:24 p.m.
The following course has been incredibly beneficial to me. It has given me the tools not only to teach myself efficiently about any subject, but also empowered me to teach others in the most efficient way possible. I highly recommend it.
https://www.coursera.org/learn/learning-how-to-learn
In this post I will be providing a brief summary of the concepts and tools explained in the course. I hope it will be beneficial to any readers, and will also give me the chance to revisit the content.
Week 1: Modes of Learning and the importance of Sleep
Focused and Diffused Learning
There are two modes of learning Focused and Diffused. Focused learning is active learning you are consciously putting an effort toward accomplishing. This is the starting point for learning and is the learning we are most familiar with. The lesser known type of learning is Diffused learning. Diffused learning takes place unconsciously; It is passive learning that takes place while the mind is not preoccupied with the subject at hand. It takes place behind the scenes and fixes the conceptual understanding of a topic. Both Focused and Diffused learning are required in order to learn a new topic or skill. Focused learning is of course required to get exposure to a particular subject, but Diffused learning is needed in order to cement those ideas in the brain. This is part of the reason cramming doesn’t work: it doesn’t give your brain a chance to use its Diffused mode of learning to digest the information processed in the focused mode. The best study method is to take advantage of both modes of learning by having regular study sessions with breaks in between to allow the ideas learned to be digested by the Diffuse mode.
Sleep
Sleep has also been found to be incredibly important in retention of new knowledge. Neurones build up toxins throughout a day of work and it is during sleep that these toxins are purged allowing the neurones to recover adequately enough to function properly in their duties of recall and processing of information.
Week 2: Chunking
A chunk is a general idea or concept of which you have comprehension. Chunks are pieces of information bound together by use and meaning. Chunks synthesize key ideas or actions. Chunks are built through focused undivided attention, understanding, and practice. Chunks are the building blocks of learning. Chunks build on one another growing in complexity as they go. You can also think of chunks like pieces of a puzzle. As you build on your chunks of knowledge you fill in more of the big picture. Interestingly chunks built in one area of knowledge can actually help you learn chunks and improve understanding in completely unrelated avenues of study; for example learning a musical instrument, or a second language can improve your ability to learn mathematics.
You can learn in chunks by following the below method:
Some study habits produce illusions of competence—the feeling you are doing work while not actually accomplishing much. Avoid simply re-reading passages. Instead attempt to recall them and then check the result. Keep highlighting to a minimum or avoid all together. A better idea is notes in the margin or on a separate piece of paper. Give yourself mini tests to test your knowledge. One hour of testing is worth ten of study. Try to recall the knowledge in different physical locations to cement the knowledge in your brain.
You should avoid Overlearning a topic. Once you have understanding and a topic is no longer challenging move on to the next topic. There are diminishing returns once an idea is understood; your time is much better spent reviewing the difficult material.
A better way of practising is to Interleave your learning. By this they mean you should jump around from concept to concept in your study sessions touching on multiple points. Avoid repeating the same concept over and over then moving on to the next to repeat it in turn over and over. Instead try to practice one idea for a time then jump ahead practice another thing then maybe come back to the first thing and so on and so forth. Interleaving is an effective tactic in efficient study.
Week 3: Procrastination and Memory
Procrastination
The psychology of procrastination is as follows: you see a task that gives you negative feelings, so you avoid it by performing an action which gives you short term gratification. This leaves you in a deeper hole once the dopamine wears off. In turn this brings you more negative feelings which you need to quell with more dopamine. In this way a cycle of procrastination can mirror the cycle of addiction drug addicts can get caught in.
Procrastination is a habit. Habits can be broken down into the following 4 components:
The good news is habits can be rewired:
A great way of overcoming resistance to starting a study session or a task you are avoiding is focusing on the process not on the product. Keep your focus away from the end goal. That can be far away, and it can be disheartening to think about how far away you are from this goal. Instead focus on the process: writing those notes, opening your book, reading the required passages etc etc.
Memory
We have two types of memory systems: Long term memory and Working Memory. Long term memory is like a storage warehouse. Regular repetition is needed to move concepts, ideas, and facts into long term memory. That is another reason regular study sessions are effective. Working memory is like a fuzzy blackboard which can only hold about four items at any given time. When you fully comprehend a concept it takes up less space in your working memory allowing you to focus your attention on other topics.
We don’t have a great memory when it comes to remembering unassociated facts eg dates, names, definitions etc. What we have evolved over the years though is an excellent associative memory. In the same way it’s much easier to remember a name once you have a face to associate it with associating a concept or idea with an image can be very helpful in establishing it in your longterm memory. The more ridiculous and silly the image the better (adding an element of eroticism can work well as well though you may want to keep those examples private).
We also have an excellent sense of visual spacial memory. The technique of a memory palace is one in which you imagine a place you know well like a childhood home, or school, or any other physical environment and you fill this imaginary palace with associative images of the ideas or concepts you are trying to remember. This is an excellent mental exercise to help retain information.
Week 4: Renaissance Learning and Unlocking your Potential
The hippocampus creates new neurones for our brain to use. Unfortunately the vast majority of these new neutrons die off if they are not used. Exercise is very important in the retention of new neurones; Regular exercise helps you learn better. Also exposure to new experiences can help retain new neurones making you a better learner. So some great advice for someone trying to improve their learning is to get some exercise, to try new things, and push yourself into strange new environments.
Metaphors and analogies can be incredibly helpful when learning new topics. Try to put yourself into the metaphor for an added benefit. These are very important for understanding the central idea you are trying to understand.
“Perseverance is the virtue of the less brilliant.” -Santiago Ramon y Caja.
Anyone can change their brain through practice and study. Much like a bodybuilder building up his or her muscles everyone can improve themselves. Of course we all have different genetic potential, but anyone who applies themselves to learning a subject will see a benefit. There will always be people who try to demean or undermine you. Ignore people who are trying to cut you down. It is important to be selfish sometimes.
You learn by making sense of information you perceive not by having someone else explain things. Take care when you are working with others to cement your own understanding.
The Value of Team Work
It can be very difficult for us to see our own errors. We have a natural bias towards ourselves. For this reason, and others, it can be very effective to study in groups. Others can see things we may have missed. They may also have alternative ways of looking at problems which can enhance our understanding. A group of like minded focused individuals can be a source of learning and inspiration to perform better.
That being said groups can also have a negative impact on us and pull us down. Make sure your study groups start on time, stay on topic, and are filled with people you can draw inspiration from.
Test Taking Tips
Check list
During the test it can be helpful to first review the test as a whole then start with the hard questions jumping back to the easy questions if you hit snags. This gives the diffuse mode of thinking a chance to work on the hard questions subconsciously while you tackle the easy questions. If you’ve ever remembered the answer to a question just as you were walking out of a test this is why. Give your diffuse mode more time to work by starting on the hard questions first.
When you’re doing practise tests you should also try as best as possible to recreate the testing conditions.
If you’re the type to get nervous for a big test try reframing you nerves as excitement. Don’t think “I’m nervous to fail” think “I’m excited to ace this test”. It’s also helpful to have a backup plan incase this course or career path doesn’t work out. A fall back plan helps relieve stress allowing you to perform your best.