Issue No.22 On Learning How To Learn

In a world where information flows incessantly and knowledge doubles in the blink of an eye, it's perplexing that many find themselves adrift in a sea of data, struggling to grasp its significance. The truth is, most people lack the essential skill of how to learn, inadvertently limiting their potential in an era that demands perpetual growth and adaptation.

Efficient learning goes beyond the mere accumulation of facts. It's about deciphering the essence from the noise, building connections between ideas, and nurturing a hunger for understanding. Sadly, this art remains elusive to many, leading to wasted hours, missed opportunities, and a shallow understanding of the world.

Consider this: countless individuals spend hours poring over textbooks, yet struggle to recall essential details when needed. Why? Because they lack the techniques to absorb and retain information effectively. Efficient learning involves strategic note-taking, active engagement, and periodic review – transforming raw data into a tapestry of meaningful insights.

But the issue transcends mere study methods. It's about the mindset we bring to learning. The belief that learning ceases with formal education is a grave misconception. Learning should be a lifelong pursuit, a journey of intellectual exploration and growth. Without this perspective, we stagnate in a world that surges forward, perpetually outpacing us.

Why is this skill so vital? Imagine an individual who can swiftly decipher new technologies, adapt to shifting job markets, and discern credible information from the abyss of misinformation. This person isn't just a passive recipient of knowledge; they're a proactive seeker, an agile thinker, and an invaluable asset in any context.

The importance of knowing how to learn efficiently cannot be overstated. It's the gateway to personal growth, professional success, and a meaningful understanding of the world. As we grapple with an ever-evolving landscape, mastering the art of learning equips us to navigate complexities, embrace change, and truly thrive amidst the cacophony of information.

🛠️Tools

• Learning How to Learn course on Coursera: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects.
• The VARK Questionnaire – How do you learn best?
• What I learned from Coursera’s “Learning How to Learn”.
• Self-directed learning is the key to new skills and knowledge.
• Ten Mental Models for Learning.
• Mimetic learning: the power of learning through imitation.
•   3C - Framework for Learning and Teaching.
• Mnemonic devices — like acronyms, chunking, and rhymes — work by tapping into how the brain naturally stores data.

🕵️Book of the week

The human brain is an extraordinary learning machine. Its ability to reprogram itself remains the best source of inspiration for recent developments in artificial intelligence. But how do we learn? In How We Learn, Stanislas finds the boundary of computer science, neurobiology, and cognitive psychology to explain how learning really works and how to make the best use of the brain’s learning algorithms in education, as well as in everyday life and at any age.

🎁Surprise of the week

🤳Newroom

• Enough with the "Learning Styles" Already! New research adds to the scepticism surrounding the adoption of learning styles in education.
• ‘Neuromyth’ or Helpful Model?
• What Is The Forgetting Curve (And How Do You Combat It)?
• From career choices to new purchases, use René Girard’s mimetic theory to resist the herd and forge your own path in life.
• Does your Learning Experience Spark Joy?
• When the Myth is the Message: Neuromyths and Education.

📽️Video Of The Week

Mental models are frameworks that give people a representation of how the world works. There are so many mental models that it would take a very long time to study them all in detail. Some are rooted in biological observations, others have been described in behavioural studies. To put it simply, mental models are a set of beliefs and ideas that we consciously or unconsciously form based on our experiences. They guide our thoughts and behaviours and help us understand life. They’re basically thinking tools—shortcuts for reasoning.

😆Comic of the week

📱Podcast of the week

What is the difference between how a child engages with the world, the joy they get from learning and being curious, and how we often engage with the world now? We usually stop engaging from a place of curiosity, but that drive doesn’t go away deep down. We believe that learning and being curious are innate qualities of humans, and we just have to remember and unlock that instinctual drive to be curious.

* Food for thought 💭

Consider the following prompts to guide your self-reflection on improving your learning process:

Learning Environment:

• What is my usual learning environment like? Is it conducive to focused learning?
• What are the usual distractions or factors that hinder my concentration during learning?

Learning Goals:

• What are my learning goals and objectives?

Learning Styles:

• What learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) suit me best? How can I incorporate these into my learning routine?
• How can I experiment with different learning techniques to find what works best for me?

Time Management:

• How do I manage my time when it comes to learning? Do I follow a schedule or learn haphazardly?
• What are some time-wasting activities that I could minimize to allocate more time for learning?

Note-taking and Summarization:

• What strategies do I use for taking notes while learning? Are my notes organized and easy to understand?

Active Engagement:

• How can I make the learning process more interactive and participatory?

Reflection and Review:

• How often do I review previously learned material to ensure retention and understanding?

Challenges and Mistakes:

• How do I handle challenges and mistakes in my learning journey? Do I give up easily or persist through difficulties?
• How can I adopt a growth mindset that embraces challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement?

Feedback and Self-Assessment:

• How can I seek feedback from teachers, peers, or mentors to gain different perspectives on my learning progress?
• How can I create a system for self-assessment to gauge my own understanding and identify areas for improvement?

Lifelong Learning:

• Do I view learning as a lifelong process, extending beyond formal education?
• How can I maintain curiosity and a sense of wonder to continue learning in various aspects of life?

Remember that self-reflection is an ongoing practice. Regularly revisiting these questions and adjusting your learning strategies accordingly can lead to continuous improvement and a more effective learning experience.

🤝Let’s work together! 

When you are ready, these are 3 ways I can support you:

• Join the you.thenticity community - dedicated to people who are interested in Training, Wellbeing, Coaching, or simply interested in discovering themselves more and growing.
• Book a free 1:1 discussion with me.
• Let me take care of your Training, Wellbeing or Coaching project.

See you again next Wednesday, with another round of resources on Training, Coaching & well-being.

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