Stop Forgetting What You Learn Using Learning Science

Stop Forgetting What You Learn Using Learning Science

"The advantage of a bad memory is that one enjoys several times the same good things for the first time." - Unknown

"The science of today is the technology of tomorrow." - Edward Teller

Learning Science is an interdisciplinary field of science that focuses on developing and improving our understanding of the methodologies and solutions that help people learn things effectively. It encompasses three key steps: encoding, consolidation, and retrieval.

During the encoding stage, we come across new and novel information. It is crucial that this information is presented in a way we can understand. However, the consolidation and retrieval steps are where the magic happens for knowledge retention.

"The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you." - B.B. King

Assuming we understand the concepts we're learning, these consolidation and retrieval steps are vital in ensuring that the information makes it out of our short-term memory. While researching and reading 'Make it Stick,' one key finding stood out to me: the most impactful learning happens when we test the edges of our abilities and knowledge. The right amount of difficulty is required, and experiencing this challenge is a sign that we're on the right path.

To enhance our learning experience, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Avoid mindlessly reading, summarizing, highlighting, and rereading. Instead of going through the motions of these activities, engage actively with the material. Take notes, ask questions, and challenge yourself to think critically about the content. This active involvement will lead to a deeper understanding and better retention.

2. Don't focus on learning only one thing at a time. Vary your learning methods and subjects. Rather than practicing or studying one thing repeatedly in the same way, explore different approaches and topics. This variety keeps your brain engaged and enhances your ability to connect different pieces of knowledge.

3. Utilize effective reading strategies. While highlighting can be helpful in certain cases, it is not a foolproof method. Instead, try previewing the text to understand its purpose, annotate important concepts in your own words, ask and answer questions to stimulate critical thinking, and summarize the main concepts in your own words. Limit yourself to highlighting one sentence or phrase per paragraph to ensure you focus on the most important information.

Now, let's explore the concept of highlighting in online reading. Unlike physical reading with a highlighter, online reading offers the advantage of easily searching for previous highlights and connecting them in a serendipitous manner. With social highlighter tools, individuals can also connect their own learning with others'. This interconnectedness enhances the learning experience and allows for a deeper understanding of the content.

However, it is important to note that highlighting can contribute to illusions of competence. When content is repeatedly highlighted and becomes familiar, readers may mistakenly believe they know more than they actually do. The act of highlighting can also distract from critical thinking and understanding the big picture.

To make the most out of online reading and highlighting, it is essential to engage in deep thinking about the text. Instead of solely focusing on what to highlight, consider previewing the text, setting a purpose for reading, annotating in your own words, asking and answering questions, and summarizing the main concepts. By limiting yourself to highlighting one sentence or phrase per paragraph, you ensure that you prioritize the most important information.

In conclusion, learning science provides valuable insights into effective learning strategies. By actively engaging with the material, varying our learning methods and subjects, and utilizing effective reading strategies, we can enhance our learning experience and improve knowledge retention. So, let's embrace these actionable pieces of advice and stop forgetting what we learn.

Remember, learning is a lifelong journey, and the more we actively participate in it, the more we enrich our lives and expand our horizons.