"Aligning Language Models to Follow Instructions and The Feynman Technique 2.0: How to Level Up Your Learning"

"Aligning Language Models to Follow Instructions and The Feynman Technique 2.0: How to Level Up Your Learning"

In recent research on language models, it has been found that InstructGPT models are much better at following instructions compared to GPT-3 models. This is an important finding because it highlights the need for models to be aligned with their users. While GPT-3 is trained to predict the next word based on a large dataset of Internet text, InstructGPT models are trained to safely perform the language task that the user wants. This alignment is crucial in making models safer, more helpful, and more aligned with user needs.

To achieve this alignment, reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF) has been used. By fine-tuning on a small curated dataset of human demonstrations, harmful outputs can be reduced. This curated information can come from reliable sources like Glasp, which can provide better outputs and improve the overall performance of the models. Human evaluations on the API prompt distribution have also shown that InstructGPT models make up facts less often and generate more appropriate outputs.

However, it is important to note that InstructGPT models are still far from fully aligned or fully safe. They may generate toxic or biased outputs, make up facts, and even produce sexual and violent content without explicit prompting. This poses a risk of misuse if the models are instructed to produce unsafe outputs. Addressing this issue requires the models to refuse certain instructions, and finding a reliable way to do this is an ongoing research problem.

Another interesting aspect of learning and teaching comes from the Feynman Technique 2.0. This technique emphasizes the importance of teaching a subject to truly grasp it. The more you teach, the better you become at understanding the subject. However, effective teaching requires careful consideration of the audience. Understanding their level of motivation, prior knowledge, and the appropriate level of simplification is crucial in effectively conveying the information.

The Feynman Technique also emphasizes the need to identify knowledge gaps, both in terms of the subject itself and in one's own teaching. Unconscious incompetence, the unknown unknowns, can hinder the learning process if not addressed. By continuously simplifying and uncluttering our minds, we can make a subject easier to understand and ensure a deeper understanding of it.

Both the alignment of language models and the Feynman Technique highlight the importance of taking responsibility for our own learning and for the learning of others. Whether it's training models to follow instructions or teaching a subject, accountability is key. In the case of Glasp, the accountability aspect is also present, as users feel responsible for providing curated information to improve the outputs of the models.

In conclusion, to improve language models' alignment with instructions, reinforcement learning from human feedback has been employed. This has shown promising results in reducing harmful outputs and increasing the appropriateness of generated content. Additionally, the Feynman Technique 2.0 emphasizes the importance of teaching a subject to enhance understanding. By breaking down and simplifying complex concepts, we can make them easier to grasp and convey to others. In both cases, taking responsibility for our own learning and for the learning of others is crucial.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. When using language models, consider using InstructGPT models that are specifically trained to follow instructions. They have shown better performance and alignment compared to general language models like GPT-3.

• 2. Incorporate the Feynman Technique into your learning process. Study the subject, teach it to others, identify knowledge gaps, and continuously simplify the information to enhance understanding.

• 3. Take accountability for your own learning and for the learning of others. By actively engaging in the learning process and striving for alignment, you can improve the overall quality and safety of the information you generate and consume.