Slow-Reading is The New Deep Learning: Unlocking the Power of Comprehension and Retention

Hatched by Kazuki
Sep 15, 2023
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Slow-Reading is The New Deep Learning: Unlocking the Power of Comprehension and Retention
When it comes to reading, speed isn't always the best approach. While speed-reading may allow us to quickly skim through a text and get the gist of it, it often leads to a decrease in comprehension. The act of reading is not simply about absorbing words, but rather about understanding and making connections with the content. This is where slow-reading comes in.
Slow-reading is for scholars, those who are truly invested in acquiring knowledge and expanding their knowledge base. By engaging with the content and taking the time to associate new concepts with existing knowledge, slow-readers are able to deep dive into the material and truly understand it.
But why is slow-reading so effective? It all comes down to how our memory works. When we encounter new information, it is initially stored in our sensory memory. However, sensory memory has a short half-life and can only hold onto information for less than a second. Only a small percentage of sensory memory is passed on to our short-term memory, which also has a limited duration.
This is where slow-reading comes in. By taking the time to truly engage with the content, we are able to transfer information from our sensory memory to our short-term memory more effectively. This allows us to process and understand the material on a deeper level. Slow-reading enables us to connect the dots and integrate new information with our existing knowledge, leading to a more comprehensive understanding.
But slow-reading is not just about reading slowly. It's about actively engaging with the material and finding connections. One way to do this is by taking notes. By jotting down key points and ideas, we are able to reinforce our understanding and create a visual representation of the information. This not only helps with comprehension but also aids in retention.
So how can we incorporate slow-reading into our learning process? Here are three actionable tips:
- 1. Be open-minded: Slow-reading requires us to approach the material with an open mind. We need to be willing to explore different perspectives and challenge our existing beliefs. By doing so, we can learn from others and expand our knowledge base.
- 2. Increase prior knowledge: Slow-reading is most effective when we have a solid foundation of prior knowledge. By actively seeking out information and building up our knowledge base, we can better connect new concepts with what we already know. This not only enhances comprehension but also aids in long-term retention.
- 3. Space out your learning: Distributed practice, or spacing out your learning over time, has been shown to be more effective than massed practice. By spacing out your study sessions and allowing for intervals between them, you give your brain time to consolidate the information. This leads to better long-term retention and comprehension.
In conclusion, slow-reading is the key to unlocking the power of comprehension and retention. By taking the time to truly engage with the material, we can deepen our understanding and make meaningful connections. Incorporating slow-reading into our learning process can lead to a more comprehensive knowledge base and improved academic performance. So let's put down the speed-reading techniques and embrace the power of slow-reading.
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