Slow-Reading is The New Deep Learning

Slow-Reading is The New Deep Learning

In today's fast-paced world, speed seems to be the name of the game. We want to do everything quickly and efficiently, including reading. Speed-reading has become a popular technique for those who want to consume information at a rapid pace. However, research has shown that speed-reading may not be the most effective way to truly understand and retain knowledge.

Speed-reading is for skimmers, those who want to quickly get the gist of a text without diving deep into its meaning. While this approach may be useful in certain situations, such as when you need to quickly skim through a document to find specific information, it falls short when it comes to acquiring knowledge. Effortful speed-reading may increase reading speed, but it often leads to a decrease in comprehension.

Reading is a complex process that goes beyond simply absorbing words from a page. It involves language comprehension and the ability to connect new concepts with existing knowledge. When we read slowly and engage with the content, we have a better chance of truly understanding and retaining what we read. Slow-reading is for scholars, those who are willing to take the time and effort to expand their knowledge base.

So, how does slow-reading contribute to the expansion of our knowledge? To understand this, we need to delve into the workings of our memory. When we encounter experiences in the world, the information is initially stored in sensory memory. Sensory memory receives all the sensory input we encounter, creating a vast amount of data. However, this input has a very short half-life, lasting less than a second before it vanishes.

Only a small percentage of the sensory memory survives and is passed on to our short-term memory. The short-term memory is also fleeting, lasting only a few seconds. This is where the Atkinson-Shiffrin memory model, or Multi-Store Model of memory, comes into play. It explains the different stages of memory storage. However, cognitive psychology has developed a much deeper understanding of how memory works.

Now, let's shift our focus to the concept of "Big Rocks" introduced by Dr. Stephen R. Covey. According to Covey, if you don't put the big rocks in first, you'll never get them in at all. This metaphorical illustration reminds us to prioritize the important things in our lives. Whether it's a project, spending time with loved ones, faith, education, finances, or a cause, these "Big Rocks" should take precedence.

The connection between slow-reading and the "Big Rocks" concept lies in the idea of prioritization. Just as we need to prioritize the important aspects of our lives, we also need to prioritize the way we consume information. Slow-reading allows us to focus on understanding and finding connections with other dots. It enables us to engage with the content and associate new concepts with our existing knowledge.

Now that we understand the importance of slow-reading and prioritization, let's explore three actionable pieces of advice to incorporate these principles into our lives:

1. Set aside dedicated time for slow-reading: Create a daily or weekly routine that includes specific time slots for slow-reading. Treat it as a priority and commit to it. This will help you develop the habit of engaging with the content and truly understanding what you read.

2. Take notes and reflect: While reading, actively take notes and reflect on the information. This will help solidify your understanding and make it easier to connect new concepts with your existing knowledge. Writing down key points and insights will also serve as a valuable reference for future learning.

3. Be open-minded and embrace different perspectives: Slow-reading is not just about understanding the content; it's also about expanding your worldview. Be open to different perspectives and ideas. Engage in discussions and seek out diverse sources of information. This will enrich your learning experience and allow you to grow intellectually.

In conclusion, slow-reading is the new deep learning. It is a process that prioritizes understanding and connection over speed. By engaging with the content, associating new concepts with existing knowledge, and embracing different perspectives, we can expand our knowledge base and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us. So, let's put the big rocks of slow-reading in first and pave the way for true intellectual growth.