PRODUCTIVELY Learning New Things Using Obsidian

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their learning approach using Obsidian and spaced repetition. They outline the 'ALP method'—Acquiring, Learning, and Practicing—highlighting the importance of consuming information, retaining knowledge through spaced repetition, and applying it through practical projects. The Space Repetition plugin in Obsidian is a key tool, helping to create flashcards directly within notes, review them at optimal intervals, and track progress. The creator emphasizes the value of personal relevance by creating flashcards from their own experiences, making learning more engaging and effective. This method is ideal for mastering topics through consistent application and review.

Takeaways

• 😀 Obsidian can be used effectively for learning through spaced repetition and practical application.
• 😀 The learning process involves three key steps: acquiring knowledge, remembering it, and practicing it.
• 😀 Spaced repetition helps reinforce difficult concepts by adjusting the frequency of flashcard reviews based on your responses.
• 😀 Practical application of what you learn, such as working on projects, is essential for solidifying new knowledge.
• 😀 The ALP method—Acquiring, Learning, and Practicing—helps create an effective learning cycle.
• 😀 Space repetition tools, such as the plugin in Obsidian, can be customized to review flashcards based on personalized tags and preferences.
• 😀 Using flashcards with prompts first and answers second works well, especially when learning commands and syntax.
• 😀 Creating flashcards from personal notes and experiences makes learning more engaging and focused.
• 😀 Obsidian’s space repetition plugin can handle different types of flashcards, including inline, multi-line, and fill-in-the-blank.
• 😀 Learning through interactive platforms like Brilliant can enhance STEM education by engaging users with real-world applications and increasing difficulty.
• 😀 It’s important to focus on your own learning journey and create flashcards based on what you’re actively using and studying, rather than relying on others’ flashcards.

Q & A

What is the primary learning method discussed in the video?

The primary learning method discussed is called the 'ALP method,' which stands for Acquiring, Learning, and Practicing. This approach involves consuming information, using spaced repetition to remember it, and then practicing the learned material through projects or real-world applications.

What is spaced repetition, and how is it used in the context of learning?

Spaced repetition is an evidence-based learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals. In the context of learning, it is typically implemented using flashcards, where you rate your recall difficulty, and the software adjusts how often you see each flashcard based on your performance.

Why is it important to only learn new things that are intended for immediate application?

The video emphasizes that learning is most effective when there is a clear intention to apply the knowledge. This prevents learning irrelevant or abstract concepts that aren't useful in the short term, which often leads to poor retention and lack of motivation.

What is the role of practicing in the ALP method?

Practicing is crucial in the ALP method because it helps solidify what you've learned. Whether it's through simple projects or real-life applications, practicing ensures that you can retain the knowledge and skills you've acquired and apply them effectively.

How does the video suggest approaching learning programming with Python?

The video recommends starting with simple projects to practice Python. As you complete these projects, you'll encounter new concepts, which should be noted and reviewed through spaced repetition, reinforcing your learning as you move on to more complex projects.

What are the benefits of using Brilliant for learning STEM topics?

Brilliant is a highly engaging platform for learning STEM topics because it emphasizes learning by doing. It offers interactive lessons that progressively increase in difficulty, allowing learners to tackle real-world problems and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

What is the Space Repetition plugin in Obsidian, and how does it work?

The Space Repetition plugin in Obsidian is a tool that integrates spaced repetition into the Obsidian note-taking app. Users can tag their notes with specific flashcards, and the plugin uses intervals to show the flashcards based on how well you remember the information, helping with long-term retention.

How are flashcards created and used in Obsidian with the Space Repetition plugin?

Flashcards in Obsidian are created by adding a special YAML tag to notes and using inline flashcards. These flashcards are displayed as prompts and answers within the notes, which are reviewed periodically based on the spaced repetition algorithm. The review process helps users retain knowledge by focusing on difficult cards.

What is the advantage of spreading flashcards across multiple notes instead of using one central note for all of them?

Spreading flashcards across multiple notes allows for more context and clarification. If a flashcard is difficult to remember, users can easily access the note where it lives to review additional information, making the learning process more effective and engaging.

Why does the video creator prefer to avoid using flashcards created by others?

The video creator prefers to focus on personal learning by creating flashcards based on their own experiences and projects. This ensures that the flashcards are relevant to their current needs, preventing the distraction of learning concepts that may not be immediately useful.