How To Remember Everything You Learn

Summary

In this informative video, the host shares seven effective tips to enhance memory retention for the things we learn. Starting with the importance of understanding the broad concept before diving into specifics, the tips include 'just-in-time learning,' following curiosity, sharing knowledge to reinforce learning, and using tools like Readwise for low-friction resurfacing of information. The host emphasizes active recall as a crucial method for solidifying memories, suggesting that testing oneself is more beneficial than passive rereading or note-taking.

Takeaways

• 😀 Discover the Map: Start by understanding the broad strokes of a new topic before diving into specific areas to avoid missing out on related areas of knowledge.
• 🎮 Just-in-Time Learning: Learn when the knowledge becomes practically applicable to you, rather than learning 'just in case' it might be useful later.
• 🔍 Follow Your Curiosity: Engage with topics that genuinely interest you to improve recall and retention of information.
• 🗣️ Share What You've Learned: Teaching or explaining what you've learned to others can significantly enhance your own memory of the material.
• 💡 Apply the Protege Effect: The act of teaching or sharing knowledge helps deepen your understanding and makes the information more memorable.
• 📚 Utilize Interactive Platforms: Use platforms like Brilliant for engaging and interactive learning experiences in subjects like math, data science, and computer science.
• 📝 Write Regularly: Writing about what you've learned, such as in an email newsletter, can reinforce your memory and provide a record of your learning journey.
• 🔄 Low-Friction Resurfacing: Use tools like Readwise to revisit highlights from your reading in a low-effort way, which aids in memory retention.
• 📉 Active Recall: Actively testing yourself on the material you've learned is more effective for memory retention than passive rereading or note-taking.
• 📈 Test Yourself Regularly: Incorporate self-testing into your learning routine to solidify memory connections and improve long-term retention.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is about learning and remembering new information effectively, with seven simple tips to enhance memory retention.

What is the first tip mentioned in the video for improving memory retention?

The first tip is to 'discover the map', which means to understand the broad overview of a new topic before diving into specific areas.

Can you explain the concept of 'just in time learning' as mentioned in the video?

'Just in time learning' is learning something at the moment it becomes useful and necessary, as opposed to 'just in case learning', which is learning something that might be useful in the future.

What does the video suggest about the relationship between curiosity and memory retention?

The video suggests that curiosity is a natural compass that helps in remembering information. People are more likely to remember things they are genuinely curious about.

How does sharing knowledge with others help in learning according to the video?

Sharing knowledge with others, also known as the 'Protege effect', helps in reinforcing the learner's own understanding and memory of the information.

What is the benefit of using Brilliant as mentioned in the video?

Brilliant is an online platform that offers interactive and engaging lessons on various subjects like math, data science, and computer science, which can enhance learning experience.

Why is writing a weekly email newsletter like 'Sunday Snippets' beneficial for the author?

Writing a weekly email newsletter helps the author to remember what they have learned by sharing it with others and also adds value to the readers by teaching them new things.

What is 'low friction resurfacing' and how does it help in memory retention?

'Low friction resurfacing' is the process of revisiting information in a low-effort way, such as receiving daily emails with highlights from previously read material, which helps in recalling the information.

What is the significance of 'active recall' in the context of learning and memory?

'Active recall' is the act of actively trying to remember information without looking at the source material, which strengthens memory connections and aids in better retention.

How does the video suggest using the Readwise app for memory retention?

The Readwise app is suggested for its ability to store highlights from reading material and send daily emails with random highlights, facilitating low-effort resurfacing of learned information.

What is the final tip given in the video for remembering more of what you learn?

The final tip is to practice 'active recall' by testing oneself on the information learned, which is more effective for memory retention than passively rereading or summarizing.