How to Learn Insanely Difficult Subjects FAST

Summary

The speaker, a medical student, shares a learning system to tackle complex subjects like electrocardiology. They emphasize the importance of learning in cycles, starting with a broad understanding and gradually filling in details. The script introduces strategies such as prioritizing simpler concepts first, using lateral thinking to overcome learning ruts, and applying new knowledge immediately to solidify understanding. The speaker also hints at a more in-depth learning system for further study.

Takeaways

• 📚 Start with the basics: When learning something new, begin with a basic understanding of the big picture and the structure of the information.
• 🔁 Learn in cycles: Process information in multiple cycles, starting with a short overview and gradually adding more detail in each subsequent cycle.
• 💤 Memory consolidation: Give your brain time to process information by spacing out learning sessions, which is enhanced by getting adequate sleep.
• 💸 Prioritize learning: Focus on the 'lowest hanging fruit' first, tackling the easiest concepts to build a foundation for more complex topics.
• 🚫 Don't get stuck: If a concept is difficult, skip it for now and come back to it in a later cycle when you have more context.
• 🔄 Lateral thinking: When stuck, try a different approach or resource to gain a new perspective on the material.
• ⚖️ Use analogies: Simplify complex concepts by comparing them to everyday items or situations you're already familiar with.
• 🛠 Apply knowledge: Immediately use what you've learned, even if imperfectly, to solidify the learning process.
• 🤔 Ask 'when', 'how', and 'why': To deepen understanding, consider the practical application and context of the concepts you're learning.
• 📈 Stay organized: Keep your learning materials and notes organized to ensure you can efficiently revisit and review information.

Q & A

What was the speaker's main challenge during medical school?

The speaker struggled with retaining complex information, particularly in subjects like electrocardiology, and was concerned about failing out of school or disappointing their parents.

What is the analogy used to explain the difficulty of learning new subjects?

The analogy compares learning a new subject to playing a video game for the first time versus jumping into someone else's advanced save file, highlighting the overwhelming nature of starting with too much complex information.

What is the concept of 'learning in cycles' as described in the script?

Learning in cycles involves going over material multiple times, starting with a broad understanding and gradually adding details in each subsequent cycle, which is also known as spacing.

How does the speaker recommend structuring the first cycle of learning a new topic?

The first cycle should be short and focused on understanding the big picture, such as the main ideas and the outline of the information, without delving into specific details.

What is the significance of memory consolidation in the learning process?

Memory consolidation is the process where the brain processes information during periods of rest, which strengthens and solidifies what has been learned, often enhanced by deep REM sleep.

What does the speaker mean by 'picking the lowest hanging fruit' in the context of learning?

Picking the lowest hanging fruit means starting with the simplest and least complex concepts that require the least amount of effort, which lays a foundation for understanding more difficult material later.

What is the 'einstellung effect' mentioned in the script?

The einstellung effect is a psychological phenomenon where it becomes difficult for individuals to see a problem in a different way once they have used a particular approach, even if it's ineffective.

How does the speaker suggest using lateral thinking to overcome learning obstacles?

Lateral thinking involves side-stepping a learning rut by exploring related concepts or ideas, using analogies, or changing the way information is presented, such as through different resources or formats.

Why is it important to apply new learning immediately according to the speaker?

Applying new learning immediately activates processes in the brain necessary to complete the learning process, as it reinforces the concept and helps solidify understanding beyond just a conceptual 'light bulb' moment.

What framework does the speaker suggest for finding use cases of newly learned information?

The speaker suggests focusing on 'when,' 'how,' and 'why' questions to find practical use cases for newly learned information, which encourages deeper critical thinking and understanding.

How does the speaker relate the strategy for learning complex topics to learning in general?

The speaker emphasizes that the strategy for learning complex topics is the same for learning anything effectively, focusing on having a reliable and repeatable process that makes learning manageable and efficient.