What are the BEST apps for Learning? - Q/A (Youtube comments edition)

Summary

In this educational video, Dr. Justin, a former medical doctor turned learning coach, addresses a variety of learning-related questions. He discusses strategies for selecting study materials, leveraging apps like Short Form for comprehensive learning, and choosing effective note-taking tools. Dr. Justin also shares insights on preparing for medical school, enhancing study techniques for technical subjects, and the importance of understanding cognitive load. He emphasizes the value of conceptual understanding in mathematics and provides tips for deep work and effective studying. The video concludes with an invitation for viewers to engage in a Reddit community for further Q&A.

Takeaways

• 🔍 When looking for study materials, start with broad sources and then find additional resources. Avoid relying on a single source.
• 📚 For a comprehensive understanding, use apps like Short Form that summarize and link contents across various books.
• 🎨 Dr. Justin prefers using 'Concepts' for personal studying and 'Explain Everything' for teaching due to their non-linear note-taking features.
• 🚫 Dr. Justin advises against using Notion for learning purposes as it lacks the relational and non-linear aspects necessary for effective learning.
• 🧠 Understanding the difference between declarative, procedural, and conditional knowledge is crucial for effective learning in technical subjects like engineering.
• 🎓 Before choosing med school, consider alternatives and understand your personality's non-negotiables to make an informed career decision.
• 🎵 For focused studying, Dr. Justin recommends using white noise, especially matching the type of noise to the environment for better concentration.
• 📈 Practice retrieval techniques at different knowledge levels to identify and address weaknesses in learning.
• 🕒 The timing of priming before a study session depends on the available time; aim for broad but shallow understanding to create a good scaffold for learning.
• 📝 It's okay to start with linear note-taking and gradually transition to more effective non-linear methods as you become comfortable.
• 🧮 In math, understanding the conceptual reasoning behind formulas is as important as learning the procedural aspects for effective problem-solving.

Q & A

What are the factors a student should consider before going into medical school?

Students should consider looking for alternatives to medicine, understanding their personality and non-negotiables, and gaining life experience to truly understand their values and needs before committing to medical school.

How does Dr. Justin recommend finding study materials outside of a set curriculum?

Dr. Justin suggests finding the broadest possible source of information on a topic, using that as a springboard for additional resources, and not starting with a single source but having at least two to five different sources.

What is the role of short form apps like Shortform in learning according to Dr. Justin?

Short form apps are useful for summarizing book contents and linking them to other related books, providing a broad reach of information and a springboard for further learning.

What online whiteboard apps does Dr. Justin recommend for studying and teaching?

Dr. Justin recommends using Concepts for personal studying and Explain Everything for teaching due to their features, but also mentions the potential of Apple's recently released Freeform app.

Why does Dr. Justin advise against using Notion for learning purposes?

Dr. Justin believes that Notion is not designed with learning in mind due to its linear and clunky relational aspects, and suggests alternatives like Obsidian for better learning experiences.

How can one practice for technical subjects like engineering effectively?

One should understand the different types of knowledge—declarative, procedural, and conditional—and focus on varied practice, interleaving, and mastering the basics rather than seeking advanced encoding techniques.

What does Dr. Justin suggest for training oneself to do deep work?

Deep work can be trained like any other skill or habit, but it's more about setting up an environment or structure that facilitates deep work rather than focusing on individual psychological techniques.

What does Dr. Justin recommend listening to while studying?

Dr. Justin recommends listening to white noise, especially matching the type of white noise to the distracting sounds in the environment, instead of music to maintain focus.

How can one revise for upcoming tests without redrawing the entire mind map?

One can use retrieval practice, past papers, creating questions for each other, or recreating the mind map in a different structure to emphasize different connections, depending on the level of understanding and time available.

What is the ideal scenario for priming before a study session according to the script?

The ideal scenario for priming is to have as broad and shallow an understanding as possible, focusing on concepts to create anchor points for later learning, with the depth and breadth depending on the time available.

Is it okay to start with linear notes when learning new concepts?

Yes, it's okay to start with linear notes and gradually transition to more advanced note-taking forms as comfort and proficiency increase.

How can one study math effectively according to Dr. Justin?

One should focus on understanding the conceptual aspects of math in words before diving into formulas and equations, and practice procedural and conditional knowledge through interleaved retrieval and problem-solving.

How can one differentiate between cognitive load and simply being tired?

Cognitive load is associated with engaged and controlled learning processes, while tiredness reduces the ability to tolerate mental exertion. The sensation of being in control and making connections is indicative of cognitive load, whereas tiredness feels like a lack of capacity to continue the process.