How I Built an Evidence-Based Learning System in 312 Weeks

Summary

Justin shares his innovative 'PERO System' designed to boost learning efficiency by over 60%. The system, which stands for Priming, Encoding, Reference, and Overlearning, helps learners filter, process, and retain information more effectively. Justin highlights the importance of moving beyond mere repetition to structured processes that make learning relevant and easier to recall. He illustrates how effective techniques can significantly reduce study time and improve memory retention. The video also introduces a diagnostic quiz to help viewers evaluate and enhance their learning strategies. This approach promises to transform how learners approach their studies.

Takeaways

• 🧠 I developed a system called PERO that boosts learning efficiency by over 60% and saves 10 hours of studying per week.
• 📊 PERO stands for Priming, Encoding, Reference, Retrieval, and Overlearning.
• ❓ The question 'What is the best technique for studying?' indicates a lack of understanding of how learning truly works.
• 🔄 Learning is not just repetition; it's a series of processes that improve memory and understanding.
• 🔍 Filtering information based on relevance is crucial for effective learning.
• 📝 Priming prepares the brain for learning by making information seem relevant.
• 🔧 Encoding involves organizing and processing information to make it easier to understand and remember.
• 🗂️ Reference is about note-taking and setting aside detailed information to focus on processing and memory.
• 📖 Retrieval involves testing knowledge to strengthen memory and understanding.
• 🌐 Interleaving means approaching topics from multiple perspectives to enhance learning.
• 🔁 Overlearning involves repeated practice to ensure deep understanding and fast recall.
• 📈 Overlearning is optional and best used for competitive assessments or high standards of excellence.
• 📝 The PERO system quiz helps evaluate and improve personal learning processes.
• 📉 Ineffective encoding requires more repetition and leads to inefficient learning.
• 🚀 Implementing the PERO system can transform learning efficiency and effectiveness.

Q & A

What is the Pero system and what does it stand for?

The Pero system is a learning system developed by the speaker to boost efficiency and save study time. It stands for Priming, Encoding, Reference, Retrieval, and Overlearning.

Why does the speaker emphasize systems over techniques in learning?

The speaker emphasizes systems over techniques because learning is a series of processes, and the quality of these processes affects memory and understanding. Focusing on systems allows for more efficient learning and less repetition.

What is priming in the Pero system?

Priming is a technique used before a main learning event, such as a class or study session, to prepare the brain to learn more effectively. It helps the brain filter information and recognize its relevance.

What role does encoding play in the learning process according to the Pero system?

Encoding involves organizing and processing information so that it can be effectively stored in memory. It includes techniques like grouping, simplifying, finding analogies, and making connections.

How does the concept of reference help in the learning process?

Reference involves taking detailed notes and storing specific information elsewhere, like in flashcards or apps, to avoid getting bogged down in details during the encoding process. It allows the brain to focus on organizing and processing information.

What is the purpose of retrieval in the Pero system?

Retrieval involves testing oneself and challenging the ability to use and apply knowledge. It helps reprocess and repackage information, strengthening memory and deepening understanding.

Can you explain the concept of interleaving in learning?

Interleaving involves hitting a topic from multiple perspectives and angles. It ensures knowledge is not narrow and helps learners handle curveball questions and combinations of concepts, which separates top learners from the rest.

What is overlearning and when is it necessary?

Overlearning involves learning more than necessary, often through repetition, to achieve faster recall and enhanced fluency. It is mainly needed for competitive assessments or high standards of excellence and is optional for most day-to-day studying.

Why might someone score low on the speaker's learning system diagnostic quiz?

Low scores on the diagnostic quiz often correlate with a lack of confidence in learning abilities and an understanding of weaknesses in their learning system. The quiz provides insights and recommendations to improve learning efficiency.

How did the speaker's perspective on learning change after optimizing their learning process?

The speaker's perspective changed when they realized the importance of making information relevant and optimizing the learning process. This shift reduced the need for repetition and made their learning much more efficient.