How to Think 3x Faster in 7 Days (from a Top 1% Med Student)

Summary

In this informative video, Salim, a med student, shares strategies to enhance thinking and learning efficiency using a modified Bloom's Taxonomy. He introduces six levels of thinking, from basic recall to advanced application, and emphasizes actionable steps to climb each level. Techniques like active recall, spaced repetition, deeper descriptions, and teaching others are discussed. Salim also highlights the importance of applying knowledge in diverse scenarios and having a mentor to guide through the higher levels of critical thinking and creativity, ultimately aiming to help viewers reach their full potential.

Takeaways

• 📚 Salim, a med student, shares his method for mastering thousands of medical topics efficiently.
• 🧠 The script outlines six levels of thinking from beginner to genius, based on a modified Bloom’s Taxonomy.
• 🔑 Level 1 focuses on recalling facts and concepts, with active recall and spaced repetition as key techniques.
• 📝 Level 2 emphasizes understanding by creating deeper descriptions and simplifying explanations for others.
• 🤔 Level 3 is about applying knowledge to new situations, with practical application and a 1:2:1 learning to application ratio.
• 🔍 Levels 4 and 5 involve analyzing and evaluating information, which can enhance general productivity and academic performance.
• 📝 AI tools like ChatGPT can be used to practice higher levels of thinking by generating and marking essay questions.
• 💡 The Create stage, Level 6, encourages original thought and application, often seen in academic research or personal development.
• 👨‍🏫 Having a mentor can significantly speed up the process of reaching higher levels of thinking by providing guidance and experience.
• 🚀 Overcoming the fear of taking action is crucial for actualizing potential and achieving goals, as discussed in another video by Salim.
• 🔄 The script suggests a systematic approach to learning and thinking that can be adapted to various areas of life for personal and academic success.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video script?

The main purpose of the video script is to guide viewers through six levels of thinking, from beginner to genius, using a modified Bloom's Taxonomy, with the aim of increasing the speed of thinking and learning.

Who is the speaker in the video script?

The speaker in the video script is Salim, a medical student who has had to learn thousands of topics across various degrees and prefers not to spend all day studying.

What are the two key techniques mentioned for memorizing information effectively?

The two key techniques mentioned for memorizing information effectively are active recall and spaced repetition.

What is active recall and how is it used in learning?

Active recall is a learning technique where you create questions on a topic and test yourself on those questions, forcing your brain to actively retrieve information instead of passively reading.

What is spaced repetition and how does it enhance memory?

Spaced repetition is a learning technique where you review material at increasing intervals over time, which helps to enhance long-term memory retention.

What tool does Salim recommend for implementing active recall and spaced repetition?

Salim recommends using flashcard software like Anki for implementing active recall and spaced repetition.

What is the second stage of Bloom's Taxonomy according to the script, and how can it be improved?

The second stage of Bloom's Taxonomy is understanding. It can be improved by creating deeper descriptions and explanations, and by teaching the learned material to someone else in simple terms.

Why is it important to apply knowledge to different scenarios?

Applying knowledge to different scenarios is important because it helps to improve the ability to think critically and solve problems, which is necessary for higher levels of education and general productivity.

What is the '1:2:1 ratio' mentioned in the script and how does it work?

The '1:2:1 ratio' is a system where for every hour spent learning, you spend two hours applying what you've learned, and then an additional hour delving deeper into the parts where you struggled, helping to cement understanding and improve thinking speed.

What are the 'Analyze' and 'Evaluate' stages of Bloom's Taxonomy and how can they be practiced?

The 'Analyze' and 'Evaluate' stages of Bloom's Taxonomy involve making connections and critiquing different ideas. They can be practiced by using AI software to generate essay-style questions and marking your answers, as well as reflecting on and comparing different methods or systems for personal productivity.

What is the highest level of Bloom's Taxonomy and how can one reach it?

The highest level of Bloom's Taxonomy is the 'Create' stage, which involves doing something that hasn't been done before. To reach this level, one can have a mentor for guidance, learn from the experiences of others, and apply the insights gained to create new ideas or solutions.

What common problem does the script mention that prevents people from taking action?

The script mentions that a common problem that prevents people from taking action is a fear of taking action itself, which can be overcome by understanding and addressing this fear.