How To Learn Faster

AsapSCIENCE

28 Sept 201704:06

Summary

TLDRThis episode explores effective learning techniques for quick knowledge acquisition and retention. It advises against using laptops for note-taking, advocating pen and paper to avoid digital distractions and promote deeper information processing. The script highlights the benefits of sleep for memory consolidation, as demonstrated by a study showing improved recall after sleep. For motor skill learning, it suggests varying practice methods to enhance speed and accuracy, using the example of tennis players switching racket weights. These strategies aim to optimize the learning experience.

Takeaways

📚 Write with pen and paper to take notes as it helps in deeper processing of information compared to typing on a laptop.
🚫 Avoid online distractions when learning, as they can hinder the effectiveness of your learning process.
📝 Re-frame information into your own words while writing notes to enhance test performance.
💤 Incorporate sleep into your study routine to improve memory retention, as demonstrated by the French experiment with Swahili translations.
📈 The sleep group in the experiment recalled more words after a period of sleep compared to the group that studied without sleep.
🔄 Modify your practice slightly when learning a new motor skill to enhance the speed and accuracy of learning.
🎾 In real-world applications, vary your practice methods, such as using tennis rackets of different weights, to improve motor skill learning.
🧠 Using two different strategies in learning can nearly double the speed of accuracy compared to repeating the same practice.
🔍 Research supports the effectiveness of certain study methods, such as handwriting notes and incorporating sleep.
🌟 Learning new skills, like languages or instruments, is an amazing and enriching experience.
🛠️ Experiment with different learning techniques to find what works best for you in retaining knowledge quickly.

Q & A

What does the script suggest as the first step for effective learning?
-The script suggests skipping the laptop and writing with pen and paper when taking notes as the first step for effective learning.
Why is typing on a laptop considered less effective than writing with pen and paper according to the script?
-Typing on a laptop is considered less effective because it can lead to more distractions and researchers have found that it results in shallower information processing compared to writing by hand.
What is the recommended method for retaining notes according to the script?
-The script recommends the method of 'STUDY, SLEEP, STUDY!' for retaining notes effectively.
What was the outcome of the French experiment on learning and sleep mentioned in the script?
-In the French experiment, the group that studied, slept overnight, and then studied again in the morning could recall 10 out of 16 words, while the group that studied without sleep could only recall 7.5 words.
How does the script suggest modifying practice to enhance learning of a new motor skill?
-The script suggests modifying practice slightly, such as learning the task in a slightly altered way in the second training session, which can nearly double the speed of accuracy compared to repeating the exact same practice.
What is an example given in the script for applying the concept of modified practice in real life?
-An example given in the script is switching between tennis rackets with slightly different weights between practice sessions to improve motor skill learning.
Why is reframing information into your own words while writing considered beneficial for learning?
-Reframing information into your own words while writing helps in better performance on tests as it leads to deeper processing and understanding of the material.
What is the significance of the 'STUDY, SLEEP, STUDY' method in enhancing memory retention?
-The 'STUDY, SLEEP, STUDY' method is significant because sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation, allowing for better recall of learned information.
How does the script relate the learning of a computer-based motor skill to the real-world application?
-The script relates the learning of a computer-based motor skill to the real world by suggesting that varying the practice conditions, such as using different tools or techniques, can improve learning outcomes.
What does the script imply about the role of distractions in the learning process?
-The script implies that distractions, such as those found online when using a laptop, can negatively impact the learning process by leading to shallower information processing.
What is the key takeaway from the script regarding the effectiveness of different learning strategies?
-The key takeaway is that combining active writing, strategic rest with sleep, and varied practice methods can significantly enhance the speed and retention of new skills and knowledge.

Outlines

00:00

📝 Effective Learning Techniques

This paragraph discusses the benefits of learning new skills and the most effective ways to do so. It emphasizes the importance of writing notes by hand over typing on a laptop, as handwriting allows for deeper processing of information and better retention. The summary also highlights the significance of studying, sleeping, and then studying again to enhance memory recall, as demonstrated by a French experiment. Additionally, it suggests modifying practice methods when learning new motor skills to improve accuracy and speed, using the example of switching between tennis rackets of different weights.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Brilliant.org

Brilliant.org is an online learning platform that offers interactive courses in various subjects, including math, science, and engineering. In the context of the video, it is mentioned as the supporting sponsor, suggesting that the platform may be a resource for those looking to learn new skills or subjects quickly and effectively.

💡Learning

Learning is the process of acquiring new knowledge, skills, or understanding. The video script emphasizes the importance of learning and explores methods to enhance the learning process. For example, it suggests that writing notes with pen and paper can lead to better learning outcomes compared to typing on a laptop.

💡Note-taking

Note-taking is the act of recording information during a lecture, meeting, or while studying. The script suggests that writing notes with pen and paper is more effective for learning than typing on a laptop, as it involves deeper processing of the information.

💡Distractions

Distractions refer to anything that can draw one's attention away from the task at hand. The script mentions that typing on a laptop can lead to more distractions online, which may hinder the learning process.

💡Information Processing

Information processing is the cognitive activity of taking in, understanding, and organizing information. The video script indicates that typing notes can lead to shallower information processing compared to writing them out, which involves a deeper level of engagement with the material.

💡Re-framing

Re-framing is the act of presenting information in a new or different way. In the context of note-taking, the script suggests that re-framing information into one's own words while writing it out can improve learning and test performance.

💡Study and Sleep

The script highlights the importance of combining study and sleep for effective learning. It references a French experiment where a group that studied and then slept retained more information than a group that studied without sleep.

💡Retention

Retention refers to the ability to remember and recall information over time. The video script discusses the impact of sleep on retention, showing that those who slept after studying could recall more information than those who did not.

💡Motor Skill

A motor skill is a physical ability that requires coordination and control of muscles. The script mentions learning a new motor skill and suggests that modifying practice slightly, such as using differently weighted tennis rackets, can improve learning outcomes.

💡Practice Modification

Practice modification involves changing the way one practices a skill to enhance learning. The script cites a study where participants who used two different strategies during practice sessions improved their accuracy and speed significantly compared to those who practiced the same way each time.

💡Accuracy

Accuracy is the degree of correctness or exactness. In the context of learning a motor skill, the script suggests that modifying practice can nearly double the speed of accuracy, indicating the effectiveness of varied practice methods.

Highlights

Learning new things is amazing, but there might be a better way to learn quickly and retain knowledge.

When taking notes, skip the laptop and write with pen and paper to avoid online distractions.

Typing notes can lead to shallower information processing compared to writing by hand.

Re-framing information into your own words while writing improves test performance.

To retain notes, follow the STUDY, SLEEP, STUDY pattern.

A French experiment shows sleep between study sessions aids in memory retention.

The sleep group recalled more words than the no sleep group in the experiment.

Modifying practice slightly can improve learning of new motor skills.

A study shows that using different strategies in practice sessions can nearly double speed and accuracy.

In real-world applications, varying practice tools, like tennis rackets with different weights, can enhance skill development.

Physical writing of notes is more effective than typing for learning and retention.

Researchers found that physical writing leads to deeper information processing.

The STUDY, SLEEP, STUDY method is proven to be effective for knowledge retention.

Sleep plays a crucial role in consolidating newly learned information.

Practicing a new skill with slight modifications can enhance learning outcomes.

Using two different strategies in practice can lead to better performance.

Switching between different practice tools can improve motor skill learning.