The 15 People Who Have Most Influenced My Thinking

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares a list of 15 thinkers who have significantly influenced their approach to learning and skill acquisition. These include psychologists, educators, and experts in cognitive science, such as Anders Ericsson, John Sweller, and Barbara Oakley. Each thinker’s work on deliberate practice, cognitive load theory, and the psychology of learning shapes the speaker's understanding of effective education and personal growth. The video emphasizes the evolving nature of learning and encourages viewers to continue exploring new ideas while developing their own approaches to acquiring and applying knowledge.

Takeaways

• 😀 Anders Ericsson's theory of deliberate practice suggests that world-class performance comes from large quantities of focused, effortful practice, not innate talent.
• 😀 John Sweller’s cognitive load theory reveals that students with limited prior knowledge learn better by observing examples rather than solving problems independently.
• 😀 Robert Bjork's concept of 'desirable difficulties' emphasizes that learning methods that initially seem less effective, such as spaced repetition and retrieval practice, result in better long-term retention.
• 😀 Michelene Chi's research shows that experts solve problems by identifying underlying principles, while novices focus on superficial features, highlighting the importance of abstract thinking in expertise development.
• 😀 Herbert Simon's problem-solving theory explains that we navigate complex problems by reducing the problem space using learned methods, rather than solving everything from scratch.
• 😀 John Anderson's model of skill acquisition divides learning into declarative and procedural memory, where learners first understand facts and later convert them into automatic skills.
• 😀 Walter Kintsch’s theory of reading comprehension shows that when we read, we form conflicting representations of text, and only the most likely option reaches our consciousness.
• 😀 Gene Le’s anthropological work challenges traditional educational models, suggesting that learning is a social, culturally embedded process that doesn't always rely on formal instruction.
• 😀 Albert Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy asserts that belief in one's ability to succeed is a crucial factor in motivation, and social learning theory emphasizes learning from observing others rather than trial and error.
• 😀 Barbara Oakley’s work on learning emphasizes the importance of understanding how we learn, offering practical strategies for improving study habits, and her personal experience has been a source of inspiration for the author.

Q & A

Who is Anders Ericsson and how has his work influenced the speaker?

Anders Ericsson was a psychologist best known for his work on deliberate practice. He found that world-class performance in various domains is best explained by focused, strenuous practice rather than innate talent. The speaker has adopted this theory, applying it to their own learning projects and valuing painstaking work over effortless brilliance.

What is John Sweller's Cognitive Load Theory and how does it affect learning?

John Sweller's Cognitive Load Theory posits that working memory constraints are the primary bottleneck to learning. For novices, it suggests that observing examples and explanations is often more effective than independent problem-solving, as it alleviates cognitive overload and helps learners focus on the essential elements of a skill.

How does Robert Bork's concept of 'desirable difficulties' challenge traditional learning methods?

Robert Bork's theory of 'desirable difficulties' suggests that certain challenges in learning—such as spaced repetition, retrieval practice, and variability—may initially make learning appear harder but lead to more durable and transferable skills in the long term. This contrasts with methods like cramming, which might be more effective short-term but less efficient for deep learning.

What did Michelene Chi's research reveal about the difference between expert and novice problem-solving?

Michelene Chi's research showed that experts categorize problems by underlying principles, whereas novices focus on superficial features. This insight highlights the importance of teaching students to abstract concepts and apply them to varied situations, as true expertise requires generalization beyond textbook problems.

What is Herbert Simon's theory of problem-solving, and how does it relate to learning?

Herbert Simon's theory of problem-solving suggests that when faced with a problem, we form a mental representation of it, creating a 'problem space' to find a solution. The process of solving complex problems often involves reducing this problem space by applying learned methods. The speaker uses this framework to understand how skills and solutions are developed through learning.

How does John Anderson's ACT-R model explain skill acquisition?

John Anderson's ACT-R model posits that skill acquisition involves two types of memory: declarative memory (facts and examples) and procedural memory (production rules). Learning begins with acquiring declarative knowledge, which is then transformed into procedural knowledge that can be automatically applied.

What is Walter Kinch’s Construction-Integration Theory of reading comprehension?

Walter Kinch's Construction-Integration Theory suggests that when we read, we form multiple conflicting representations of the text. These conflicting models compete for attention, and only the most likely option emerges into consciousness. This theory has implications beyond reading, as it applies to any cognitive process that involves integrating conflicting pieces of information.

What role does Gene Le’s work on social learning play in the speaker's thinking?

Gene Le's work emphasizes that learning is a social, cultural activity rather than a purely cognitive one. Her research shows that people learn skills, such as tailoring in West Africa, mostly through observation and practice within their community, rather than formal, structured education. This perspective challenges traditional educational models and highlights the importance of real-world, hands-on learning.

How has Albert Bandura's theory of self-efficacy influenced the speaker’s approach to learning?

Albert Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy suggests that motivation is influenced by our belief in our ability to perform a task. The speaker applies this idea by recognizing that confidence in one’s abilities can drive learning success, while a lack of self-efficacy can prevent people from even attempting to learn or improve.

What impact has Barbara Oakley had on the speaker’s learning philosophy?

Barbara Oakley, through her course 'Learning How to Learn' and her writings, has greatly influenced the speaker’s approach to learning. Oakley combines principles from cognitive psychology with neuroscience to offer practical advice on how to learn effectively. Her own journey from struggling with math to earning a PhD serves as a testament to the power of changing how we approach learning.

How did Benny Lewis’ approach to language learning influence the speaker’s own projects?

Benny Lewis’ 'Fluent in 3 Months' challenge inspired the speaker to undertake aggressive self-directed learning projects, particularly in language learning. His emphasis on immersive, communicative practice and overcoming fear of speaking a new language helped shape the speaker’s later approach to learning languages and other skills.