How to find your LEARNER TYPE & build a perfect study system

Summary

The video script by Dr. Justin Sun, a professional learning coach, delves into the concept of 'learner types' as a key to efficient learning. He differentiates these from 'learning styles' and emphasizes the importance of understanding one's cognitive habits, self-regulation, and mindset. Sun introduces a framework with five key dimensions affecting learning efficiency and explains the most common learner types, providing insights into how individuals can identify their own type and improve their learning strategies.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The ability to learn is a crucial life skill that can be improved by understanding one's learner type.
• 🔍 Learning styles and learner types are different; the former suggests a preference for certain learning methods, while the latter assesses habits and processes.
• 🌟 Dr. Justin Sun, a professional learning coach, emphasizes that identifying a learner type can significantly enhance learning efficiency.
• 📈 Learning efficiency is influenced by five key dimensions: deep processing, self-regulation, mindset, self-management, and retrieval practice.
• 💡 Deep processing is the raw power of the mind to think critically and understand complex concepts, which can be trained through neuroplasticity.
• 🔧 Self-regulation is the ability to monitor and adapt learning methods to achieve goals, requiring self-awareness and metacognition.
• 🌱 Mindset refers to one's resilience and openness to learning from mistakes, with a growth mindset being more conducive to learning.
• 🔑 Learner types are not fixed and can change as one improves their learning processes and habits.
• 📊 The most common learner type is 'Unchained,' limited by mindset, which can experience rapid growth once the mindset is retrained.
• 🌱 'Sprout' learners have a growth mindset but need to develop deep processing and self-regulation skills.
• 🎯 'Trooper' learners have a high growth mindset and self-regulation but are limited by their deep processing abilities.
• 🐟 'Carp' learners have good mindset and deep processing but lack effective self-regulation methods, which can be improved for greater learning power.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is to explain the concept of 'learner types' and how understanding one's learner type can significantly improve learning efficiency.

Why is it important to identify one's learner type according to the script?

Identifying one's learner type is important because it helps individuals understand their learning habits and processes, which in turn allows them to improve more effectively and efficiently.

What is the difference between 'learning styles' and 'learner types' as mentioned in the script?

Learning styles refer to the theory that individuals have a preferred way of learning, such as visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. Learner types, on the other hand, are about assessing habits and processes that affect learning efficiency and performance.

What are the five key dimensions that determine learning efficiency according to the script?

The five key dimensions that determine learning efficiency are deep processing, self-regulation, mindset, self-management, and retrieval practice.

How does the concept of neuroplasticity relate to deep processing as described in the script?

Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to mold and adapt based on experiences. In the context of deep processing, it means that the cognitive habits related to learning can be trained and improved over time.

What is the role of self-regulation in learning as per the script?

Self-regulation in learning is the ability to monitor and adapt learning methods to achieve learning goals. It involves having mastery over various learning skills and being able to make adjustments as needed.

What is the significance of having a growth mindset in learning?

A growth mindset is significant in learning because it allows individuals to be open to making mistakes and learning from them. This mindset is crucial for improvement as it fosters resilience and grit.

What are the four most common learner types identified in the script?

The four most common learner types are Unchained, Sprout, Trooper, and Carp. Each type is characterized by different levels of mindset, deep processing, and self-regulation.

How can someone determine their learner type according to the script?

The script suggests taking a simplified diagnostic quiz based on the three key dimensions discussed in the video. This quiz can provide insights into which dimensions are most affecting an individual's learning.

What is the purpose of the diagnostic assessment mentioned in the script?

The purpose of the diagnostic assessment is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's learning dimensions. It helps in identifying the learner type and suggests areas for improvement.

How can the insights from the script be applied to improve learning efficiency?

The insights can be applied by first identifying one's learner type through the diagnostic assessment. Then, focusing on improving the specific dimensions that are limiting, such as developing better deep processing habits, enhancing self-regulation skills, or cultivating a growth mindset.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Discovering Your Learner Type

This paragraph introduces the concept of 'learner type' as a crucial determinant of learning efficiency, emphasizing its importance over learning styles. The speaker, Dr. Justin Sun, explains that learning styles, which suggest a preferred method of learning (visual, auditory, etc.), have been largely debunked in favor of a more holistic approach. He outlines his method of identifying a learner's type by assessing habits and processes, which can significantly improve learning outcomes. Dr. Sun's approach has been a professional advantage, and he promises to reveal the 'trade secret' of identifying learner types in the video.

05:00

🧠 Deep Processing: The Raw Power of Learning

Deep processing is described as the 'raw power of the mind,' akin to intelligence, and is the ability to think critically and understand complex concepts. It is suggested that while genetics and childhood experiences can influence deep processing, it can also be trained through neuroplasticity. The speaker warns against the ineffectiveness of copying high-deep processing learners' techniques without understanding the underlying cognitive habits. The paragraph underscores the importance of developing deep processing skills and the role of effective techniques in enhancing learning.

10:02

🔧 Self-Regulation: Adapting Learning Methods

Self-regulation, or self-regulated learning, is the ability to monitor and adapt learning methods to achieve goals. It is likened to having a range of tools and knowing how to use them effectively. The paragraph discusses the importance of self-awareness and metacognition in academic success. It highlights how high deep processing without self-regulation can lead to inconsistency, especially when faced with unexpected challenges. The speaker emphasizes the need for mastery over various learning skills and the ability to adjust them on the fly.

15:03

🌱 Growth Mindset: Embracing Learning Through Mistakes

Mindset is presented as a critical factor in learning, particularly the ability to handle mistakes and uncertainty. The paragraph contrasts a fixed mindset, which fears failure, with a growth mindset, which thrives on learning from mistakes. The speaker explains that a growth mindset is essential for self-regulation and deep processing, as these require practice and the acceptance of making errors. The importance of reframing one's mindset to facilitate learning is highlighted, along with the assertion that mindsets can be trained, albeit with diligence.

🏆 Identifying and Improving Your Learner Type

The final paragraph discusses the different learner types based on the three key dimensions: mindset, self-regulation, and deep processing. The speaker outlines four common learner types: Unchained (limited by mindset), Sprout (beginner learners with a growth mindset), Trooper (high self-regulation but limited deep processing), and Carp (good deep processing and mindset but lacking self-regulation). The paragraph also introduces a simplified diagnostic quiz to help viewers identify their learner type and suggests focusing on improving the most impactful dimensions for one's learning ability.

Keywords

💡Learning Efficiency

Learning efficiency refers to the effectiveness and speed at which an individual can acquire new knowledge or skills. In the video's context, it is a central theme, emphasizing the importance of identifying and improving one's learner type to enhance learning efficiency. The script mentions that understanding one's learner type can lead to significant improvements in learning efficiency within a short period, as opposed to years of ineffective learning.

💡Learner Type

A learner type, as discussed in the video, is a classification based on an individual's learning habits and processes. It is crucial because it determines what an individual is good at and what might be holding them back in their learning journey. The script explains that identifying one's learner type can make the learning process smoother and more effective.

💡Deep Processing

Deep processing is the cognitive ability to think critically, make connections between ideas, and understand complex concepts. It is likened to the 'raw power of the mind' in the script. The video explains that while some people may have a natural inclination towards deep processing, it can also be developed through practice and training.

💡Self-Regulation

Self-regulation, or self-regulated learning, is the capacity to monitor and adjust one's learning methods to achieve set goals. The script highlights its importance in being able to adapt to different learning situations and overcome challenges, which is a key aspect of an efficient learner.

💡Mindset

Mindset, in the context of the video, refers to an individual's attitude towards learning, particularly their resilience and approach to mistakes and challenges. The script distinguishes between a fixed mindset, which is limited by fear of failure, and a growth mindset, which embraces mistakes as opportunities for learning and improvement.

💡Metacognition

Metacognition is the ability to think about one's own thinking processes. It is essential for self-regulation, as it allows learners to assess their understanding and learning strategies. The script mentions metacognition as a critical factor for academic success, enabling learners to make informed adjustments to their learning approaches.

💡Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to change and adapt its structure and function in response to experiences. The video script uses the concept of neuroplasticity to explain how deep processing skills can be trained and improved over time through learning habits.

💡Self-Management

Self-management, although not explicitly detailed in the script, is implied as part of the five key dimensions that determine learning efficiency. It likely refers to an individual's ability to organize and control their own learning environment and resources, which contributes to effective learning.

💡Retrieval Practice

Retrieval practice is a learning technique where individuals recall information from memory to strengthen neural connections and improve long-term retention. While not deeply explored in the script, it is mentioned as one of the five key dimensions that affect learning efficiency.

💡Unchained Learner

The term 'Unchained Learner' is used in the script to describe individuals who are primarily limited by their mindset. These learners have the potential for rapid growth once their mindset is retrained, as they are already investing significant effort into their learning process.

💡Sprout

In the video, a 'Sprout' refers to a learner type with a growth mindset but lacking in deep processing and self-regulation skills. The script positions Sprouts as early in their learning journey, needing to develop better learning habits and self-regulated learning skills.

💡Trooper

A 'Trooper' learner, as described in the script, has a high growth mindset and good self-regulation skills but is limited by their deep processing abilities. The video uses the analogy of a Storm Trooper from Star Wars, who uses many methods but struggles to hit the mark, to illustrate the challenges faced by Trooper learners.

💡Carp

The 'Carp' learner type is characterized by having good deep processing and a strong mindset but lacking in self-regulation skills. The script uses the Pokémon character Magikarp as an analogy, suggesting that Carps, like Magikarp, have limited methods but the potential to become much more powerful with the right techniques.

Highlights

Learning ability is a life-defining skill, but learning methods vary greatly among individuals.

Copying top students' methods doesn't always work for everyone due to differences in learner types.

Learner types are about assessing habits and processes, not just learning styles.

Identifying one's learner type can significantly improve learning efficiency.

Learning styles are different from learner types and are not as crucial for efficiency.

The human brain is better at processing visual information, but learning styles should not limit one's approach to learning.

Self-regulated learning is more important than sticking to a single learning style.

Learning efficiency is determined by five key dimensions: deep processing, self-regulation, mindset, self-management, and retrieval practice.

Deep processing is like the 'raw power' of the mind and can be trained through neuroplasticity.

High achievers may use ineffective techniques due to their strong deep processing abilities.

Self-regulation is the ability to adapt learning methods to achieve goals and requires self-awareness.

A growth mindset is crucial for learning as it allows for making and learning from mistakes.

Learner types are not fixed and can change as one improves their learning processes and habits.

The most common learner type is 'Unchained,' limited by mindset but capable of rapid growth.

The 'Sprout' learner type has a growth mindset but needs to develop deep processing and self-regulation skills.

'Trooper' learners have a growth mindset and self-regulation but are limited by deep processing.

'Carp' learners have good mindset and deep processing but lack effective self-regulation methods.

A simplified diagnostic quiz is available to help identify one's learner type.

Improving learning involves focusing on the key dimensions that are most limiting for an individual.

Transcripts

your ability to learn is one of the most

important skills in your life it is

literally life defining but if you've

ever tried to get better at learning you

probably realize that what works for one

person doesn't necessarily work for

another person like have you ever try to

copy something that some top student

will do but then it just doesn't work

for you or maybe you've heard those

stories about those students that never

seem to study but then they still get

first place how do they do that are they

just built different and if so what are

you meant to do most of the time the

answer lies in figuring out your learner

type once you figure out your learner

type improving is much smoother that's

why one of the first things I do when I

work with any new learner is to find

their learner type and this is not some

weird horoscope thing this is not

talking about learning styles which are

completely different learner types are

about assessing your habits and

processes the type of learner you are

affects what you're good at that what is

holding you back and therefore what is

the thing that if you were to work on

would make the biggest impact for your

performance being able to identify

someone's learner type is actually a

trade secret of mine that has allowed me

to help people improve their learning

efficiency more in Just 4 weeks than

they have been able to in the last four

years combined as a professional

learning coach it's been one of my

greatest competitive advantages and by

the end of this video you'll see why

I've actually never revealed this on

YouTube before not not because I didn't

want to but because it's been such a

core part of my practice for so many

years now that I just didn't really

think about making a video about this

directly like it literally only occurred

to me a couple of days ago that I have

never talked about this which is wild so

in this video I'll explain what a

learner type is and how it's different

to a learning style I'll go through and

explain the different learner types that

I've identified over the last decade of

working with thousands of students and

then I'll go through some

recommendations on how you can figure

out your own learner type and then what

that means for you if you are new to

this channel welcome I'm Dr Justin Sun

I'm a learning coach in the head of

learning at I can study for the last 10

years I have helped thousands of people

learn to learn more efficiently and for

the last few years I have been sharing

my experience and a few evidence-based

ways that you can approach learning on

YouTube before we jump in as always I

would appreciate if you give this video

a like the YouTube algorithm controls my

fate and quality of life and the

algorithm is controlled by how many

likes and comments this video gets so

every like is appreciated okay so what

is the learner type and why does it

matter firstly let me make it clear that

learning styles are a completely

separate thing learning styles is a

theory that became popular in the 7s and

it basically says that the human brain

has a certain style of learning like

visual auditory read and write or

kinesthetic that it is bitter at and

therefore finding that learning style

will make you a bit and more efficient

learner but after Decades of research we

know that that is actually not the case

this is not a dedicated video on

learning Styles let me know if you want

me to make one but the summary is that

all people benefit from using multiple

learning styles and the human brain is

vastly better at processing visual

information than basically any other

type of information all humans and

certainly there are learning preferences

but those are usually because of Prior

experiences and habits rather than

something that is biological or innate

everyone should get better at using

multiple learning styles because number

one it's called cognitively Superior and

number two you just simply can't choose

which style to learn from most of the

time anyway so it creates unnecessary

pigeon H holding and sets limits on your

self-beliefs on how you can or can't

learn efficiently rather than just

learning to make learning work for you

which is called self-regulated learning

and self-regulated learning is my area

of expertise so that's learning styles

and it has nothing to do with learn a

types I just wanted to clear that up

you'll learn a typ type comes down to

the core Dimensions that make up an

efficient learner this is based on a

conceptual framework of learning that I

created which I'm in the process of

getting published uh it's taking a while

but it can be very technical so I'll try

to keep this concise your learning

efficiency is mainly determined by five

key dimensions and they are number one

deep processing number two

self-regulation number three mindset

number four self-management and number

five retrieval practice as an analogy I

like playing video games and characters

and games usually have these stats like

strength agility defense dexterity or

something like that well these five core

dimensions are basically the stats for

your ability to learn the learner types

are just a different combination of

these five Dimensions as a quick and

Shameless plug the icon study.com guided

training program is based on training

you through these core Dimensions which

is why mapping these with a diagnostic

assessment is step one of the program

now in this video I want to focus on

just the first three dimensions because

these are the ones that are I think the

most important and also the ones that

people most commonly have issues with

also this video will just get too long

so starting with deep processing deep

processing is the raw power of your mind

think of a genius that you know or have

heard of what you are thinking about is

probably deep processing it's basically

intelligence deep processing is the

ability to think critically make

connections between ideas extract me

meaningful learning from information and

understand complex Concepts most people

with deep processing are high Achievers

and they have high deep processing

because of a combination of genetics and

childhood experiences here's the

important part of deep processing though

deep processing can be trained your

brain has this thing called

neuroplasticity which is the ability for

it to mold and adapt based on the

pressures that you put on it that's how

we form new habits deep processing is

just a series of habits related to

learning and they can be trained not

every person is going to become the

genius but everyone can get better FYI

many in fact probably most of the videos

that I put out on this channel are

actually about training yourself to be

better at De processing the second thing

and this is

crucial is that if you don't have high

deep processing which most people don't

and you try to copy someone that does

have Pi deep processing you will

probably not have the same level of

success this single fact is the reason

why there is so much bad studying advice

out there people with high deep

processing can use ineffective

techniques and still do well their raw

processing power can compensate for

their bad technique let me explain an

effective technique is one that helps

you think in a way that is good for

Learning and an ineffective technique is

one that does not help your brain think

in a way that is good for learning your

cognitive habits are set by your deep

processing so if you've got high deep

processing you have good cognitive

habits if you have low deep processing

you don't have good cognitive habits and

obviously this is kind of oversimplified

in reality it's more of a spectrum if

you have high deep processing and you

use an ineffective technique you can

usually still make it work obviously if

you use an effective technique it works

even better now if you have low deep Pro

thing which again is most people they

don't have the cognitive habits to pull

this off and overcome it so if they use

an ineffective technique they will not

be able to make it work but the thing is

that truly effective techniques actually

less common and part of that is because

High deep processors don't need to use

the most effective techniques a lot of

the time especially when they're in high

school or things are a little bit easier

most natural high Achievers are doing

well despite their techniques not

because of them that's why you might

find that many high Achievers especially

on social media and Reddit seem to look

down on more deliberate learning methods

because they think it's unnecessary

because for them it genuinely may be

unnecessary it's like someone who is

crazy strong they can lift the weight

even if they have bad form but if you

aren't you probably can't or you might

even injure yourself most high Achievers

are also not experienced learning Cod

coaches so what worked for them doesn't

necessarily transfer to someone else

this is one of the reasons why I always

say take advice from people that have

had personal success and have been able

to replicate that success in other

people again just because you are a

terrific athlete doesn't necessarily

mean that you're a good coach but the

thing is that if you have low deep

processing and you use these techniques

that lots of high Achievers are using

and then you don't do well which is

statistically most people then you can

conclude that you're not smart enough or

you are just incapable which is sad and

untrue so here's the summary if you have

good deep processing good for you you're

probably not going to be limited by this

Dimension you can focus on the other

dimensions if you do have low deep

processing this is something that's

probably worthwhile for you to work on

as well as compensating for it with the

other dimensions so the next Dimension

is selfregulation

self-regulation or in other words

self-regulated learning is the ability

to Monitor and adapt your learning

methods to achieve your learning goals

an efficient learner is like an

efficient Builder they have a range of

tools and they know how to use each one

to achieve the outcome they want if

they're not getting success with one

tool they know to change the tool if one

tool isn't working they know how to use

it differently to get the job done for

learning that means having Mastery over

skills like your note taking your

listening your pre-study and priming

your review and your consolidation

skills all of these things which I talk

about in many of my other videos you

also need to be able to monitor how it's

going and then make adjustments on the

Fly this requires self-awareness and the

ability to think about thinking which is

something called

metacognition one of the most

influential factors for academic success

so if you have high deep processing but

low

self-regulation then you may do well

normally but struggle with consistency

especially if unexpected things pop up

or when things become more challenging

you might suddenly struggle to keep up I

see this a lot with students going from

high school to college or university

where suddenly there's this very big

jump from the amount of self-regulation

they needed and then now there's more

resources to manage the lectures are

faster there's more Content Volume

there's just overall less Direction and

therefore they need a greater

self-regulation ability but they don't

have it and then they start struggling

even if you had the raw power to process

the information it's just an unnecessary

amount of energy that's being spent on

the flip side if you have low deep

processing but you've got high self

regulation then you can compensate for

having lower level of raar power with

just sheer technique and in fact

actually that's what I recommend most of

the time because good technique actually

helps to train your deep processing Over

time however both of these are limited

by mindset which is the third dimension

mindset is about your resilience and

grit how do you react to the idea of

making mistakes or jumping into the

unknown with dealing with uncertainty do

you jump right into it experiment and

learn from your mistakes or are you

Paralyzed by a fear of failure being

afraid of making mistakes and feeling a

sense of insecurity with failure is what

we call a fixed mindset whereas the

opposite where you're open to making

mistakes and you learn from it and you

even thrive in it that is called a

growth mindset because both

self-regulation and deep processing

require practice and time to train

mistakes are unavoidable in fact even if

you could avoid them you wouldn't want

to avoid them because making mistakes is

where you get most of the learning from

so if you are limited by a fixed mindset

it's impossible to improve on anything

and knowing this can make a big

difference what I often see is people

trying to improve their learning methods

which is good by learning about more

methods and more techniques which is

good but they are so afraid of making

mistakes that they don't really practice

them or they practice them a little bit

it's not really working so well for them

and then they straight away just back

off and then they get trapped in the

spiral of wanting to improve learning

methods to improve not practicing them

enough and making enough mistakes to

improve and then being again even more

desperate to improve this is a really

demotivating and anxious spiral to be in

and just knowing that it's the mindset

holding them back rather than the

technique can be life-changing

fortunately mindsets can also be trained

but the research says that it is

challenging and takes a lot of diligence

so those are the three key Dimensions

that I think you should know as I

mentioned we've got two more in our full

program but based on our data less than

10% of Learners are limited by those now

here are the learner types ranked by

most common to the least common these

learner types are not set in stone it's

not some Cosmic Destiny for you they are

just an indication of where you are at

right now and therefore what you should

focus your efforts and energy on

improving next as you train and change

your processes and habits your type will

also change the most common type of

learner is one that we call Unchained

Unchained Learners are limited by their

mindset and the other dimensions

actually don't really matter so much

because they're going to be limited by

mindset anyway we call them Unchained

because even though they are chained by

their mindset right now we found that

once we retrain the mindset they

actually experience a very rapid growth

spirit and I think this is because

they're so used to putting in so much

time and energy and effort into trying

to improve that once we reframe the

mindset they can direct that time and

energy in a way that's a lot more

productive and then they get this big

grow Spike based on our data we have

found that about 60% of Learners are

unch

now I suspect that this number is

actually higher in the general

population because most of the Learners

that we work with in our program are

already pretty proactive to begin with

the next most common one is one that we

call the Sprout Sprouts as you can see

have a growth mindset but they have low

de processing and they have low

self-regulation skills these are usually

people that are very early on in their

learning skills Journey it's not a bad

place to be it just means that Sprouts

need to work on developing good

depressing habits as well as creating a

good foundation of self-regulated

learning skills the third most common is

this one which we call Trooper Troopers

have high growth mindset they've got

high self-regulation but they have

limited deep processing Troopers are

called Troopers based on storm troopers

from Star Wars because Storm Troopers

fire their blasters a lot but they never

really hit anything and so Trooper

Learners they are really used to

experimenting and using lots of

different learning methods which is good

but they're limited by they deep

processing cognitive habits and so even

though they use a lot of methods they

don't really hit the mark they can spend

a lot of time and be quite stressed

about changing and adapting their

learning methods and not it ever being

quite good enough and there's sort of

like a seiling of how good it can be

this can also be pretty demotivating and

frustrating so Troopers need to focus on

developing their deep processing

abilities to get the most out of the

methods that they're using if you think

about your learning methods like

equipment then and you can see how you

can have really Hightech fancy amazing

state-of-the-art equipment but if you

actually don't know how to use the

equipment properly you're actually just

not going to get that much benefit it's

really exactly the same with learning

you can use an effective technique that

is helping your brain think in a very

productive way but if your brain is just

so not used to thinking in that way that

it can't keep up with the technique

that's where the bottleneck is going to

happen and then finally we have carps

which is the least common on here but

still pretty common which have low

levels of

self-regulation but they have good

mindset and good deep processing we call

them carps based on Magikarp from

Pokémon because if you've ever played

Pokémon magic car has like one attack

called Splash and it's not very

effective but they evolve into Gyarados

which is pretty badass so CS are

Learners that don't have very effective

methods but if you give them better

methods then they can become much more

powerful usually very suddenly cars are

actually pretty common among top

Achievers but they are less common in

the general population around 90% of

Learners will fall into one of these

four categories again there is actually

one more type when we introduce the

other two key Dimensions but we're just

not going to talk about that in this

video so how can you actually figure out

your learning type well trying to

explain how you can figure out your own

learning type through a video would be

insane complicated on our program we

have a very comprehensive diagnostic

assessment for all five Dimensions that

we've collected data on and researched

to make it really accurate but I've gone

ahead and created a simplified version

using just the three key Dimensions that

we've talked about in this video that

you can do completely for free it's not

quite as accurate as the full one

because it's missing a couple of

dimensions and the report you get at the

end is not as in depth and personalized

but it's less questions takes less time

to do and I think gives you a pretty

pretty solid understanding about what

dimensions are affecting you the most

and what you can work on next to make

the biggest impact for your learning

ability you can find a link to this quiz

in the description below once you've

figured out your learner type you might

want to know how you can actually

improve on each of those dimensions in

an effective way and if so then make

sure to stick around to the end of this

video where there's a playlist a

collection of videos that I think is a

pretty good place to start alternatively

if you want to do the full diagnostic

assessment and jump into our guided

program you can check that out at I

study . if you liked this video which I

hope you did I really did try make sure

to subscribe thank you for watching and

I'll see you next

[Music]

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