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.

Outlines

00:00

🚀 Boosting Learning Efficiency

Justin describes his 7-year journey in developing a learning system that increased his efficiency by over 60%, saving him 10 hours of studying per week. He emphasizes the uniqueness of each learner's brain and introduces the PERO system, which stands for Priming, Encoding, Reference, Retrieval, and Overlearning. Justin explains that most people misunderstand learning by focusing on techniques rather than systems. He details how information is filtered, processed, and organized in the brain to enhance memory and understanding. He uses his medical school experience to illustrate the inefficiencies in traditional learning methods and the importance of optimizing the learning process.

05:01

🔍 The PERO System Explained

Justin elaborates on the PERO system, starting with Priming, which involves preparing the brain to learn new information more effectively. He stresses the significance of this early stage in preventing overload and enhancing memory. Encoding is the next step, involving techniques to organize and process information efficiently, such as grouping, simplifying, and finding connections. He discusses the importance of active learning and the challenges it presents. Reference, the first R, involves note-taking to offload detailed information for later review, preventing overload during encoding. Retrieval, the second R, tests and reinforces knowledge, enhancing memory and understanding through repeated application.

10:01

📊 Assessing and Improving Learning Systems

Justin introduces a quiz designed to evaluate and improve individual learning systems based on the PERO framework. He shares insights from early users who found the quiz helpful in identifying weaknesses and areas for improvement. Justin emphasizes that people who are less confident in their learning abilities tend to score lower on the quiz, highlighting its diagnostic value. He includes testimonials from users who found the quiz beneficial in understanding and enhancing their learning approaches. Justin encourages viewers to take the quiz, promising significant time savings and improved learning efficiency.

Keywords

💡PERRO system

The PERRO system is a learning framework developed by the speaker to enhance learning efficiency. It stands for Priming, Encoding, Reference, Retrieval, and Overlearning. The system is designed to optimize different stages of learning to improve retention and understanding. Each component addresses a specific aspect of the learning process, helping learners to better filter, process, and retain information.

💡Priming

Priming refers to preparing the brain to learn new information more effectively before a learning session. This could involve reviewing related material, setting learning goals, or creating a conducive environment for study. Priming helps the brain filter information as relevant, enhancing its chances of being processed and remembered. In the script, the speaker emphasizes that effective priming prevents information overload and enhances memory retention.

💡Encoding

Encoding is the process of organizing and processing information so it can be stored in memory. It involves techniques such as grouping, simplifying, and finding analogies. Effective encoding makes information easier to understand and remember. The speaker highlights that without proper encoding, even frequently reviewed information can be forgotten quickly, demonstrating the need for efficient learning strategies.

💡Reference

Reference involves taking notes or creating external records of detailed information to avoid cognitive overload during learning. It helps manage the vast amount of data by parking detailed or specific information for later review. This allows the brain to focus on processing and organizing core concepts. The speaker suggests using tools like flashcards or apps to manage references effectively.

💡Retrieval

Retrieval is the act of recalling information from memory, which helps strengthen and reprocess the knowledge. It is crucial for testing one’s understanding and for reinforcing memory. Retrieval practice, such as self-testing, helps deepen understanding and aids in organizing information in a more meaningful way. The speaker notes that retrieval is essential for efficient learning and highlights its role in continuous memory refinement.

💡Overlearning

Overlearning involves practicing or reviewing information beyond the point of initial mastery. It helps to solidify knowledge and improve recall speed and fluency. Overlearning is particularly useful for competitive exams or situations requiring high proficiency. The speaker mentions that while overlearning is optional for general studying, it becomes necessary when aiming for excellence in competitive environments.

💡Learning processes

Learning processes refer to the various stages and activities involved in acquiring and retaining knowledge. These include filtering, processing, organizing, and retrieving information. The quality of these processes significantly impacts memory and understanding. The speaker explains that efficient learning requires optimizing these processes, rather than relying solely on repetitive techniques.

💡Repetition

Repetition is the practice of reviewing information multiple times to enhance memory retention. While often used in traditional learning, the speaker argues that repetition alone is inefficient if the underlying learning processes are flawed. Efficient learning minimizes the need for excessive repetition by improving the quality of initial encoding and retrieval processes.

💡Filtering

Filtering is the brain’s method of determining the relevance of incoming information based on existing knowledge and memory. Effective filtering helps prioritize important information for further processing. The speaker highlights that poor filtering can lead to forgetting important information quickly, whereas good filtering ensures that relevant information is retained and processed effectively.

💡Active learning

Active learning involves engaging with the material through techniques that require mental effort, such as summarizing, questioning, and applying concepts. It contrasts with passive learning, where information is received without active engagement. The speaker stresses the importance of active learning during the encoding phase to enhance understanding and memory retention.

Highlights

Developed a learning system over 7 years that boosted efficiency by over 60% and saved at least 10 hours of studying per week.

Introduced the PERO system: Priming, Encoding, Reference, Retrieval, and Overlearning, designed to improve learning processes.

Emphasized the importance of understanding learning systems rather than just techniques for effective studying.

Highlighted that learning involves multiple processes, and the quality of these processes determines memory strength and depth of understanding.

Stressed that irrelevant information is filtered out by the brain, making it crucial to connect new information to existing knowledge.

Priming is a technique used before a learning event to prepare the brain for effective information processing.

Encoding is about organizing and processing information effectively, involving techniques like grouping, simplifying, and finding analogies.

Reference is about noting detailed information separately to avoid overload and focus on processing essential information.

Retrieval is the process of testing and applying knowledge, which strengthens memory and deepens understanding.

Interleaving involves hitting a topic from multiple perspectives to create a broader understanding and adaptability in applying knowledge.

Overlearning focuses on deepening knowledge beyond immediate needs through repetition and higher standards, beneficial in highly competitive contexts.

Many learners mistakenly rely on overlearning as their primary strategy, neglecting the importance of effective encoding and retrieval.

Understanding the PERO system helps identify weaknesses in one's learning approach and optimizes overall learning efficiency.

A quiz was created to evaluate and score one's learning system based on the PERO principles, providing recommendations for improvement.

People with low confidence in their learning abilities often scored lower in the quiz, highlighting areas for potential growth.

Transcripts

I spent 7 years building a learning

system that boosted my efficiency by

over 60% and saved me at least 10 hours

of studying per week and although every

learner's brain is different the best

thing about this system is that anyone

can use it and personalize it and I call

it the pero system it stands for priming

encoding reference retrieval and

overlearning I'll explain all of it in a

sec one of the most common questions

that people ask me is Justin what is the

best technique for studying and if

someone ask me this I immediately know

something crucial about this person's

studying ability it is that this person

does not know how learning truly works

because they thinking about techniques

rather than systems and unless that

changes you can never really be an

efficient learner most people think of

learning like this this is how I used to

look at it information comes in we then

do something that allows us to learn it

and we enter through this cycle of

repetition to strengthen our memory but

this is just not how Learning Works

learning is not just something that

happens it is an entire series of

processes and the quality of those

processes affects how good your memory

and your depth of understanding is going

to be if the processes involved in this

learning step are bad it means we have

to have more repetition to make up for

it on the other hand if our processes

here are good that means that we need

less repetition so instead the right way

to think about learning is a little bit

more like this information comes into

our brain and then that information is

filtered out it's filtered based on

whether we think it is relevant to what

we already know and that's based on what

we already have existing in our memory

so if it's related and if we can see how

it is something that we need to hold on

to we will then go and process it a

little bit more organizing the

information making sense of it and this

is really where the understanding and

the depth comes from once we do the

processing part of that also helps to

organ the information into our memory in

a structure and a model that makes sense

for us that is easy for our memory to

hold on to and is relevant for our brain

if it didn't meet that filtration

criteria we are just going to forget it

which means if information comes in and

we think it's not relevant we don't see

how it connects to anything else we

don't see how it connects to anything we

already know then no matter how many

times you try to put the information in

we are just going to forget it and

usually very quickly on the other hand

once the information is in our memory we

can retrieve that knowledge and the

retrieval process also helps to process

and organize it again in a way that

makes even more sense so this is

constantly refining our memory within

using our existing knowledge and our

existing memory to help us filter any

new information that comes in now

learning is a lot more complicated than

this by the way but if we use this model

then we can start seeing where our own

weaknesses might be so for example let's

take me back when I was trying to enter

into medical school studying 20 hours a

day because I sucked at learning uh what

I was doing I would just sit there and I

just read through my notes I'd go to

these lectures and sit there listening

trying to understand whatever I could

and then I'd spend all the rest of the

day just writing more notes studying

things again and then eventually doing

flash cards on past papers that was like

my entire life so for me if we look at

this information was definitely coming

in and very very quickly but I wasn't

aware that my brain was filtering it

based on relevance so I wasn't trying to

make it more relevant as a result a lot

of what I learned felt pretty random and

arbitrary and I would for get a lot of

it and so I'd have to shove it back in

again so I was trapped inside this Loop

and even though occasionally bits of it

did make its way in so I was able to

process it a little bit more eventually

again it would end up being forgotten

because of the fact that it still wasn't

that relevant for my brain and I just

wasn't aware that this is the process I

need to try to optimize and once I

nailed that that is what made the big

difference for me that is what flipped

my learning into a mode that was much

more efficient and so this is where the

Paro system comes in the p in pero

stands for priming priming is any

technique that you use before a main

learning event that could be a class it

could be a lecture it could just be a

single long study session but it's

talking about an activity that you do

before you encounter a topic for the

first time it is priming your brain to

learn that information more effectively

essentially what it's helping us do is

it's helping our brain filter the

information and say hey this new

information is relevant let's move it

along into the processing primming is

one of the most effective things that

you can Implement into a learning system

because it's so early on in this

learning flow and if you don't get this

part right everything after this starts

suffering you will get easily overloaded

and overwhelmed you will find that your

memory is very leaky you will find that

you're not able to use and retrieve that

knowledge very effectively because the

information was not primed you would

thrown a ball and you were not ready to

catch it the e stands for encoding and

in this diagram it stands for this

processing part here it's talking about

the part of learning that allows your

brain to make sense of the information

and then put it into your memory but

encoding in the learning system means

that you have to have techniques that

allow your brain to organize and process

the information effectively that means

grouping things together simplifying

things looking for analogies finding

connections and relationships uh looking

for ways to make the information more

intuitive simpler easier to understand

this is also the part that most people

struggle with because it requires a lot

of mental effort and thinking to do this

which actually puts some people off but

that is the active part of active

learning when you don't do the encoding

part correctly even though the

information came in through the door

it's not able to be moved into your

memory very effectively and so even

though you study a lot and a lot you

will still continuously forget a large

portion of what you spent your time

learning now encoding is not a binary

process it's not about whether you are

doing it or not it's more of a spectrum

and about creating efficiency in your

processes so that you're moving

information into your memory as quickly

as possible the first R Imperial stands

for reference and this is actually just

about note taking it's not really on

this pathway but it's about

understanding that if you're trying to

consume all the information all at once

and you're trying to do all of the

processing all at once you're going to

get overloaded very quickly if you let

yourself get bogged down in details that

don't help you to organize the

information in a way you want your brain

power to be focused on moving the

information

through here into your memory and there

are certain things that are going to be

so specific and so fine and so detailed

that it's not going to help do that it's

just a distraction and that's where

referencing comes in which is taking

those pieces of information and just

putting them somewhere else so that you

can come back to it later this could be

in the form of flash cards a sick and

brain app using something like obsidian

whatever you want to do it's a parking

lot a dump for all the very very fine

details that you don't want to B with

while you are encoding and processing

the second R is retrieval and retrieval

is the part where you're taking

information from your memory and then

you are testing yourself and challenging

your ability to use and apply that

knowledge retrieval is a necessary

component of every Learning System

number one because that's what actually

tests your ability to use your knowledge

but number two because the act of

retrieving knowledge actually helps you

to reprocess and repackage that

knowledge which strengthens your memory

and deepens your understanding which is

where I imperio comes in which stands

for interleaving interleaving is hitting

a topic from multiple perspectives and

multiple angles I've actually got

another video about interleaving here

cuz it's a big topic and actually one of

the most important things that you can

do to upgrade your Learning System but

in summary it's about making sure that

you are testing yourself in multiple

perspectives rather than just the one

way you learned it and just testing

yourself in that one way when you don't

do interleaving your knowledge becomes

very narrow which means yes you may be

able to answer questions if they are

asked in the same way that your flash

card has it written down but if there's

a curveball question if there's a

combination of Concepts that you never

really thought about before or it's just

something that feels a little bit out of

scope you're going to struggle usually

these are the questions that separate

the top Learners from the rest and the

final o imperio is for overlearning

overlearning is when you're learning

more than you need to a little bit more

out of scope and a little bit deeper

into a higher standard it often involves

a lot of repetition for example doing

lots of practice questions or lots of

flash cards or just going over things

again and again this is the part of

learning that is repetitive by Nature

it's what creates that faster recall and

that enhanced fluency with your

knowledge it is also optional a lot of

people don't need to do overlearning

because overlearning is really only

effective once you're sitting really

competitive assessments or where the

standard for excellence is very very

high most people and most day-to-day

studying don't need to have over

learning at all unfortunately most

people also use overlearning strategies

as their first strategy in the learning

process and that takes time and

attention away from doing the priming en

coding and retrieval Parts properly it's

basically this cycle that I talked about

before where you're basically just

compensating for ineffective encoding

through lots of repetition so to help

you evaluate your own Learning System

I've actually gone ahead and created a

quiz that you can go through and it will

score your learning system based on each

part of per

it's free to do I'll check a link in the

description below don't say I never do

anything for you so I'm going to go

ahead and answer these questions based

on how I used to study and I'll see what

the score

says and

35% uh that's about what I expected uh

it's pretty bad uh if you do this

yourself you can see um you can scroll

down and learn a little bit more about

it yeah it looks pretty tragic for me

they'll give you a bunch of

recommendations based on your scores in

terms of what you need to improve on and

what priority so feel free to go through

that yourself okay so I was going to end

the video right there but I wanted to

make sure that this quiz was helpful for

as many people as possible so I actually

went ahead and gave early access to a

bunch of people to see how they found it

and they had a diverse range of resorts

some of them scored pretty average and

some of them scored surprisingly well

and after seeing the results I learned

two things number one people who weren't

very confident in how they learn also

had lower scores and an explanation for

why they were not so confident and

number two everyone found the quiz

helpful hello my name is Julian Nisha Ed

and I've just taken I can studies

Learning System Diagnostic and results

were very helpful because previously

I've never had something that would

actually quantify and measure how

effective my learning system was I

definitely think that this is a tool

that I could use in the classroom

particularly for subjects where we're

teaching kids how to learn at a really

young age like your 9 year 10 I found

the test uh pretty easy to use it's sort

of good to pinpoint what exactly am I'm

doing wrong so I did find it insightful

in that regard and it's been so helpful

just with like not just learning the

content but actually understanding it

and seeing the significance of like a

learning approach I'm just super

grateful that like I could give this a

go I'm going to really try and

incorporate some of the suggestions

and see how they go so I'm super glad I

do the quiz and I highly recommend it

for you as well it's only a few minutes

but the insights that you'll get from

there will save you hours down the line

so I'm really excited for you to give

the quiz a go yourself the link is in

the description make sure to check it

out thank you so much for watching and

I'll see you in the next one and yes by

the way I am in a new office