How to "Snowball" Your Learning | TEDx Interview

Summary

In this video, former medical doctor turned learning coach Justin shares insights on effective learning strategies, inspired by his TEDx talk and an interview with students from Hokusai Gakuen University in Japan. He delves into the Snowball Effect in learning, the importance of higher-order thinking, and practical techniques for organizing information. Justin emphasizes the connection between mastering learning techniques and overall life happiness, aiming to transform traditional study methods into a more enjoyable and efficient process.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Justin, a former medical doctor turned learning coach, emphasizes the importance of effective learning techniques and strategies in his TEDx talk and subsequent interview.
• 🤔 Justin's motivation for studying abroad was to challenge himself and understand his capabilities, realizing that his initial interest in medicine was more about the life he imagined it would provide rather than the field itself.
• 🧠 The script discusses the difference between higher order thinking and higher order learning, with the former being critical for achieving the latter.
• 📚 The 'Snowball Effect' in learning is highlighted, which means that as one acquires more knowledge, it becomes easier to learn new things due to increased relevance and associations.
• 🔄 The effectiveness of the Snowball Effect can vary depending on the relationship between different topics; closely related subjects facilitate a stronger effect.
• 📈 Prioritizing information involves grouping concepts in a meaningful way that makes sense and is relevant to the learner, which is a higher level of thinking compared to just memorizing facts.
• 📝 Note-taking should be a tool to aid in the learning process, focusing on capturing thoughts and relationships between concepts rather than just recording information.
• 📱 Justin recommends using a tablet with a stylus and an infinite canvas app for effective note-taking, allowing for easy rearrangement and synthesis of ideas.
• 🤝 Learning to learn not only reduces stress and anxiety but also increases enjoyment and fulfillment, leading to a happier life.
• 🚀 Justin's vision is to make effective learning methods the norm, breaking the cycle of inefficient studying and opening up opportunities for individuals to excel.
• 🔗 The connection between learning and happiness is strong, as improved learning techniques can lead to increased confidence, less stress, and a more enjoyable educational experience.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Justin's TEDx talk?

The primary focus of Justin's TEDx talk is on learning techniques and strategies that can help summarize his work and philosophy as a learning coach and consultant.

Why did Justin decide to study abroad for nine months during high school?

Justin decided to study abroad to challenge himself and test his limits. He wanted to prove to himself that he could work hard and was motivated by the concept of a fulfilling life, rather than the specific field of medicine.

What is the difference between higher order thinking skills and higher order learning according to the script?

Higher order thinking skills are broad cognitive abilities like critical thinking and relational thinking that lead to higher order learning. Higher order learning is the outcome of applying these thinking skills and achieving a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Can you explain the Snowball Effect mentioned in the script?

The Snowball Effect refers to the idea that learning becomes easier as you accumulate more knowledge, because new information can be associated with prior knowledge, making it more relevant and easier to understand.

How does the script differentiate between lower order learning and higher order learning?

Lower order learning involves basic understanding and memorization of concepts, while higher order learning involves comparing, contrasting, and synthesizing information to form a deeper understanding.

What is the significance of grouping information together and prioritizing it during the learning process?

Grouping and prioritizing information helps in organizing knowledge in a meaningful way, which aids in understanding relationships between concepts and enhances the ability to recall and apply the information effectively.

How does the script suggest using technology to aid in the learning process?

The script recommends using a tablet with a stylus and an infinite canvas app for note-taking, as it allows for easy rearrangement and synthesis of information, which is crucial for higher order learning.

What is the role of note-taking in facilitating higher order thinking during lectures?

Note-taking should serve as a tool to capture and track thoughts, with the focus being on the mental process of synthesizing and relating information rather than on the notes themselves.

How does learning effectively impact one's happiness and life satisfaction according to the script?

Effective learning can lead to increased confidence, reduced stress and anxiety, and an overall more enjoyable learning process. This can translate to greater life satisfaction and happiness.

What is Justin's vision for the future of learning methods?

Justin's vision is to make the new method of learning—the one that is more effective, enjoyable, and less stressful—the norm. He aims to be a pioneer in promoting this approach to help people realize their full potential and enjoy the learning process.

How does the script address the issue of limiting beliefs about one's own intelligence or capabilities?

The script suggests that limiting beliefs often stem from past experiences of failure or ineffective learning methods. It emphasizes that these beliefs are not reflective of one's true abilities but rather of the methods used, which can be improved upon.