Book cover

Toggle your thinking - before learning, go through the topic quickly to prepare your mind. Look through the chapter before reading it - graphs, graphics, questions, headlines.

The Two Modes

  • Focused-mode vs Diffuse-mode

Focused mode

You are actively focusing on something. Like a flashlight.

Diffuse mode

Not actively focusing, letting the mind wander. Different areas of the brain connect and return valuable insights.

  • Very effective approach: combine focused session followed up with a diffuse session.

Actively focus on something to enter focused mode (I like to use Pomodoro technique), when the break comes enter the diffuse mode by turning on your ‘big picture’ diffuse mode (go for a walk, a run…).

‘Ultimately, this means that relaxation is an important part of hard work - and good work, for that matter’

It’s not possible to use both modes at the same time.

How to grapple with a difficult problem

First, put hard, focused-mode work into it. Most of the time, first encounter with the problem is the hardest, after focused-mode allow for diffused mode.

The Einstellung effect - initial idea prevents a better one to form - typical problem - student starts working on a homework without reading the textbook, checking the topic.

Procrastination leads to superficial focused-mode learning.

Learning is creating

  • Try to solve complex problems with focused mode first
  • after focused work allow the diffuse mode to take over
    • Very good diffuse-mode activities:
      • exercising
      • go for a walk
      • go for a drive
      • draw/paint
      • take a bath/shower
      • listen to (instrumental) music
      • play on musical instrument
      • meditate
      • sleep
  • you must use both systems
  • when you get frustrated, switch modes
  • math/science/complex problems - best to work in small doses (a little every day)
  • pomodoro technique is great for procrastination
  • sleep is critical part of the learning process

Two major memory systems

  • Working memory / Long-term memory
  • Spaced repetition is very effective for moving items from short-term to long-term memory

Chunking/illusions of competence

  • Practice develops strong neural patterns - chunks of understanding
  • understanding the topic - creating meaningful connections between these chunks
  • Steps to chunking:
    • Focused attention - no distractions
    • Understand the basic idea
    • Work on gaining the big-picture context (understanding not only how, but also when to use this chunk)

Importance of recall

  • recalling - one of the best ways to develop chunks
  • try to remember key points while looking at the page
  • try to actively recall the material
  • recall the key ideas
  • practice is key

Illusion of competence - Looking at the solution and thinking you truly know it yourself.

  • Improve the process of recalling:
    • recall outside your usual place of study
    • be physically active

Procrastination / Habits

  • we are more likely to procrastinate if the task is uncomfortable for us
  • one task at a time
  • habits - brain gets into “zombie” mode
  • chunking is related to habits
  • habit is an energy saver - it’s an automation
  • Habits consist of:
    • The cue
    • The routine
    • The reward
    • The belief

Chunking

  • Chunking -> integrate concept into smoothly connected neural thought pattern
  • chunking improves:
    • available working memory
    • intuition & problem-solving skills
  • To build effective chunks - focus on toughest concepts
  • always strive to understand fundamental principles & concepts

Building effective chunks

  1. Go over the problem all the way through on a paper
  2. Repeat, focus more on the key processes
  3. Take a break
  4. Sleep
  5. Next day, do another repetition as soon as you can
  6. Add a new problem & repeat
  7. Take active break & do active repetitions - go through the problem while doing some activity (walking..)
  8. Active recall

Tools, tips, tricks

  • Eat the frog first thing in the morning - hardest task for the day should be tackled first
  • One step at a time
  • Adjust your working environment for deep work
  • for effective deep work it is critical not to multitask
  • make sure to also schedule playtime

Improving memory

  • use metaphors & stories
  • repetition is critical (Flashcards)
  • meaningful groups/abbreviations
  • try to explain out loud what you are trying to understand
  • being physically active is critical

Good vs Bad Studying

Good studying Bad studying
Use recall Passive rereading
Test yourself Thinking you understand
Chunking Seeing the solution without real understanding
Spaced repetition Learning everything last minute
Using various problem-solving techniques Using one which is comfortable
Deliberate focus/breaks Multitasking
Asking questions / using simple analogies Ignoring text-book before learning session
Discussing challenging issues with others Not getting different points of view
Eating the frog first Not having an effective learning system
Finding time to relax Doing too much without effective breaks