Framework of Learning

Framework of Learning

• Top-Down: Allows us get a high-level overview of the subject matter we are working on and put everything together.

• Bottom-Up: Practice & Repetition help to build and Strengthen each Chunk. Filling in the content with the details.

Context is where both of these concepts meet, learning where we are to in our journey. Context Switching: Seen as "Multitasking", the ability to easily switch from one task to another task.

Modes of Thinking

There are two different modes of thinking we get into when approaching a task.

Focused (Organized)

This is the mode you want to be in when you are doing something you already know.

These neurons are already pretty much formed.

Diffuse (Learning)

This mode is the mode you switch to learn. You perform best if your relaxed and happy to just be curious, to learn.

There are different methods used such as a holistic perspective or trying stuff completely new.

These dendrites have barely been formed and need time to form.

Habits

We all approach a situation either being mindful (Focus) or not being mindful (Diffuse).

The Steps of a Habit:

1: The Cue: Starting to Process Information, deciding to be or not be mindful.

2: The Routine: The process of tackling the habit, most likely in zombie mode (not Mindful).

3: The Reward: Small/Large Gratification from event.

We could sometimes have horrible habits. To start changing these horrible habits, we have to first ask what is the cue & consider changing our reaction to the cue.

Chunking Data

Deliberate Practice through the Law of Serendipity!

Law of Serendipity: Taking the time to slowly take steps, each step taken is easier.

Spaced Repetition

Would you rather have a brick house that is stable or a house built from a crazy foundation?

While a crazy foundation is usable, it will not help with learning material efficiently; completely opposite of how the brain works.

Building the bricks efficiently?

Using these methods is the best way to build the bricks the correct way:

• Pomodoro Method: Allows you to incrementally chunk necessary data with 20-25 Minutes as many times a day you could handle.

• Lectures: Actively taking in what the speaker is trying to communicate using notes, testing on material, & through discussion afterwards.

• Note Taking:

  1. Write out the term/acronym.

  2. Write out the book definition.

  3. Write out the definition in your own words.

  4. Re-write the definition. Writing out the definition three (3) times helps to secure it in our memory.

• Testing Yourself

  Steps (Index Card):

  • Read aloud card to set the auditory hooks in place.

  • Visualize something that makes sense with the card using feeling.

  • Practice material after some time, spreading out as time passes while mastering it.

  Recall: After taking some time to digest the material; start writing some notes without looking at the material, using what is in your short term memory.

A goal can takes days, weeks, or even millenniums to complete. It is a good idea to gauge the goal and practice these goals for until we have a full framework on the material if it's a few days to months.

Transfer

A new Chunk linking to an Old Chunk

Everything is connected in some shape or form. When it comes to learning about something, our brain could use an existing chunk to latch the new chunk we are learning.

Interleaving

Jumping around after building the basic foundations, leaving the world of practice and repetition.

Storage/Memory

Long Term Storage - Warehouse

Data efficiently stored via visual cues & mapped to be easily found.

Working Memory - Blackboard)

Four or more different data streams. These streams can become foggy due to internal factors. We could also have these data streams focused on different topics.

Methods of Storing

• Mind Maps: Helps to put together Top-Down point of view for the topic.

• Re-Reading: With coming back to some of the content, helps to re-read after a little bit of time.

• Organized Notes: Notes like from this document.

• Memory Palace Technique: Using home/school to build a visual, memorable notepad. Very possible to store a list of 50-100 items after two-three sessions of practicing.

• Making a Story

• Metaphors: Something is similar to something else.

• Analogies: Comparison between two things.