Resources
Looking for tools and ideas that make a difference in your learning? This is the place to start, proven science with the practical skills for you to start applying today.
The Forgetting Curve
The starting place for learning is to understand how quickly we forget. After the initial exposure, retention drops dramatically and continues to decline over time.
The Theory
The Forgetting Curve has been well documented for over 100 years. The core aspect is to remove that assumption that once something has been learnt or taught, that it will remain. This can mean that something we thought we knew has long since diminished.
The Practical Skill
After learning something new, the first step is to determine when you will revisit this. If you are reading a book, before starting the next chapter think about the key points that have come before. If you are helping someone else to learn, ask questions that require them to actively recall the previous material.
Causal Assumptions
The method is important. Therefore it is important to test any assumptions we might have about this. We cannot and must not assume that "if" I do A "then" B will be the result.
The Theory
There have been many studies on causality, particularly in regard to learning. One area that it can be a significant hindrance in learning is when we over simplify the steps of a method, therefore not producing the expected results or outcomes.
The Practical Skill
Know ALL of the steps. Be REALISTIC in your outcome. The simplest way to address this is through the question "what outcome am I expecting if I complete these steps". When there is a variance, note the different and adjust. If you are learning a new skill and can't see the progress you had intended, it's likely that you need a better "if".