I’ve tried reading this one a few times, but in the past, I’ve always started on with the paper version. Something about paper and a book about learning/memory just seemed to mesh in my mind. However, per my classic fault, I never finished the paper version, I had to get the audiobook.
I loved that the book was thoroughly grounded in good empirical research, it was also formatted in an intriguing way. The takeaways from the book can be boiled down into two categories: myths of learning and tools for learning
The corrected myths are these:
1.”wrote memory” is absolutely necessary for both problem solving and creativity. While some skepticism is due for the middle age practice of memorizing names and dates free of context, it is also true that one cannot analyze data without data in one’s mind. Similarly, you can’t creatively synthesize novelty without a base of mental material. Knowing subject matter is fundamental to competently working within it.
2.Repetition does not build memory. Instead struggling to recall the information in part or whole strengthens the information place in the neural network. Flashcards are useful because you struggle to recall the information before flipping them.
3.Fluency is not the same thing as understanding. Being familiar with a text is not the same thing as being able to reproduce it or explain it. Infact, that’s the purpose of this blog! I write down the ideas in the pages not just so that you can decide if the book is worth reading, but also so that I can struggle to create understanding rather than mere fluency in the material.
The three tools I found most useful/novel were these:
1. Active retrieval. Self-test as you learn. I take time to pause my books and rephrase the key ideas in my own words. I’ll back up a few minutes if I can’t adequately paraphrase those ideas.
2. Spaced repetition. Returning to things you learned in the past is key to interrupting the process of forgetting. Allow yourself some time to forget what you learned but then return and re-learn the material. Re-learning the material means you will retain it much better going forward. Use it or lose it!
3. Interleaving. Avoid massed repetition. Practice how you play. Practicing your jump shot from the same place on the floor 100 times will not be as effective as moving and switching up your shots. The same goes for tests, sales pitches, lectures, etc. Practice making your mind agile by recalling a variety of knowledge and skills.
The laughable side is, the book pretends that it’s completely novel material. It’s not. Most of this stuff has been known since at least Socrates. However, it’s well presented and having it all connected is valuable. I think this is well worth your time!