The Only Skill That Matters

Question 1

What is crucial before you start learning something?

Answer 1

First create a plan and create a “helicopter view”, instead of starting without one

Question 2

Why is memory so important for spead reading/ effective learning?

Answer 2

It is crucial that the information that comes in, is also remembered. Think of it like a bucket with a stream of water filling it, when the stream multiplies by 10, the bucket should also change to a swimmingpool.

Question 3

What part of the brain ensures we memorize information?

Answer 3

The hippicampi is the part of the brain the determines if we store information for the short memomery to the long memory.

Question 4

What is the “secret” for a memory like the memory champs?

Answer 4

The memory champs do not have above average brain capacity, rather they create markers and visualize the information. Markers are most effective when:

1. As detailed as possible
2. Absurd or crazy
3. Existing knowlegde/experiences are used
4. Logical relations are used to link the markers

Question 5

What is the mnemoric nuclear option?

Answer 5

The use of a memory palace is an effectice and efficient way to store information. As it complies with the criteria for a good storage of the memory:

1. More likely to create bizarre markers
2. Helps to chunk the memories
   3: hebb’s law: use existing info/experience
   4: forced to create detail
   5: the brain is very good in remebering places/navigating

Question 6

Why is spaced repetition so important?

Answer 6

It does not matter how good you study, spaced repetition is always needed to be able to memorize information

Question 7

what does the SQ3R method stand for ?

Answer 7

It breaks the process of reading down into a handful of distinct steps

1. Survey: quickly skim the text
2. Question: ask yourself questions to motivate yourself
3. Read
4. Recall: attempt to remember what we’ve read and create and improve detailed mnemonics
5. Review: analyze and connect from multiple perspective. Spaced repetition to increase menorization

Question 8

How to spead-read?

Answer 8

1. Eliminate subvocalization: in other words, get rid of the voice in your head when reading. This is only partly possible; focus on a small portion of the words
2. Larger fixations: create only 1-2 fixations per setence instead of 6-8
3. Optimizated fixations: dont create fixations for the first and last words rather focus on the second to last etc.

Question 9

What is understanding ?

Answer 9

Understanding is not a simple definition or a distinct situation, rather it is a process illustrated by the blooms taxonomy pyramid:
(Top to bottom)Create - evaluate - analyze - apply - understand - remeber

Question 10

Why is teaching an important step for learning?

Answer 10

According to the model of Feynman is teaching crucial for learning, based on the following 4 steps:

1. Pick a topic and start writing everything you want to know
2. Pretend to teach to a classroom
3. Go back to the books when you get stuck
4. Simplify and use analogies