Learning
- Context Broadening
- Dopamine Priming
- Singular Deep Dive
- Challenge Sandwich
- Getting Broody
- False Deadlines
via - youtube/v=Kz_brQBl8xk
linguistics “Acquisition”
“We can only acquire a language, we cannot learn it.” ― Dr. Krashen
Sentence mining
Sentence mining is about gathering up example sentences and studying them. More specifically, the idea of sentence mining encourages you to focus on sentences as your primary learning material instead of words, lessons or other units of learning.
When studying vocabulary, you use full sentences that contain that vocabulary. Ideally you use several different sentences that all cover the same vocabulary to build a better mental model of how those words behave in the language.
Sentence mining is such an effective technique because it recognises the holistic nature of languages as a form of knowledge.
When you learn with sentences, you’re getting a series of complete learning packages. Sentences demonstrate the associations between the words they contain (collocation), they show how the words relate to the grammar and structure of the sentence, and they dramatically increase your opportunities to link your language knowledge together.
We learn best through compelling, comprehensible input
- Compelling ― What I learn must be interesting and relevant to me, or else I’ll quit.
- Comprehensible ― I must understand (not 100%, but the main idea), or else the language is nonsense, and I’ll quit. I can use context and my previous experiences to help me understand.
- Input ― I learn best through stories. Facts are boring. The key is to listen and read things I care about. Memorizing grammar rules and vocabulary isn’t effective.
Accents depend on emotions
Studying a language doesn’t work, acquiring does
“We acquire language in only one way. When we understand what people say and when we understand what we read.
If you do that, all the grammar and vocabulary you’re ready to acquire is there, and little by little, it’s absorbed.
The ability to speak is the result of listening, the result of reading.
Study doesn’t help you very much.
Memorizing vocabulary rules, vocabulary… studying grammar… if you want to get better at another language, listen and read.
Find things you’re really interested in, where you’re excited to know what’s going to happen next, and be patient, it comes over time.
We are born to acquire language. That’s the way our brains are.”
― Dr. Krashen
- Do more reps. Reps are practice.
― Dr. Stephen Krashen on Languages | Learning Languages
Spotlight VS Floodlight Learning
At a personal, organizational, and societal level, we tend to focus on and value “spotlight” learning much more highly than “floodlight” learning. The spotlight perspective dominates the world of degrees, certifications, and even much of the self-help literature that claims to carve out alternate paths. There’s nothing surprising or even necessarily wrong with the bias towards the spotlight – things tend to be easier to see, understand, and manage in the spotlight.
But being aware of and regularly tuning into floodlight learning is increasingly important in a world where we are bombarded daily with information and influences, where we have a bewildering array of choices about how and with whom we interact (for example, in social networks). So much of learning is driven by context and circumstances – whether we choose them or they are thrust upon us, but we don’t often think critically about our context and circumstances. We often learn on “auto-pilot” – not unlike how we often drive on auto-pilot. That may be fine, in most cases, but among other possible dangers it can cause us to gravitate toward what is familiar, comfortable, easy – towards a state in which little significant learning is happening at all.
Focus, concentrate, set goals – let your spotlight shine bright. But occasionally peer out into the floodlight and make sure you like what you see. ― How does your learning light shine? - Mission to Learn - Lifelong Learning Blog
You Can Learn (Almost) Anything That Anyone Else Can - YouTube
Growth Mindset and Learning Potential
The concept of a growth mindset suggests that anyone can learn almost anything with the right attitude and effort. The idea, popularized by the book “Mindset,” posits that while not everyone can become the next Einstein or Mozart, individuals can achieve high levels of success with persistent and deliberate practice. The story of the movie “Stand and Deliver” exemplifies this, showing how a dedicated teacher transformed a low-performing high school by teaching students calculus and helping them excel in AP exams.
Deliberate Practice and Mastery
Deliberate practice involves focused, challenging, and often uncomfortable activities aimed at improving specific skills. This type of practice is essential for achieving mastery in any field. The 10,000-hour rule, popularized by Malcolm Gladwell, suggests that this amount of deliberate practice is necessary to become world-class in any discipline. However, the quality and focus of the practice are more critical than the sheer quantity of hours spent.
The Role of Persistence and Effort
Effort and persistence are fundamental to achieving high levels of success, regardless of innate talent. Individuals who persist through challenges and continually seek to improve their skills are more likely to reach levels of achievement beyond those who do not. This principle is supported by examples of prodigies and experts who, despite their natural abilities, have dedicated themselves to constant learning and improvement.
Educational Psychology and Mastery Learning
Benjamin Bloom, a researcher in educational psychology, concluded that almost all individuals can learn the same material given the right conditions. His mastery learning theory emphasizes the importance of providing appropriate support and creating an environment conducive to learning, suggesting that success is attainable for the majority of people through effective educational strategies.
Overcoming Performance Plateaus
To overcome performance plateaus, individuals must engage in deliberate practice, seek external help, and continually challenge their weak areas. This approach prevents stagnation and promotes continuous improvement, whether in academics, sports, or any other field.
Motivation and Time Management
Effective time management and motivation are crucial for learning and achieving goals. Hypothetical scenarios, such as having a year to prepare for an exam with a significant reward, illustrate that individuals can achieve mastery if they manage their time well and stay motivated. This suggests that many perceived limitations are actually due to lack of time management and motivation rather than an inability to learn.
Strategies for Effective Learning
Successful individuals often use better strategies, practice harder, and overcome more obstacles than their peers. By adopting these strategies, anyone can improve their performance and achieve higher levels of success. This involves setting clear goals, seeking feedback, and being willing to push through discomfort.
Deliberate Practice and Mastery
The Role of Persistence and Effort
How to Learn and Get Good at Tech, Linux, Linguistics, Whatever, Everything - YouTube
Effective learning is rooted in practical, hands-on experience rather than passive consumption of information through books or lectures. This approach, applicable to fields such as technology and linguistics, emphasizes the importance of direct interaction, real-life problem-solving, and continuous feedback. The key is to immerse oneself in the subject matter and actively engage with it, thereby making the knowledge gained more meaningful and enduring.
Actionable Items
- Engage in Practical Experience: Start working directly with the tools or concepts you wish to learn.
- Set Specific Goals: Define what you want to accomplish to guide your learning process.
- Utilize Feedback Mechanisms: Pay attention to the outcomes of your actions and adjust accordingly.
- Avoid Sole Reliance on Textbooks: Supplement learning with active experimentation and problem-solving.
- Continuous Tinkering: Keep iterating and refining your understanding through practice.
Active Engagement Practical Learning Approach Feedback Mechanisms Learning from Experience
Practical experience creates lasting knowledge. The process of solving real-life problems and adjusting based on outcomes leads to meaningful and retained learning.
Setting Specific Goals: Identify what you want to achieve in your learning journey. Whether configuring a Linux system to your liking or understanding linguistic theories, having clear objectives helps guide your practical engagement. Practical Learning Approach
Continuous Tinkering: Keep iterating on your understanding by consistently practicing and refining your approach. This continuous tinkering helps solidify knowledge and improve skills over time. Practical Learning Approach Active Engagement
Tools
References
- Learn Better with 10 Ways to Be a Better Learner - Lifelong Learning
- Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects | Coursera
- How my views on learning have changed over time - YouTube
- What People Get Wrong About Deliberate Practice - YouTube
- How To Finish Every Project - YouTube
- Coursera | Online Courses & Credentials From Top Educators. Join for Free | Coursera