Learning method strategy

[coach hale]

Learning methods

I started this thread so forum members could share the methods they use in an attempt to retain and comprehend information. Let’s assume that you have already decided the data has proven valid. Discussing the sources of the information and whether they are valid or not is a different discussion. Let’s stick to discussing what strategies are used to retain and understand the correct data you are investigating.

My general method:

Read the information and highlight key points.

Look at references provided in the paper

Look up the definitions of any words that I am unsure of their meanings (abbreviated notes on the paper concerning definitions, discussing with colleagues)

2nd reading involves reviewing and analyzing highlighted points and definitions

3rd reading, before the third reading I put the info away for 2-3 days and review highlights again

At this point I have formed a mental picture (similar to concept map) and I review the concepts randomly through out the day

If I am having problems understanding the concepts or quickly recalling what I have learned I will read again and look further into more studies regarding similar or the same subject matter.

Once I feel like my comprehension of the material is adequate I began writing on the topic if I am really interested (I have learned a great deal through writing)

Once every few months I pick some material at random that I have collected and read the highlights and highlighted references again. If I have a hard time recalling the information presented in the paper the process begins again. Sometimes I will read the entire paper again, but most of the time I start with the strategy I mentioned involving the 2nd reading

I think in order to fully understand and be able to apply the newly attained information to various situations it is important to have visual cues. I like concept maps written on paper as well as concept maps I form in my mind. For me Rote style of learning does not really enhance long term memory or apply to new-problem solving situations.

Thanks
Coach Hale
www.maxcondition.com

[CharlieShnoskyIII]

That's wicked cool!

[coach hale]

I write down numerous terms in a day's time. These are terms that I cannot quickly define. I then take the list home with me and review before I go to sleep. I keep this in my "Current Study" notebook. The first thing I do when i wake up the next morning is to review again.


thanks
coach hale
www.maxcondition.com

[ark]

I've been reading and reading and reading..... I find it very hard to retain the information. I know I could retain it better if I had the time to read, take notes, study, review and repeat ... day after day after day... BUT I'm a full-time mom and work part-time outside of the house. My hubby is always working. I feel like a single mom many days.... doing it all on my own.

I feel like I'm bouncing all over the place w/ information. I'm constantly purchasing new books, reading new and old articles and so on......

Do you have any advice on what material to stick with and master first?

[coach hale]

Here are a few suggetions that might help with retention:

1- read less material
2- set a pre-determined amount of info that needs to be retained and understood before advancing to the next reading
3- use mental concept maps, these are tools for visualizing the connections between concepts
4- do not sacrifice quality for quantity (refer to no. 1)

You need to decide what is the main purpose in reading the material. If it is understanding and retaining you need to slow down and take steps to ensure that happens. Don't get caught up in the habit of reading a bunch of books for the sake of reading a bunch of books.

thanks
Coach Hale
www.maxcondition.com

[CloveApple]

Originally Posted by coach hale

Learning methods

I started this thread so forum members could share the methods they use in an attempt to retain and comprehend information.

I don't have much to add on comprehending information except that I know building a context for the information helps me a lot.

Retaining information though is something I have thought about. I've been told that the more senses you involve in remembering something the better your retention will be, and I've found this to be true.

senses/modes you could involve:
kinesthetic:
-writing the information out
-saying the information outloud
-doing an interpretive dance
hearing:
-listening to a tape of yourself saying the information
visual:
-looking at a text or looking at your notes
-sketches or flow charts or mental maps
smell:
-sadly or not, I have no idea how to involve this sense

Here's some examples of ways I've incorporated other senses:

I've spoken key points into a tape recorder and then listened to it while I was doing mindless tasks like getting ready for bed or cleaning.

I've copied notes over or made flash cards. (The funny thing is it didn't always seem to matter if I USED the flash cards. It was writing them that made the biggest difference.)

[CharlieShnoskyIII]

I do the intepreting dances alot!! People sometimes say its weird but it's hardcore wicked!!!