System for Remembering Everything You Read or Learn

Introduction

• Two Stages of Reading:
  • Consumption: Gathering information.
  • Digestion: Processing and retaining information.
• Common Misconception: More consumption equals better memory.
• Learning Principle: What stays in the brain is more important than what comes in.

Is It Possible to Remember Everything?

• Kim Peek: An example of extreme memory due to FG syndrome.
  • Great at memorization but struggled with reasoning/problem-solving.
• Conclusion: Remembering everything isn't possible or necessary.
  • Focus on remembering what's needed for application.

Introduction to PACER System

• Purpose: Helps categorize information to retain and apply effectively.
• Acronym Explanation:
  • P: Procedural
  • A: Analogous
  • C: Conceptual
  • E: Evidence
  • R: Reference

Understanding PACER

Procedural Information (P)

• Definition: Information on how tasks are executed.
• Examples: Clinical examination techniques, coding.
• Process: Practice immediately after learning.
• Tip: Balance consumption and digestion.

Analogous Information (A)

• Definition: Information related to existing knowledge.
• Examples: Muscle contraction related to swimming technique.
• Process: Critique the analogy to strengthen understanding.
• Importance: Enhances retention by connecting new info with known info.

Conceptual Information (C)

• Definition: Facts, theories, and relationships.
• Examples: Science subjects, principles.
• Process: Mapping (Mind Mapping) for network-based understanding.
• Goal: Recreate the network of expert knowledge.

Evidence Information (E)

• Definition: Makes conceptual information more concrete.
• Examples: Dates, statistics, specific events.
• Process: Store and rehearse for later use.

Reference Information (R)

• Definition: Specific details not crucial for conceptual understanding.
• Examples: Mathematical constants, specific gene names.
• Process: Store and rehearse, often using flashcards.

Key Principles

• Balance: Ensure consumption is balanced with digestion.
• Avoid Overconsumption: Consuming without digesting leads to forgetting.
• Focus on Retention: Spend more time understanding than memorizing.

Conclusion

• PACER System: Identifies types of information and appropriate processes for retention.
• Learning is Complex: Requires balancing and correctly applying processes.
• Additional Resources: Newsletter for more learning efficiency tips.