Four Stages of Effective Learning

Jul 11, 2024

Four Stages of Effective Learning

Introduction

  • Presenter: June You
  • Background: Dean's List biomed engineering student; dual degree in bachelor's and master’s with a concentration in neuroengineering
  • Goal: Teach an efficient study method to achieve better grades with less time

Overview of the Four Stages

  1. Priming
  2. In-Class Notes
  3. Post-Class Immediate Review
  4. Revision

Stage One: Priming

  • Objective: Understand the big picture before class
  • Reason: Enhances brain’s ability to remember and understand by forming relevant connections
  • Analogy: Building a Lego set by looking at the front of the box first
  • Example: Fashion Learning
    • Resources: Watched YouTube videos at 2x speed
    • Created a List of Key Concepts: Casual, thickness, length, layering, formal, bold, simple
    • Grouped Concepts:
      • Colors: Bold, simple
      • Season: Layering, length, thickness
      • Occasions: Formal, casual
    • Relevance: Form relationships relevant to personal outfit choices
  • Practical Tips: Create a diagram summarizing relationships; take a pre-test with 5 questions to see how concepts solve problems together
  • Frequency: About once every 2-3 weeks per topic

Stage Two: In-Class Notes

  • Objective: Actively listen and engage, not just passively write everything down
  • Benefits: Allows you to interact with material and form connections
  • Steps:
    • Annotate the initial diagram (Diagram #1)
    • Create key observations: Jot down important points you can't fit immediately
    • Formulate active recall questions during class
  • Outcome: Creates Diagram #2 with expanded information and relationships

Stage Three: Post-Class Immediate Review

  • Objective: Quick 30-minute review before bed
  • Activities:
    • Clean up and refine active recall questions
    • Slightly modify Diagram #2
    • Practice active recall questions verbally
  • Goals: Identify strengths and weaknesses, utilize memory deepening techniques

Stage Four: Revision

  • Objective: Efficient study period focusing on active recall
  • Steps:
    1. Create Diagram #3: Optimize and reorganize previous diagrams for clarity
    • Use subgroups and illustrations
    • Ensure immediate understanding from the diagram
    1. Active Recall Applications:
    • Blurting Method: Recall freely on a blank sheet and correct mistakes
    • Feinman Technique: Teach the topic as if to a fifth grader, simplify and explain thoroughly
    • Practice Tests: Attempt old exams comprehensively, without looking at sources
  • Outcome: Efficient and deeper learning, prevention of cramming

Additional Recommendations

  • Include: Spaced repetition, optimal breaks, integrating these into revision timetable
  • Conclusion: Applying these stages ensures better grades with less study time
  • Resource Mention: "Guide to Academic Success" available with more detailed tips
  • Final Note: Importance of learning how to learn, not just what to learn

Next Steps and Community Engagement

  • Comments & Questions: Encouraged for further learning
  • Future Projects: Potential new tools to facilitate these learning systems