Overview
This lecture introduces a practical two-stage system for improving retention and understanding of any material you read, study, or learn by categorizing information and applying targeted processing strategies.
Two Stages of Learning
- Learning consists of two phases: consumption (input) and digestion (processing).
- Most people overfocus on consuming new information, neglecting digestion, which leads to poor retention.
- Effective learning depends on balancing both stages, as unprocessed input is quickly forgotten.
The Goal of Retention
- Remembering every detail is unnecessary and impossible; instead, aim to retain and apply what matters.
- Using knowledge for reasoning and problem-solving is more valuable than rote memorization.
- Not all information is equal—categorize to optimize learning efficiency.
The PACER System Overview
- Information falls into five categories: Procedural, Analogous, Conceptual, Evidence, and Reference (PACER).
- Each category requires a specific process for optimal digestion and long-term retention.
PACER Categories & Strategies
Procedural Information (P)
- Procedural info explains "how to do" something (e.g., techniques, coding).
- Digest by practicing as soon as possible—do not merely read or memorize.
Analogous Information (A)
- Analogous info relates new ideas to what you already know via analogies.
- Actively create and critique analogies to deepen understanding and identify limitations.
Conceptual Information (C)
- Conceptual info includes facts, principles, and relationships.
- Use mapping (e.g., mind maps) to visualize and connect concepts, recreating an expert’s knowledge network.
Evidence Information (E)
- Evidence provides details and examples (e.g., statistics, dates).
- Store and rehearse this info using notes, flashcards, or digital tools; apply through practice or explanation.
Reference Information (R)
- Reference info is minor, specific facts or data points (e.g., constants, names).
- Store in flashcards or databases and rehearse using spaced repetition for recall.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Consumption — The stage of taking in new information.
- Digestion — Actively processing information to encode it into long-term memory.
- PACER — Acronym for Procedural, Analogous, Conceptual, Evidence, Reference information types.
- Encoding — The process of storing information in long-term memory.
- Spaced Repetition — A technique for rehearsing information at increasing intervals to enhance recall.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Categorize information using the PACER system as you read or study.
- Apply the appropriate processing strategy: practice, critique, map, store, or rehearse.
- Balance time between consuming new material and processing it for optimal retention.
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