Perfect for you if:
“A wonderful ‘crunch’… one of the best summaries of the key ideas that we’ve ever seen.”
Barbara Oakley, author of A Mind for Numbers
Though the title promises improvements in math and science, its lessons are applicable to all forms of learning and problem-solving.
Barbara explains that learning begins with creating and internalising small chunks of information (e.g., starting a car, pressing the accelerator, changing gear). As we learn we add to and connect these chunks and use them to solve problems in the world around us (e.g., driving). This is especially useful in analytical problem solving where chunks allow our limited working memory to greatly increase the information we consciously process at once.
She shows that to efficiently add to and apply these chunks requires learning to use and balance two modes of thought (focussed and diffuse thinking) effectively.
What follows is an excellent summary of practical tips to improve learning and problem solving as well as some of the common pitfalls we face on the way (and how to overcome them).
Effective learning needs both Focussed and Diffuse thinkingChunking is at the cornerstone of learning and problem-solving…
… and we tackle it with two types of thinking.
(Diffuse thinking is what’s going on when you have that “Aha” moment whilst doing something totally different like sleeping, running errands or enjoying a shower)
Both types of thinking are involved in learning…
… and both are required in using that learning effectively.
The Medici Effect is the name given to creatively linking seemingly totally separate chunks together to create a new and creative solution
We often learn sub-optimally because we fail to set up and/or alternate effectively between both modes.
Meanwhile, almost every single successful scientist, author and artist in recent history used a daily routine that effectively set up and then alternated between focussed and diffuse thinking (see the popular book, Daily Rituals).
So, how can we learn effectively?1. Create the best conditions for focused and diffuse thinking
Focused thinking needs meaningful stretches of undisturbed time to focus and think.
Diffuse thinking occurs subconsciously by temporarily loosening attention.
Both Dali and Eddison used a form of napping in which objects dropping from their hands would wake them up just as they were falling asleep to trigger diffuse thinking.
2. Actively build time into each day to alternate between both modes
There are a couple of unavoidable learning barriers that everyone encountersYou can’t do anything about these and you’re not alone so don’t worry!
Robust learning takes a long time (quickly learned = quickly forgotten)
Occasional knowledge collapse is inevitable, natural and temporary
Think of it a little like defragmenting an old hard drive, or knocking down a house that’s been patched together over time to build a new and improved one from the materials.
However many common pitfalls are easily avoidableThe difference between great and average thinkers is the way in which they frame and approach many of the following avoidable pitfalls.
Procrastination (stress also further inhibits learning)
Distraction (including multitasking – has big switching costs and depletes limited willpower resources)
Getting stuck (see Einstellung effect often as a result of too much focused thinking)
Confirmation bias (overconfidence in your own solution without checking)
Again, find and work with others who are honest and aligned with your best interests
Illusions of confidence (following as opposed to understanding)
Fatigue (increasingly proven to be caused by build up of toxins in brain)
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