Retention vs analysis

When we measure retention we measure the amount of details we remember after reading an article. There has been a really great article explaining some strategies to actually learn from an article. Usually learning from what we read is a subject of advanced course, but I think it makes sense to put some of the related materials in disposal of even the beginning students.

At least some of us some of the time do not read to remember, but instead read to learn new things. And knowledge is fundamentally different from information. Knowledge is not about the markers you have, but about the links you make between markers. Over time in a long run, the links between the markers are more important than the markers themselves, so do try to put several links per markers using various details of the marker as keypoints for the links.

Very few articles are like puzzles that stand alone, self-contained and self-interlocked. Most of the articles we read do connect to our prior knowledge. In Kabbala there is a saying that “only god creates something from nothing”. All of us create something based on something else, and these connections should be reflected in what we link.

It is very easy to miss something important. I do it as often as any of you. I am however more aware of this trait, so I am less self-confidant in the information: I check it, by comparing with other resources, trying to find the innovation introduced by the specific article I read, the point of view of the authors etc. Even then I often miss stuff, and if the article is important for me, I make others read it and compare impressions [I have many friends with partially intersecting interest].

If I can use the article in the real life – as a part of conversations, or a call for action, or something to think about when I take my pomodoro break – I do that. It is important to reflect about everything we learn. Reflection generates new links, and allows to view the subject in a different perspective. I contemplate on new and original perspectives to view the subject, and occasionally I discover things. If I discover something that makes me interested I write it down. The simple process of writing down, improves retention. Do be selective of what you write down, since it is a relatively slow process (below 80 wpm). This study shows that writing daily reflections on the day for 15 minutes has a huge effect on personal productivity. I plan to introduce such a ritual into my life, I just need to find a proper occasion.

Knowledge is about building connections. Do not take anything for granted and reflect constantly on every new piece of information and how it connects with what you already know.