5 Simple Tactics for More Productive Learning
I recently read a Harvard Business Review (HBR) article that asked a very important question:
In today’s digital world, we are consuming a lot more information than we used to previously. But are we utilizing this information to become more effective and productive learners?
You can truthfully answer this question for yourself and if your answer is a “no”, then the HBR article provides you with 4 tactics that you can use to become a more productive learner. In this article I will share my 2 cents on these tactics:
1. HBR says: “Focus the majority of your information consumption on a single topic for several months”
A single topic for several months? That can become a bit boring and unsustainable in my opinion. Hence…
I Say: “Focus the majority of your information consumption on 2–3 topics for 1–2 months”
In recent times I have created 2–3 categories or buckets that are important to me such as Career, Health and Investments.
Under each category, I’d pick a certain topic and stick to it for at least one month. I’d religiously read at least one article on the topic each day. For example: under the Career category you can pick up a topic of your choice (my choice would be: Design Thinking) and stick to it for 1–2 months. At the same time, I’d pick another topic under the Health and Investments categories and read a couple of articles (or watch videos) for 1–2 months.
This makes the learning process more flavorful and the repeated reading (or watching or listening) on limited topics ensures that the concepts get anchored in the brain.
2. HBR says: “Put what you’re learning into frameworks”
It is absolutely true that if you put what you learn into frameworks (i.e. internal architecture for our brains by creating our own structure or pattern), it becomes easier to recall existing information and retain new information. However…
I Say: “In addition to putting your learning into frameworks, try to apply your learning in the real world”
When you apply your learning in the real world, you are more likely to learn from it. Even if you are unsuccessful, you’d probably learn something new from your experience which you are more likely to remember and utilize in a productive way.
For example: If you have learnt about the Internet of Things (IoT), then maybe try setting up a smart thermostat or a smart bulb in your home yourself.
3. HBR says: “Regularly synthesize what you have learned”
I am absolutely convinced that synthesizing (i.e. to put parts together to form a whole, with emphasis on creating a new meaning or structure) information is a great way to become a productive learner. But how do you do that?
There are multiple ways to synthesize your learning. One way is to write an article about a theory that you have learnt in the context of a real-world application.
I will use the same example of the Internet of Things (IoT). Say, you are a financial advisor and you read this article. Now, you can think of ways in which IoT can disrupt certain industries and make recommendations to your clients accordingly.
Another example: this article is a way for me to synthesize the information I learnt from the HBR article.
4. HBR says: “Cycle between information feasting and information fasting”
After spending the initial few months learning about Design Thinking, I would always go back and review my slides, notes, bookmarked articles etc. instead of reading something completely new on the topic.
In fact, if you are a really keen learner you can also sign-up for free online courses or attend workshops to reinforce your learning after every few months.
5. An additional and extremely effective tactic — I Say: “Explain it to a 12-year old”
If you really want to make sure you have understood a concept well, then explain it to a 12-year old or to an absolute beginner in the most layman terms. When you do this, you are forcing yourself to create connections and analogies between a large complex concept and small simple everyday ideas. If you struggle, you know there is some gap in your understanding.