How I Learn and Retain Knowledge: Visual Scenarios, Reflection & Note-Taking
I noticed something in my learning process. It has always been there but I kind of understand it better in this my adult life.
In order to assimilate something, I learnt recently, I have to “regurgitate” it.
Not cramming.
I read slowly because when I am reading, I paint a scenario in my head of what I am reading.
I can only do this, if I understand the point the author is making.
To remember the point, I need to remember that scenario I initially painted in my head.
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After my first reading, while I go about my daily business, I deliberately try to remember that scenario and process it again.
If I can’t remember it, I have to go back and check the book.
If I don’t do this within that day of reading the book, that picture is over.
I have to read again to remember.
After that day, I should be able to bring up that image in my head on different occasions throughout the week and months.
Then the knowledge settles in.
Something may happen within the year, and I recall the whole image or parts of it.
If throughout the year, I never recall that knowledge, chances are, it’s forgotten.
To keep it front and centre, I keep little notes that reminds me to think about something.
This same thing happens to me during discussions and chats.
If I am chatting with you, we are likely going on a fast lane.
When the chat ends, I go back to re-read what you wrote and my responses, then my over-analytic mind will start addressing why your “a” ended with a full-stop and not a comma.
But if in the course of the chat, there were grievances, the me before can start the chat afresh from a point I saw while reading through or even hold a grudge for it. The me today, deletes the chat immediately it ends, because I don’t have any mental memory left for holding grudges.
So, if you chat me up today to continue from where we stopped, chances are I don’t remember because I don’t have the record of it (unless it’s business).
Something that started as a coping mechanism for a pain I faced in life has now become a part of my life that I now have to work extra to remember the actual things I need to remember.
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That’s mine.
What’s yours? How do you learn?
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