Ultralearning Notes
Ultralearning Notes
By Scott H. Young
What are some of the barriers preventing you from learning that new
language, or a new skill that you've always wanted to acquire? For most
of us, it's a question of time.
Understanding Ultralearning
Every journey begins with a map of how to get there. And meta-learning
is the way we scaffold our learning journey and get a big-picture
understanding. Many of us might be tempted just to barrel in and begin
the learning process, but having a plan helps us navigate our path.
As we know from Cal Newport's Deep Work, focus is one of the most
powerful tools we have. Heightened focus allows us to cut down our
working time because distractions are costly. The good news is that
focus and concentration are skills that we can build.
Do you battle to sit down and get to work? If this sounds familiar, why not
instate a "warm-up ritual." Perhaps it's making a cup of coffee, going to
the toilet, and then turning your phone off. Whatever the ritual, it'll get
you into working mode.
Once you've sat down, set a timer. To begin, start with the three-minute
rule. Set the timer for three minutes and agree to work throughout. This
may sound like a short amount of time, but it generates momentum.
There's also the Pomodoro technique where you set a timer for twenty
minutes, have a break for five minutes, and then restart the twenty-
minute clock.
We should also optimize our focus so that we can sustain it. Both our
inner and outer spaces should be considered. For example, find a work
environment that is conducive to work. Our workspace needs to work for
us, so think about decluttering and freeing the work area of any
distractions. We also need to take the temperature of our emotions and
mental arousal. Some types of work rely on alertness, while others can be
performed when we're less alert.
Focus and concentration can be learned, but it takes a lot of effort. The
brilliant thing is that once we've developed good habits around
concentration, we have a way to optimize and free up more time.
We're often told to "go directly to the source." This same principle applies
to skills. We learn a skill more effectively when we practice it in the
environment where we will eventually learn it. This goes against the idea
of traditional classroom learning.
Direct exposure is the quickest and most efficient way to take something
theoretical and make it practical. So if you want to learn to cook, the best
way is to get into the kitchen and start cooking; similarly, if you're going
to learn to code, adopt project-based learning, or a "learn-by-doing"
mentality.
Principle Four: Drill - Attack Weak Points
Drills are the opposite of the above principle, directness. They help us to
improve a small slice of a skill and remove all the real-world subtleties we
can't simulate. The direct-drill process is a way of enhancing weak spots,
not replacing your whole project. To overcome the lack of transfer, work
directly on the problem, drill your weak points, then go back to
directness, and cycle through as needed, keeping all that precious
transfer.
Knowledge is nothing if you don't have the ability to retrieve it. We need
to be able to record and access information that's stored in the memory.
In fact, a 2011 study from Purdue University showed that most students
adopt the review process over recall. However, when it comes to
effectiveness, memory is far superior to reviewing when it comes to long-
term knowledge retention.
So, why do we opt for a less effective learning method? Well, it all comes
down to psychology. The "judgment of learning" is the process we adopt
when we are engaged in learning. How often do you read over something
and think to yourself, 'I've got that,' only to forget the information later?
We often think that we know something because we have the perception
that we have adequately grasped the concept. And as we know,
perception isn't everything.
Now that we've mastered some retrieval strategies, it's time to get on
friendly terms with feedback.
'Don't dodge the punches,' says Young, 'Put ego aside and look for the
feedback that gets straight to the point on what we are doing wrong and
how we can improve.' But beware, not all feedback is equal.
The Physicist Richard Feynman was known for his uncanny intuition.
Feynman could see complex problems and find a solution. The technical
term for this ability is intuitive expertise, and it can be challenging for
people to pin down. However, Feynman's brilliance can be attributed to
his deep understanding and knowledge of physics. This expertise meant
he could intuit things that others might not be able to.
In short, the best learners don't just apply skills blindly; they understand
how they work.
Comfort Zones
Firstly we can copy and then recreate. This is the method we employ
when we cook. We reproduce a recipe, and then over time, we build
confidence and have the skills and creativity to move beyond a recipe
book. We can also experiment by introducing constraints. For example,
we may limit ourselves by cooking vegetarian food for a month. Working
within limits makes us shed habits and focuses our attention on trying
something new. Finally, we can combine skill sets. Why not merge things
you're good at in new and creative ways?
In Conclusion
Being an ultralearner isn't easy; it's hard work. However, Scott Young
gives us the why and the how-to, in order to help us jumpstart our DIY
learning adventure and keep it on track. And, if you don't know what your
ultralearning project is yet, why not start by reading this book, and apply
these principles to learn how to be an ultralearner?
So, are you ready to level up your learning and become an ultralearner?