The video suggests internalizing key exemplar problems to build an intuitive, fast procedural system for math and science. The process involves: picking a problem with a complete solution, working it out using intuition and procedural cues, checking the answer and procedure, and repeating with similar problems to develop intuition for solving that problem type.
This video, part of Plato University's "How to Learn Anything" course, introduces "proceduralization" as a technique to master skills. It explains the difference between declarative and procedural knowledge, emphasizing how converting declarative knowledge into automatic procedural knowledge enhances learning and retention.
Declarative vs. Procedural Knowledge: The video differentiates between declarative knowledge (consciously recalling facts) and procedural knowledge (automatic, unconscious execution of skills). Most initial learning uses declarative knowledge, while mastery relies on proceduralization.
Proceduralization Process: This involves identifying patterns and repeatable steps within a skill, then practicing them repeatedly until they become automatic habits. This transforms declarative knowledge into procedural knowledge stored differently in long-term memory.
Applications of Proceduralization: The video illustrates how proceduralization applies to various skills, including typing, playing musical instruments, solving math problems, and learning languages. Fluency in a language, for instance, relies heavily on proceduralized knowledge.
Strategies for Proceduralization: The video suggests strategies like deliberate practice, focusing on key exemplar problems (in math/science), and using retrieval practice/spaced repetition (in language learning) to facilitate the transition from declarative to procedural knowledge. The example of Benjamin Franklin improving his writing illustrates this.
Incomplete Proceduralization: The video acknowledges that complete proceduralization of all skill aspects is not always achievable. Some parts might remain declarative, requiring conscious effort.