This video, part of Plato University's "How to Learn Anything" course, focuses on determining what to learn and creating a structured learning plan. It guides viewers through a process of self-assessment and goal-setting to optimize their learning.
The SMART method for goal setting stands for:
Example of a SMART goal related to learning a new skill:
Let's say the goal is to learn basic Python programming. A non-SMART goal would be: "Get better at Python." This is vague and unmeasurable.
Here's a SMART version:
"By December 31st, 2024, I will be able to build a simple text-based adventure game in Python, demonstrating proficiency in using variables, loops, conditional statements, and basic input/output functions. I will measure my progress by completing at least one coding project per week, documented on GitHub, and achieving a score of 80% or higher on a final project assessment."
This SMART goal is:
The emphasize-exclude technique is a method for refining a learning plan by focusing on the most important aspects while de-prioritizing or delaying less crucial elements. It involves two steps:
Emphasize: Identify the key areas of study that directly align with your learning goals. This requires careful consideration of your objectives and how different elements contribute to achieving them.
Exclude: Omit or postpone learning elements that are less relevant to your immediate goals. This prevents distraction and allows you to focus your energy and time on what truly matters.
Example:
Let's say your goal is to learn French to a conversational level for a two-week trip to Paris. You might initially think you need to master all aspects of the language: grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, and pronunciation. However, using the emphasize-exclude method:
Emphasize: You would focus heavily on spoken French, particularly vocabulary and pronunciation related to everyday situations like ordering food, asking for directions, and basic conversation. You might utilize frequency lists to target the most commonly used words and phrases.
Exclude (or Defer): You might postpone or minimize your focus on formal grammar rules, advanced vocabulary, and written French. While important for long-term fluency, these aspects are less critical for your immediate need of basic conversation during your trip. You can revisit these areas after your trip.
This approach allows you to achieve your immediate goal (conversational French for the trip) efficiently by concentrating your efforts on the most relevant aspects of the language. The less important elements aren't ignored entirely, but simply moved to a later stage of your learning journey.
Categorizing learning material involves organizing information into distinct groups based on shared characteristics or attributes. This helps structure learning, making it more efficient and easier to manage. In the context of the video, learning material is categorized into three types:
Concepts: These are ideas or principles that need to be understood. They often require deeper comprehension rather than simple memorization. Understanding concepts allows for flexible application of knowledge in various situations. Examples include mathematical theorems, scientific theories, or the underlying principles of a programming language.
Facts: These are pieces of information that need to be memorized. They often involve specific details or data that are important to recall. Understanding isn't always as crucial as being able to retrieve the information accurately. Examples include vocabulary words in a new language, historical dates, or names of chemical compounds.
Procedures: These are processes or actions that need to be practiced repeatedly to achieve proficiency. They often involve a sequence of steps or techniques that become automatic with practice. Examples include learning to ride a bicycle, playing a musical instrument, or using specific software tools.
By categorizing learning material in this way, learners can better understand the different types of learning involved and develop strategies tailored to each category. This approach facilitates more efficient and focused learning.
