The Importance of Conceptual Knowledge in Learning

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Cognitive scientists have developed a new way of learning. Called 'quantum country' it allows people to learn information that doesn't fit neatly into the standard structure. People are able to retain much more easily than brute actual information, which you kind of expect. But there's an important mutually reinforcing element, where reviewing say card one or prompt one influences your memory of prompts two and three also.

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How can we accelerate learning? Is spaced repetition the best way to absorb information over the long term? Do we always read non-fiction works with the goal of learning? What are some less common but perhaps more valuable types of information that can be put on flash cards? What sorts of things are worth remembering anyway? Why is it important to commit some ideas to memory when so much information is easily findable on the internet? What benefits are derived from being involved in all stages of a project pipeline from concept to execution (as opposed to being involved only in one part, like the research phase)? Why should more researchers be involved in para-academic projects? Where can one find funding for para-academic research?

Andy Matuschak invents tools that expand what people can think and do. His current research focuses on a new written medium which makes it much easier to remember what you read. In previous roles, Andy led R&D at Khan Academy and helped build iOS at Apple. You can read more about his work at andymatuschak.org and follow him on Twitter at @andy_matuschak.

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