The Power of Reflection and Abstraction in Learning

Reflecting on experiences and abstracting the salient points and relationships is crucial for effective learning. Merely rehearsing material is less effective than engaging in reflective thinking. Making comparisons, drawing implications, and creating diagrams or visual representations are valuable ways to consolidate and encode information. Learning from firsthand experiences, whether physical or conversational, involves translating abstractions into action, which requires practice and embodiment. Externalizing shared understanding through diagrams or shared workspaces can enhance collaboration and improve learning outcomes. While abstractions and learned knowledge have their place in education, earned knowledge derived from personal experiences and reflections is often more nuanced and valuable for making informed decisions in high-stakes situations.