Unlocking the Future of Learning: How we Learn in 2024
In a world where information is abundant and technology is revolutionizing the way we access information, the ability to learn effectively is more crucial than ever. But what does learning look like in 2024 and beyond?
At its core, learning is “acquiring knowledge and skills and having them readily available from memory to navigate future challenges and opportunities,” as outlined in "Make It Stick" by Peter Brown, Henry Roediger, and Mark McDaniel. So what does cognitive science tell us about the most effective ways to learn? How do we ensure we’re setting up our brains to function like sponges, instead of like sieves?
“When learners have the freedom to choose what they want to learn based on their own interests and goals, it’s like handing them the keys to their own adventure. ”
1. Learner Motivation Matters
When we’re excited about what we’re learning, and when it aligns with our interests and goals, we’re more likely to absorb it, to soak it up in our brain sponges. It’s the difference between trying to teach the art of creating a perfect souffle to a budding chef versus to someone who hates spending time in the kitchen. The budding chef will hang on every word. The other will struggle to find relevance and engagement.
And what’s more, giving the learner autonomy over their educational journey further increases their motivation. It’s like being on a road trip and getting to choose the destination. When you have control, you’re more excited about the journey. When learners have the freedom to choose what they want to learn based on their own interests and goals, it’s like handing them the keys to their own adventure.
2. Small Doses, Spaced Out
Research in cognitive psychology has underscored the effectiveness of micro-learning and spaced repetition in optimizing learning outcomes. Micro-learning is the practice of breaking down learning content into bite-sized, digestible chunks. Imagine the difference between allowing your brain to eat smaller snacks over time instead of stuffing itself at one gigantic knowledge buffet.
Spaced repetition is the idea of spacing out learning over time, which helps to mitigate the effects of the dreaded “forgetting curve”. That annoying thing where your brain simply can’t remember something you know you knew at one point in time.
3. It's All About Application
Learning "at the point of need" is a mantra gaining traction in educational circles. This approach emphasizes the importance of delivering learning content when we actually need it, making it super relevant and immediately applicable to whatever we’re doing. It’s the difference between teaching someone how to change a tire when they’re relaxing on a living room sofa versus when they’re on the side of the road with a flat. Someone on the side of the road can immediately apply the concept, and it’s more likely to stick for the future.
4. Reflection Fosters Deeper Connections
Retrieval is the process of actively recalling information out of your memory. Engaging in retrieval helps to form deeper connections between concepts. Think of it like doing mental push-ups, challenging at first, but good for you in the long run.
By sprinkling in reflection exercises, we combine retrieval and application thereby enhancing the ability to transfer knowledge to real-world scenarios. As written in Make it Stick, "reflection can involve several cognitive activities that lead to stronger learning: retrieving knowledge and earlier training from memory, connecting these to new experiences, and visualizing and mentally rehearsing what you might do differently next time" (p.27).
In the realm of education, our focus is often on student learning. But it's just as important to consider how we can empower educators on their own learning journeys too. By equipping educators with scientifically-grounded learning strategies, we’re not just helping them level up their own skills, we’re setting the stage for a whole new generation of learners to thrive.
