“Moving a university is like moving a cemetery; you’re not going to get any help from the inhabitants.”
Education changes behavior. The better we teach, the more change we can effect.
Distractions defeat discipline. “A man distracted is a man defeated.” Francesco Cirillo developed the Pomodoro Method to increase productivity with a template of periods of high focus separated by short breaks. The method, typically 25 minutes of study and 5 minute breaks, imposes study rigor and recognizes limited attention spans. Pomodoro method details are discussed in this video. Coursera.org presents an exhaustive eleven hour free course on becoming a better learner. There is also a Coursera app. Many apps are available for Pomodoro.
Learning about learning courses teach better study. Barbara Oakley describes herself as an unsuccessful early learner. After finishing high school, she joined the Army, learned Russian and later became an engineering professor with an interest in learning styles.
For example, she says re-reading has less value than reading and reproducing (writing) what you learned. These techniques add to the Feynman technique of naming, describing, researching, and simplifying a topic.
Oakley describes the fallacy of distinct learning systems which has been disproven by study. Capable learners can learn with visual, auditory, and kinesthetic means.
Chunks are related pieces of information, ideas, or concepts that are building blocks on the construction of mastery. They exist in many disciplines from science to sports, dance, and music. Learning how to assemble and extend chunks is central to growth.
We teach chunks by combining spacing, screening, cutting, and passing. Set small groups up (e.g. one side of the split) and challenge them to create. Start with constraints (e.g. no one-on-one, limiting dribbling) and see what actions they build.
Lagniappe:
Radius Athletics shares examples of Cognitive Bias in coaching. It’s hard to be objective about our teams and our abilities.