In todayโs insightful Learning Drop, weโre diving deep into an essential framework that can transform your learning experience. Get ready, as this discussion is split into two parts, with part 2 coming next week!
The Six Levels of Thinking Every Learner Must Conquer
Every learner, regardless of their age, should master the six levels of thinking, as each level is crucial for achieving superior learning results.
Understanding the Levels and Their Outcomes
- Remember โ Regurgitate
- Understand โ Explain
- Apply โ Simple Problem Solving
- Analyze โ Comparison
- Evaluate โ Prioritize
- Create โ Hypothesize
Most individuals find themselves stuck on the initial levels. This stagnation can often lead to mediocre results because they arenโt engaging at the appropriate levels of thinking.
Introducing Bloomโs Taxonomy
What you see here is illustrated in a renowned educational framework known as Bloomโs Revised Taxonomy, which dates back over 70 years. Though its name may be unexciting, this model remains one of the most underrated principles of learning that many people are unaware of.
If you recognize this framework, stay tuned! Iโll reveal how I leveraged these methods to double my learning efficiency in part two.
The First Three Levels of Thinking Simplified
Level 1: Remember
This level focuses on memorization techniques. Activities like re-reading, re-writing, and rote-learning characterize this stage.
Many of us have endured this phase throughout our educational journeysโlike cramming for examsโand often found it unfulfilling. At this level, learning merely supports regurgitationโthink of listing definitions or labels. Unfortunately, these tasks offer limited value in the professional world.
Confusingly, while this level is termed โremember,โ it doesnโt effectively enhance long-term retention. We will delve into that later.
Level 2: Understand
At this stage, we transition from rote memorization to genuine comprehension. Our intentions become critical here.
While another person might perceive us engaging in the same activities as Level 1โlike re-reading a textbookโthe mental engagement differs significantly.
Comparison of Levels 1 and 2:
| Level 1 (Remember) | Level 2 (Understand) |
|---|---|
| Reading a textbook | Reading a textbook |
| Memorizations to retain info | Comprehending and contextualizing material |
When you reach Level 2, you qualify for the โExplainโ results. This means you can articulate your understanding of a concept, which forms the basis of most assessments during later educational stages.
Level 3: Apply
Level 3 emphasizes practical application. Here, you direct your learned knowledge towards resolving problems.
This level opens the โSimple Problem Solvingโ results, where a direct application of a single concept can solve straightforward challenges. Engaging in quizzes and practice questions is an effective way to reach this level. In procedural contexts like coding, it involves implementing basic functions with fundamental variables.
Key Takeaways for Efficient Learning
To enhance your learning experience, minimize the time spent on Levels 1 and 2. At these initial stages, processing information efficiently becomes challenging, making retention seem elusive.
Your brain does not prioritize memorization; instead, memory acts as a byproduct of proper thought processes. Counterintuitively, striving to remember often yields subpar results.
Recommendations for Improvement
- Track Your Time: Pay close attention to your study sessions. Are you dedicating 80% of your efforts solely toward memorization or understanding? Evaluate your focus when reviewing material later in the week.
- Accelerate Your Learning: Attempt to reach Level 3 more swiftly by applying your new knowledge as soon as you feel moderately comfortable (around 50-60%). Engaging with the material actively will lead to better retention and understanding.
Implementing these strategies guarantees a significant boost in your learning efficiency.
Practice these techniques, as next week, we will explore the remaining three levels of thinking and uncover further methods to amplify your learning capabilities!
