Image by Mystic Art Design from Pixabay SUPERINTELLIGENCE How Long Should a Single Learning Session Last Before Taking a Break? Items-dependent learning sessions: A new method to enhance learning Lorenz Duremdes, Polymath Jan 19 · 3 min read M ost people are probably familiar with the Pomodoro technique: A learning session of approximately 25 minutes followed by a 5 minute break, and so on. The main idea why that works so well, is that by being process-oriented (i.e. time-based) is much more effective than being goal-oriented (e.g. I have to finish at least 10 pages). Why? Because saying to yourself “I will study for 25 minutes” seems to increase the activity in the insular cortex less than saying “I have to finish at least 2 pages of homework”. The insular cortex seems to be involved in pain i.e. saying “I have to finish at least 2 pages” causes more “pain”. Again, that’s why the Pomodoro technique is so effective. The next method, therefore, may require more discipline (it’s goal-oriented) but I do believe it’s more effective once implemented. Items-Dependent Learning Sessions I f you use particular spaced repetition software like Quizlet, Anki, or SuperMemo, this method will especially become effective. It’s really simple: You keep studying until you have at least X “items” (e.g. 30) What do I mean with “items”? Simply the quantity of (flash)cards like these: 1. Question: Where is spatial working memory located? Answer: Thought to be in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. 2. Question: Where is non-spatial working memory located? Answer: Thought to be in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. In this example, we have 2 different flashcards i.e. 2 items. I also recommend reading this article by SuperMemo for effectively formulating your flashcards to maximize learning: Effective learning: Twenty rules of formulating knowledge Reasoning Behind Effectiveness of Items- Dependent Learning W hy do I think this method is more effective than time-based learning? Because the quantity of items you learn or get exposed to within X time differs. The introduction of some Wikipedia articles are sometimes enough for 20 items within 10 minutes, while other sources are less information dense. Personally, I like to limit myself to a maximum of 30 items per source. Once I got and memorized my 30 items, I will move on to a different source (interleaved practice) after a short break (approximately 10 minutes). As an example, 30 items over 3 different sources, 90 a day, makes it quickly jump up to 33k items per year if everything goes alright. One should definitely not underestimate long-term (compounding) growth! What are your takes on the items-dependent learning method? . . . If you liked this article, you may also like this one: Mastering This Formula Will Make You Learn Better: Conquering Intelligence …This can make the di erence between people who achieve and people who have the potential to achieve, but don’t.” medium.com . . . This story is published in a Few Words, Medium’s publication that only accepts stories under 500 words. If you have a few meaningful words to say and want to be a writer in our publication, visit here. Some rights reserved Productivity Self Improvement Education Students Schools Discover Medium Make Medium yours Become a member Welcome to a place where words matter. Follow all the topics you care about, and Get unlimited access to the best stories On Medium, smart voices and original we’ll deliver the best stories for you to on Medium — and support writers while ideas take center stage - with no ads in your homepage and inbox. Explore you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade sight. Watch About Help Legal
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