Learning is more effective when it is effortful from "summary" of Make It Stick by Peter C. Brown,Henry L. Roediger III,Mark A. McDaniel
Learning is more effective when it is effortful. This might seem counterintuitive, as many people believe that easy, passive learning is the most effective way to absorb information. However, research has shown that when learning requires effort, it leads to better retention and understanding in the long run. Effortful learning involves actively engaging with the material, rather than passively absorbing it. This can take many forms, such as actively recalling information, connecting new knowledge to what you already know, or practicing retrieval of information through quizzes or tests. By putting in the effort to learn, you are creating stronger neural connections in your brain, which leads to better long-term retention. One reason effortful learning is more effective is that it helps to overcome the illusion of competence. When learning is too easy, people often mistakenly believe that they have mastered the material, when in reality they have only superficially understood it. By engaging in effortful learning, you are forced to confront your gaps in knowledge and actively work to fill them. Another benefit of effortful learning is that it helps to strengthen retrieval pathways in the brain. When you actively recall information, you are reinforcing the connections between different pieces of knowledge. This makes it easier to retrieve that information in the future, and helps to solidify your understanding of the material.- While effortful learning may be more challenging in the short term, it ultimately leads to better retention and understanding in the long run. By actively engaging with the material, connecting new knowledge to what you already know, and practicing retrieval of information, you can create stronger neural connections in your brain and improve your ability to recall and apply that knowledge in the future.
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