Top science-based protocols for learning, part 2
Nigel P. Daly, PhD 戴 禮
Coaching Communication-and-Language Fitness (CLF) + Performance enhancing AI ??+??=? | Writer | Applied Linguistics Researcher
We spend over 12 years of schooling, but never learn how to learn. This is because teachers didn’t teach it – because they themselves didn’t really know how to learn. But now brain science has recently shed a lot of light on what works and what doesn’t for learning. And now we are finally learning how to learn.
Fortunately, neuroscientist Andrew Huberman in his excellent Huberman Lab podcast recently shared the results of this research and gave tips and protocols to follow.
He shared over 15 protocols, but the 10 that have the biggest impact on learning are the following:
?In this post, I will go into detail on numbers 4-6 ?that give a big return on investment for learning communication and language skills. I encourage you to check out Huberman’s full episode for all the protocols.? Or, go back to read part 1 or forward to part 3 of this article series on science-based protocols for improving your language and communication abilities.
Protocol 4. ?Test for Mastery, Not Just Familiarity
When most people study, they confuse familiarity with mastery, and when they take a test they are surprised at their low score. Recognizing information is not the same as mastering it. Self-testing, especially with open-ended questions, requires effort and ensures true understanding and the ability to apply knowledge.
Why is it important? Pursuing mastery through self-testing makes learning more effective. It offers “substantial returns on learning investment” by moving beyond mere recognition to deeper understanding.
What’s the research? In a study by Butler (2010)[ND1]?, participants were tested on newly learned material using either multiple-choice or open-ended questions. The open-ended group showed superior long-term retention and understanding and therefore showed that mastery requires active retrieval rather than passive recognition. Because this research design involved repeated testing with varying question formats to assess the depth of learning, it reinforced the effectiveness of self-testing for mastery.
Boosting communication/language fitness [CLF]? ?
Language learners can apply this by practicing speaking or writing in English or Chinese without relying on prompts. For example, rather than just recognizing words in a vocabulary list, an English learner could write a paragraph using new vocabulary to ensure they fully understand how to use each word in context. The learner could also have a chat with AI chatbots like Pi or ChatGPT to practice using talking about a topic like movies using related vocabulary.
Protocol 5. Adopt Structured, Active Study Practices
Ineffective study habits are the reason many students perform badly. The reasons for this are several, but successful students adopt structured and active study practices. They manage their time effectively, eliminate distractions, and engage in active learning strategies like teaching others and self-testing. They also regularly review their progress and adjust their study methods as needed. Structured routines and active engagement lead to better long-term retention.
Why is it important? Effective study habits build a strong foundation for learning. While not as immediate as testing or sleep, they significantly enhance the overall effectiveness of learning efforts.
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What’s the Research? ??Credé, Roch, and Kieszczynka (2010)[ND2]?, who conducted a meta-analysis of study habits and academic performance, found that students who implemented structured and active study routines performed better academically than those who relied on passive study methods. The study emphasized time management, organization, and active engagement as key components of successful study habits.
Boosting communication/language fitness [CLF]? For English or Chinese learners, adopting structured study practices might include scheduling vocabulary review sessions two or three times a week, regularly practicing speaking with a language partner, and setting specific goals for each study session. For example, dedicating time each day to reading English articles or practicing Chinese character writing can lead to significant improvements over time.
Protocol 6. ?Interleave Information and Embrace Desirable Difficulties
Many courses, textbooks and teachers organize learning in terms of one topic at a time—study one topic, then move on to the next. This leads to limited understanding and application of material. The antidote to this is interleaving information and embracing desirable difficulties, which is a level just beyond your current ability.? Interleaving, or mixing, different types of problems or subjects during study sessions promotes better learning and mastery. This helps prevent over-reliance on rote memorization and fosters deeper understanding. ?
Why is it important? Interleaving and facing desirable difficulties improve learning outcomes, especially in advanced stages, but the ROI is slightly lower because it often applies to more complex, advanced learning rather than foundational knowledge.
What’s the Research? ?A study by Rohrer and Taylor (2007) [ND3]?found that students who practiced interleaving instead of blocking (studying one topic intensively before moving on) performed better on tests. The research design involved math students who practiced either a blocked or interleaved approach, with results showing that interleaving improved their ability to apply concepts to new problems.
Boosting communication/language fitness [CLF]? In a communication class, interleaving could involve practicing different types of communication tasks in one session—such as alternating between writing emails, making phone calls, and practicing small talk in English or Chinese. This approach helps build a more versatile communication skill set, preparing the learner to adapt to various real-world situations.
Brain workout
These protocols are like routines that improve physical fitness. If you want to improve your ability to learn and remember language and communication skills, you should push your limits, be consistent in your training, and target different fitness categories like strength (vocabulary), power (persuasive communication), and speed (fluency).
Butler, A. C. (2010). Repeated testing produces superior transfer of learning relative to repeated studying. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 36(5), 1118-1133. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0019902
?Credé, M., Roch, S. G., & Kieszczynka, U. M. (2010). Class attendance in college: A meta-analytic review of the relationship of class attendance with grades and student characteristics. Review of Educational Research, 80(2), 272-295. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654310362998
?Rohrer, D., & Taylor, K. (2007). The shuffling of mathematics problems improves learning. Instructional Science, 35(6), 481-498. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11251-007-9015-8