Learning

Goals

1. Describe learning.
2. Excel at learning.

Learning (What)

Learning is the process of producing lasting changes in the brain—neural transformations—that improve knowledge or performance. These changes are typically the result of encoding and consolidating information or skills into long-term memory (LTM), enabling better results in life and work.

Here is another way to say the same thing:

Learning is the process of getting information and experiences into LTM in a way that improves knowledge or performance, usually leading to meaningful positive outcomes.

Essence

• The ultimate purpose of learning is to improve life for oneself and for the groups one belongs to (better life; better groups).
  
• Learning should provide positive payoffs—rewards that significantly outweigh drawbacks.
  
• The main observable outcomes of learning are improved knowledge and/or improved performance.
  
• All lasting learning involves neural changes associated with LTM.

Summary
Learning is the process of producing lasting brain changes—through encoding and consolidation into LTM—that improve knowledge or performance and contribute to a better life and better groups.

Why Excel at Learning?

1. Live a Better Life – Feel more capable, confident, and in control of your future.
   
2. Achieve Goals Faster – Turn what you want into reality more quickly and with fewer mistakes.
   
3. Earn More Opportunities – Open doors to better jobs, projects, and experiences.
   
4. Solve Problems Easier – Handle challenges with less stress and more success.
   
5. Keep Growing – Avoid stagnation and enjoy the excitement of always improving.

Excelling at Learning (How To)

Essence: Learn in a way that aligns with how the brain encodes, consolidates, and retrieves information and experiences in long-term memory (LTM). A proven research-based method for doing this is called Deliberate Practice. Here are the steps:

1. Goal State – Describe what the learner will know and be able to do after learning. Prioritize performance (what the learner will be able to do).

2. Fundamentals – Break the goal down into essential parts (fundamentals).

3. Growth Cycles – Progressively improve each fundamental by engaging in growth loops (get → apply → grow → repeat).

   1. Get good information about the fundamental and encode it.
      
   2. Apply this information in the real world.
      
   3. Grow by identifying what is working, improving what is not, and using feedback to guide adjustments.