Faulty Intuitions of Learning

Dr. Robert Bjork said, "we are subject to illusions of learning". Growing up, I remember being taught to memorize, memorize, memorize. This was a sure way I would remember the content so that I was prepared for the exam that I knew was sure to come. Even as an adult learner, I find myself trying to memorize material and in this I utilize the "highlighter" method. As you read content, you highlight what you believe to be important. If we think about the word "intuition" we understand that it is the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning. This seems very premature to expect to understand something immediately. Remembering back, everything I attempted to "memorize" I have found I no longer possess that information. 

Until now, I never thought out "spaced" learning. Forgetting happens during these intervals, but so does remembering. Forgetting is as important as remembering. As an adult learner, I often think, "how will the information I am learning contribute to real-life situations?" As time has gone on, I now no longer "cram" the material in hopes I will retain the information. I exercise the practice of see one, do one, teach one. As I have gotten older, I have realized that I learn more by doing rather than listening or reading. I have found that by watching someone complete a task allows me to use my memory in different ways so that by the time it is my turn to execute what I saw, I have developed more confidence. Therefore, as I progress through this learning technique, my confidence is strong enough to teach someone else. 

Studies have shown that learners with higher confidence are more willing to learn, challenge themselves, and have better resilience in the face of difficult transitions.