Cognitive Load Just KILLED Active Recall (How I Used ENCODING At Medical School) 

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1. Make concepts seem easier and simpler + smaller chunks 2. Remove unnecessary information 3. Focus on relationship building, organizing, and application while processing information 4. Connect knowledge

I worked out a way to use active recall in my studies as a math student. we have a lot of definitions, properties and theorems with proofs to learn, on top of that there is problem solving of course, but the starting point is learning the theory. when I finish studying a topic from a book (reading, asking myself questions, analyzing, etc.) I open a new empty page and try to write down as much as I remember, taking into account how the pieces of information are related. I find it extremely effective when I kinda learned the topic, but need a refresher for an exam. it also helps with structuring information and really seeing what needs the most work. while doing this, I can very clearly see at which parts of the topic I am fluent, reorganizing the information comes easy and there is a natural flow. on the other hand there are parts for which I rely on the order of recalling the details, this is an obvious sign that this part requires more work

I love this. I have ADHD and I struggle with issues with cognitive load. As part of our executive functioning deficiencies, we have significantly less working memory capacity. I call it my "three things" rule. AKA, I know I can typically only hold three chunks at a time. Far less than the average 7-9. So a lot of these strategies are things I've figured out naturally over the years because I have an absolute need to get things into long-term memory as efficiently and quickly as possible. Even just to be able to carry on a simple conversation for more than a few minutes.

This is what I have been looking for.. I now understand why I have been having a trouble remembering what I have just learned.. Thank you so much!💛💛💛

12:41, 14:26 …, 16:53 } all - 17:20 5 tips 1. Activate Prior Knowledge 2. Organize things in a meaningful way 3. 20:20 Deep Processing 4. Space out and distribute your learning 5. Scaffolding (an expert working you through the steps and worked examples) Bonus Tip: 23:25 (integrate audio (try catching music/beats) and visual learning)

THIS VIDEO HAS BEEN AMAZING!!!! Thank you so much Dr. Alex young, i'll be sure to watch the rest of the series! this has helped a ton for my learning in medical school

Finally someone that explains with examples and has the most important things in one video. Amazing!

I really loved how well the presented topics were researched and presented. I think you should create more videos surrounding learning and maybe more very simple relatable examples.

Thank you for a clear and concise explanation of how we can learn more efficiently. Absolutely brilliant! I'm an EFL teacher and although I was aware of most of this information, your video has helped me understand it all much better. Brilliant work! I'm actually publishing a video on learning vocabulary in a fireign language on my channel soon, but I'll be revising my script to make sure I haven't left anything out! I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos. Every teacher needs to watch this video! 👏👏

You are a live saver Dr. for students❤

Alex, that was brilliant. As you spoke,I noticed you putting into practice exactly what you were talking about : building a schema, small chunks, worked examples,,,etc. I attend a lot of IT seminars...and I realise (now), just how poorly most of the speakers present ...and its NOT me failing to understand (one usually goes to talks about what one DOESN'T [yet] understand, rather than things you DO). I often take notes of what presenters do wrong... one thing they rarely do, is to build up a coplex diagram gradually, rather they just present the whole graphic of the system in toto...very high CL going on there - plus there's a lag in simply processing the image visually. AWS Summit in JHB coming up next week (whole day of lectures), so viewing this very apposite in time. Thanks. ps: you really explain very well.

Thanks. Great video. Right to the point, with detailed explanation and practical tips 👌

That was very clear.. thank you!

This is one of the channels that gave me the courage to start my RU-vid channel 6 months ago about self development. Now I have 445 subs and > 100 hours of watch time. I know it’s not comparable with others but I’m still proud I started because I’ve been learning so many lessons that I could haven’t learned without getting started in the 1st place.

What i dislike about active recall is that i am somewhat dependent on the question format (best verbatim) and had some problems integrating it into more abstract questions, where some higher level was asked. sometimes i was thrown off if the answer options where somewhat similar to other things i learned ->then my prof would just start mixing pieces of correct answers until i couldnt tell what was what. so he was was priming me to recall wrong connections

Thank You for tons of useful information.

For me, deep focus means not taking breaks that disrupt concentration. Once I get fully focused 4 hours can go by without me noticing. That focused feeling is very enjoyable. Having said that what works for one person might not work for another. I have a programmer nephew who takes a break every 20 mins and that seems to work for him.

Thank you Dr. Alex Young!

Very informative video, however, the background music is a perfect illustration of an extraneous cognitive load. To maximize learning, ditch the background music. The music has nothing whatsoever to do with the message you are trying to get across and only increases the amount of auditory information that the viewer needs to process.

So well explained I mma try your methods to learn programming

Brilliant! Thank you so much

Mindmaps would be a great topic to discuss. Not sure if you've covered it in previous videos. New sub.

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 📚 Active recall and spaced repetition may not be as effective as commonly believed. 01:12 🧠 To understand their effectiveness, it's important to grasp how learning and cognitive load work. 08:13 📖 Cognitive Load Theory explains how our short-term memory processes information and why overloading it hinders learning. 12:56 📊 To optimize learning, reduce intrinsic cognitive load by simplifying complex topics, minimize extraneous cognitive load by focusing on relevant information, and maximize germane cognitive load by connecting new knowledge to existing concepts. 17:28 💡 Strategies for effective learning include activating prior knowledge, organizing information, and deep processing through elaborative rehearsal and real-life examples. 20:57 🧠 Surface-level processing of information results in non-durable learning, emphasizing the importance of meaningful engagement with new content. 21:10 📚 Distributing your learning over time, rather than cramming, is essential for effective learning and memory retention. 21:52 💤 Taking breaks, exercising, and getting a good night's sleep aid memory consolidation, a biological process for creating memories. 22:06 🚴 Scaffolding, like using worked examples, reduces cognitive load when learning complex topics and helps in understanding their application. 23:30 👁️ Mixing audio and visual learning can optimize cognitive load and memory retention. Made with HARPA AI

Hi this was super helpful, thanks for all your help!

Thank you very much sir! i appreciate it.

I wonder if this will apply the same for a cybersecurity major

thanks, very helpful

masterpiece, thank youuuu

I didn't understood what is a encoding and cognitive load please explain in simple language. And how to use encoding practically

what books would you recommend to learn abt the materials discussed in this video?

Any idea how to learn emotions in emotion-theories? I basically have 8 or 9 emotion theories with sometimes 10 emotions each(yet same emotions are called differently in variing theories) and i am supposed to know which belongs to which and should ideally be able to recall that on the go to compare some of the theories

Here we have 40 to 50 textbook pages a day, five days a week (plus some added classes here and there the afternoons), for 3 and a half month then we get an exam (multiple answers) that covers those 3,5 months. Rince and repeat next semester. No extra time to study in between (they give us like 4 days between the last lesson and the first day of exams... so dumb...) We just don't have enough time to craft anything fancy in such a short amount of time. What do you mean by "chunking info" ? I have those 50 pages a day that I have to gulp down, and actually there isn't a lot of irrelevant info so most of it has to get drilled. What's the point of chunking if I still have to get this content done (I can't take 15 naps a day or take to much time to chop the lessons of the day, as I have all the previous lessons that I have to keep fresh, as I must stay sharp 3+ month later on whatever topic and no amount of technique will allow that with a single study session). Just to clarify, I always begin by deeply understanding the topic at hand, taking my time the first time I read it (even if I will surely understand it even deeper by reviewing it). Highlighting / erasing stuff just to cut as much fat as possible to allow for faster reviews (so highlighting only for subsequent speed, not in a deluded way hoping to learn from it) Basically, my schedule consists in reading and understanding those 50 pages during the first 4 hours of the day. The actual learning will mostly take place the following day when I perform the first review whilst active recalling / Feynman's technique on the fly until it's good. (So just after midday workout + lunch). Then I proceed to review the previous weeks content (classic spaced repetition) to avoid forgetting it. It's stressful to be studying that much having to also hurry up. Really frustrating. We dont have much training material, only the previous years exam, which isn't that much questions but above all isnt guaranteed to be relevant as teacher can have changed or the content be outdated. They also dont give us corrections... It takes me all day (I have a small part time job on the side, so I have to keep everything tight). I'm managing somewhat good grades, like 15,5/20 but that doesnt feel really satisfying for rushing so much. (Taking into account that I was too lazy the first half of the semester, I gotta fix that, but even then my method always seems to ask for a goal greater than what can be humanly done which fosters a stressful vibe). I'll try to think more about "how is this knwoledge supposed to serve me in an IRL situation, in a real clinical case" to cut the fluff and to emulate what would be "practicing a skill" (which seems to be the pinnacle of memorisation : actually "doing") However, I can't allocate anymore time to "tailor" the material further (like mindmaps or any stuff along those lines). Also, I don't have any audio source. Should I read aloud, or speak outloud while free recalling ? Could you or anyone point me toward an example of how to really implement all those advice in my context, knowing that I must keep previous knowledge sharp along the way ? (Medschool as well). Thank you so much 🙏

keep going!!!

🚀Hope you enjoyed the video. 🙏Let me know what you're currently learning in the comments below and as always any topics for future videos (some practical deep dives coming up in the next few as well as some medicine/surgery-specific ones)

For some things like learning 100 kanji per day, it's necessary to use spaced repetition organized in a comprehensive way, combined with writing, scaffolding and sentences that only introduce one new word at a time with audio and pictures. Getting feedback where your comprehension is falling short and automatically scheduling reviews is invaluable when learning such extreme amounts of information and keeping it retained for life. For understanding and applying knowledge though, the Feynman technique is much more effective, especially when you can explain why something is important. Ultimately, there is no one size fits all approach to learning. All these techniques have their advantages and weaknesses and must be applied accordingly. Nails require hammers and screws require screwdrivers. The structure being built in the mind must be engineered accordingly, taking into account its functionality, strength/robustness required and the constraints to build it, such access to learning resources, mentors and time.

When you gave the example about the lakes I think you're actually reducing Intrinsic cognitive load with that mnemonic (you're reducing the complexity of the materials that have to be learned: instead of learning about the geographical location of the lakes + their names, you're only learning about their names). I'd really love to talk about it (I'm just learning about this theory and I may be wrong)

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 📚 Challenging Active Recall and Spaced Repetition - Active recall and spaced repetition are popular study techniques but can be misunderstood. - The video aims to explain the science behind why these techniques may not always work as expected. - The importance of understanding cognitive load theory is introduced. 03:18 🧠 Understanding Learning, Memory, and Encoding - Distinguishing between studying, learning, and memory. - Explanation of sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. - The process of encoding information into long-term memory. 06:47 🧩 Cognitive Load Theory and Its Types - Introduction to cognitive load theory and its significance. - Explanation of intrinsic, extraneous,and germane cognitive load. - The impact of cognitive load on learning and memory. 11:00 🔄 Strategies to Optimize Cognitive Load - Strategies to minimize intrinsic cognitive load by simplifying complex topics. - Reducing extraneous cognitive load by focusing on relevant information. - Maximizing germane cognitive load by organizing and linking new information to existing knowledge. 17:28 🚀 Enhancing Learning Efficiency - Five strategies to enhance learning efficiency, including activating prior knowledge and deep processing. - Importance of understanding content and organizing study materials. - A focus on quality learning over the quantity of study time. 20:15 🤯 The Importance of Deep Processing - Deep processing involves understanding the meaning of information and connecting it to existing knowledge. - Strategies for deep processing, such as summarizing in your own words and using real-life examples. - The inefficiency of surface-level learning through rote memorization. 24:12 🕰️ Optimizing Learning Efficiency - The significance of distributing learning over time and avoiding cramming. - The importance of taking breaks, engaging in physical activity, and getting proper sleep for memory consolidation. - Scaffolding as a method to gradually introduce complex topics and avoid cognitive overload. - The modality effect, which suggests that mixing audio and visual learning can prevent cognitive overload. Made with HARPA AI

Thanks!

10:00 small pieces easier pieces, simple topics start with simpler elements chunk concepts practice words into sentences Reduce unnecessary, focus in what matters most Split attention effect must be avoided 17:00 Organize 18:00

how does it help us to learn English as foreign language?

such a great video bruh

this was so useful

Best learning is honestly learning the way you will use it in real life. Memorisation is one thing, but knowing how to apply knowledge is where you get a payoff for what you know.

What will you do, if the information is completely new, when there is information to be connected to

study the way you will be tested,,,means on paper and with questions is really all anybody needs to know

20:00 connect the concepts practically

Practice and repetition makes you better.

3:49 Thanks for the video My mind is percolating so far 3:49

Do you have any advice on time management? Like making active recall questions and answers + digging deep into a topic can take me hours. Like finishing 1 topic can take me up to 3 hours, is there a solution for this?

Life saver

Chunking and relating

"Cognitive load just killed active recall". Please weigh in if I got something very wrong here. Tip 1: Activate prior knowledge - Are you meaning use active recall as a primer? I get that passive recall is also present here but it would seem some of the argument is for active recall right here. Maybe recall isnt dead lol especially if its literally the first part of the pipeline. Tip 2: its all about organization - well there is some argument I think for organising to help with schema/germane load but doesnt this argument kinda mimic the storage issues with note taking? Benjamin Keep (PhD) has a video about some of the issues around note taking and ultimately external storage instead of retrieval seems to be weaker for learning. Organising for the chunking effect is nice (who doesnt like germane load when you have the space for it?) , however who is deciding the chunking process? Novices could chunk inappropriately (errors) or in ineffective methods (for example is this a good conceptual model, or are you trying to chunk too much information?). Tip 2 could also turn into a "reliance on storage problem" wherein organising is done but because there isnt good recall opportunity....its done but poorly remembered/retrievable. Tip 3 Elaborative learning is deeper than fact/surface/rote - but isnt elaborative learning less about relating to yourself and moreso about being able to use defined characteristics over different contexts? These could be over areas such as why, how, where, when which relate back to analytical, evaluative, and other functional information. Tip 5 Scaffolding. No doubt is it helpful. But dont most people think of scaffolding as a step breakdown and introduction of more steps? (for example riding a bike in steps) Its not necessarily the same as worked examples (which is a top down view to a task). Tip 5 is true but unclear also because depending on the task and the level of complexity, scaffolding would look very different. Tip 5, while it is supported in evidence, scaffolding may have alot of possible interpretations of it (i think). I havent looked too much at your other videos - but hopefully there is something there about scaffolding (task simplification or task decomposition, ironically this cant be done solo for studying with ease in my opinion, its usually more of a facilitated learning technique) Bonus Tip - maybe best to just call it what it is, Dual coding. You are correct it is a form of memory management, but in reality understanding what is good dual coding is probably going to be most helpful.

This should be a college class for a year

Scaffolding 22:00

How can the "long-term" memory even in theory be infinite? Information must be stored by changing the states of something, whatever those may be, in your brain, and the matter in your brain is finite. You can't express an infinite amount of information using finite matter. My question has been, how much information we can remember until trying to remember more information would erase some of the existing information in the brain (overwriting).

The bg music is quite distracting. Please tone it down in the next one.

Thanks bro.....really helpful.....may Jesus keep you safe.

This video told me to stop listening to music while I study lol

10:00

Memory: Encoding Storage Retrieval

Impossible to listen with hx of ADHD when there is music background

One of the things you are not taking into account is that most of the information involved in a university course is not required after you complete the course. A lot of the knowledge is only required to pass an exam and should be forgotten once it is no longer required.

You should find out about a subject from many sources. The new vocabulary you hear is instinctively rejected as foreign and possibly a threat. First of all new information has to be normalised then after that you can learn it.

After I found out that money is only a tool to exchange for values, I stopped saving and started investing.... Invest your money to make more money, By saving your money you only lose its value and it gets depreciated.... a fellow creator ^=^..

I can tell you're going to be a great doctor because that handwriting is terrible.

Don't pretending You're already know to build the brain.. and tell people should use the brain in Your hypothesis working.. Please explain the where the code memory storing on and how it withdraw..

My brother in christ, please practice your handwriting or find an alternative.

Why are your examples all non-medical? You use examples of maths, geography and language learning. Why not use examples of things learned in med school (or basic biology if you want to keep them simple)? edit: woops i commented early. You used an example from a surgery. Cool!

Quit with the stories and deviations, stop selling and teach instead... Thanks for starting with telling me I'm wrong by the way, great start, if you're a pushy salesman who is trying to alienate people...