The S.I.M.P. method for learning
The next phase of learning, after priming and before practicing, is studying. For this we can use the S.I.M.P. method. This method also incorporates the iterative mapping approach from before.
The S.I.M.P. method stands for
- self-explaining
- iterating
- mapping
- pausing
and all of them should be used while studying.
self-explain
Self-explain what you are trying to learn. Skim, read or watch the learning content. But rather than transcribing what you consume, explain it to yourself. Explain it in your own words. This way you reflect and express what’s in your mind. You phrase it in your own words. You actively think about it. This helps with spotting gaps, questions and misunderstandings. It’s more effective than just blindly transcribing notes.
Self-explaining also combines a lot of other effective learning methods like recall and interleaving. While you self-explain you recall and try to remember what you just read. Additionally, you can self-explain the concepts and insights from different perspectives which means you are interleaving.
All in all, self-explaining tests your understanding while you learn.
iterate and map
Next, you should also iterate and map while studying. Use the iterative mind mapping method we discussed before. You basically map out your understanding while studying and self-explaining. But do it in an iterative approach from a rough understanding to a more detailed understanding.
Keep iterating. Keep mapping. Follow gaps, questions or misunderstandings that bubble up. Use them as guidance and go into more detail by following the same steps:
- skim, read, watch
- create a list
- map out your understanding
- connect, chunk, contrast
- refine, simplify, group
To keep your mind map clean and comprehensible, put bigger details and grouped notes aside. Put them aside and reference them or link to them from your mindmap.
pause
Finally, we should also make use of the “power of pause”. Be it by using micro rests while studying or deep rests after a study session. The pause helps you think and reflect. Let it sink in before jumping to the next topic, task or distraction.
