The Knowledge Tornado
Incrementally build up knowledge. Don’t rush the process
Summary: The author describes his learning journey in relearning Physics after a long break, emphasizing the importance of incrementally building up knowledge and avoiding rushing the learning process.
The Tornado Model of Learning is introduced, emphasizing the need for students to grasp fundamental principles (Kernel) before tackling advanced concepts.
The author shares a step-by-step formula for studying a subject, highlighting the significance of real-world application, continuous assessment, and adapting learning strategies.
When I embarked on the journey of relearning Physics after a two-decade hiatus, I initially assumed that the knowledge from my engineering days would come flooding back. To kickstart my learning, I delved into lectures by a renowned Kota-based teacher, Mr. N, known for preparing students for IIT exams. Simultaneously, I started learning from one of the most reputable Physics textbooks — written by a highly decorated Indian author.
However, within a few days, Physics gripped me in its Python-like hold, causing me considerable discomfort. It was a humbling experience that led me to contemplate abandoning the study of Physics altogether and focusing solely on teaching high school Math, a subject where my proficiency was far better.
After nearly giving up on Physics for about a month, a pivotal moment occurred while I was teaching a below-average student in my class. Frustration mounted as the student struggled with basic questions, prompting me to reassess my approach. Shifting gears, I simplified the topics for the student, by making him do simple problems from an alternative textbook rather than the difficult ones in his school textbook.
Over the ensuing weeks, I witnessed a remarkable transformation; the student not only grasped the concepts but also gained the confidence to tackle previously challenging questions.
Recognizing the effectiveness of lowering the entry barrier, I applied the same principle to my own learning journey.
I began following teachers who focused on straightforward, school-level Physics to avoid being overwhelmed by excessive complexity. I studied from basic a textbook — that focussed on simple derivations and had lot of simple numerical to practice what I had learnt.
Progressing gradually, I incrementally built up my syllabus — by focussing on the simple chapters first and the relegating the tough ones to last. This strategy reminded me of a similar situation during my high school days when a prominent teacher had shattered my confidence, necessitating a return to a self-study mode.
After six months of this tailored learning approach, I felt prepared to share my knowledge and began teaching high school Physics to my students. Now, I make certain that a student comprehends the fundamental principles before progressing to more advanced ones (if required).
I refer to this approach as the Tornado Model of Learning.
Based on the above experience , here’s a step-by-step formula for learning a subject:
1. Assessment of Prior Knowledge: Begin by assessing your existing knowledge of the subject. Identify what you remember and what might need refreshing.
2. Choose Learning Resources: Select simple learning resources such as textbooks, online courses, or lectures rather than hifi resources.
3. Initial Exposure: Dive into the chosen resources to get an initial exposure to the subject.
4. Identify Challenges: Pay attention to areas that prove challenging. It’s normal to face difficulties during the initial stages of learning.
5. Adapt Learning Strategies: If the subject becomes overwhelming, consider adapting your learning strategies. I would have left studying Physics for good, if I hadn’t adapted my learning process.
6. Real-world Application: — Apply the knowledge in a real-world context. Teaching others, as I did with a below-average student, can provide valuable insights into your own understanding.
7. Assess Progress: Regularly assess your progress. Notice where you’ve improved and where challenges persist.
8. Reflect on Mistakes: If you encounter difficulties, reflect on your mistakes. Understand where you went wrong and how you can rectify it.
9. Adjust Study Approach: Modify your study approach based on your reflections. I shifted from complex to simpler topics for effective learning. Be kind of yourself — when others are not !
10. Incremental Learning: Incrementally build up your knowledge. Don’t rush the process. Gradually introduce more complex topics as your understanding improves.
11. Lower Entry Barriers: If facing challenges, consider lowering entry barriers. Simplify the topics or find alternative resources that break down complex concepts.
12. Draw from Past Experiences: Reflect on past learning experiences. Identify strategies that worked well in the past and apply them to your current learning journey.
13. Teach Others: Teaching others to solidify your understanding. Strt teaching on YouTube, for example.
14. Continuous Improvement: Learning is a continuous process. Keep refining your approach, stay open to new methods, and embrace a growth mindset.
The fundamental principle in teaching is recognizing the diversity among students. Only a limited number would be eager to delve into the advanced concepts of a subject, while the majority are content with grasping the fundamental principles and progressing to the next stage in their academic journey.
Additionally, keep in mind that understanding any concept revolves around a few essential points, that I refer to as the Kernel. In the initial stage, focus on conveying the Kernel and subsequently develop additional information as the supporting framework around this core.
At the very least, ensure that the student has a clear understanding of the fundamental points.
Hope this was useful for you 🍁
