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- Friday Finds — Learning Science, Expert Generalists, Our Knowingness Problem
Friday Finds — Learning Science, Expert Generalists, Our Knowingness Problem
The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.
My son and I are in Seattle this weekend to check out some colleges. To be honest, he's head over heels for this city, but I secretly hope he stays a bit closer to home. Even so, I can't wait to spend some quality time with him, exploring some cool places - like the Boeing flight museum (so cool!) and, of course, sampling some good food along the way. I hope you’ve got something fun lined up for the weekend too!
As always, thanks for reading.
🎶 What I’m Listening To
This week I discovered the Peach Tree Rascals and I’m enjoying them again today.
👆 Last Week’s Most Clicked
📰 News & Notes
Ten of My Favorite Papers on the Science of Learning and Thinking
Newsletter regular Scott H. Young has compiled a list of his favorite papers on the science of learning. From topics like effective studying techniques to the psychology of motivation, these papers offer valuable insights into how we can optimize our learning process. Whether you're a student or a lifelong learner, these papers will help you better understand the science behind learning and how you can use it to your advantage. So grab a cup of coffee and dive into these fascinating reads. Your brain will thank you for it!
🥡 Take away: These papers provide valuable insights into how we can optimize our learning process and improve our ability to learn.
Becoming an Expert Generalist
The article by Nick DeWilde explains how being an expert generalist can give you a unique advantage in today's fast-changing and complex world. It describes the characteristics of an expert generalist, such as having a broad range of interests, being curious and open-minded, and having the ability to make connections between different fields.
He also shares practical tips on how to become an expert generalist, including reading broadly, experimenting with new skills, and building a diverse network of people. A great read for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge and skills beyond their current field or industry.
🥡 Take away: This article provides valuable insights and actionable strategies for those who want to become more versatile and adaptable in their personal and professional lives.
The cult of bare minimum learning
In today's fast-paced world, where everything is available at our fingertips, we have developed a cult of bare minimum learning. We are accustomed to finding quick answers on Google or asking Alexa for help, rather than taking the time to understand the underlying concepts. We have become obsessed with efficiency and productivity, leading us to prioritize speed over depth of knowledge. This mindset has created a culture where we celebrate knowing the bare minimum to get by, rather than striving for excellence and mastery.
However, this approach to learning is detrimental in the long run. It limits our potential and prevents us from fully understanding the world around us. By only learning the bare minimum, we miss out on the intricacies and nuances that make a topic truly fascinating. It also impedes our ability to think critically and creatively, as we rely on surface-level knowledge rather than digging deeper. To truly succeed in today's world, we must break free from the cult of bare minimum learning and embrace a growth mindset that values continuous learning and personal growth.
🥡 Take away: the "cult of bare minimum learning" is a dangerous mindset that encourages people to focus only on efficiency and speed, at the expense of quality learning.
Our big problem is not misinformation; it’s knowingness
In a thought-provoking article, "Our big problem is not misinformation - it's knowingness," Jonathan Malesic challenges the prevailing belief that misinformation is the root of many of our societal issues. They argue that our culture's tendency towards "knowingness" - the belief that we already know the truth and have no need for further inquiry or education - is a more significant problem. By embracing a humble mindset that acknowledges the limits of our knowledge, we can foster more meaningful and productive conversations and make progress towards a better future. (If you’re a Ted Lasso fan like me, this probably reminds you of this scene.)
🥡 Take away: The problem of the ‘knowingness’ problem requires a willingness to recognize and acknowledge our own limitations and biases, as well as a willingness to engage in honest, open-minded dialogue with others who hold different beliefs.
100+ ChatGPT prompts for creators: Speed up your workflow with AI
This collection of prompts from the Descript team can help supercharge your creative workflow with the power of AI. Diving into this treasure trove of handpicked prompts, you'll discover how ChatGPT can transform your projects and save precious time, no matter the task.
From brainstorming ideas, drafting content, and editing text, to polishing your final product, ChatGPT has you covered. Leverage these to generate innovative concepts, optimize your writing process, and refine your message like never before.
🥡 Take away: Experiments have shown that ChatGPT boosts productivity by a whopping 35% and these prompts can help you tap into that.
Say goodbye to manual work and save your brain for the big stuff. In the book, Automate Your Busywork, SaaS CEO and no-code enthusiast Aytekin Tank provides a guide on how to finally have the time to accomplish your most important work. Pre-order today.
Transform Your Training with Hollywood's Best!
eLearningArt's free Hollywood Training program offers a unique approach to learning by immersing you in the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. With expert guidance and state-of-the-art resources, you'll feel like a Hollywood insider in no time. Don't settle for ordinary training – join us for an unforgettable experience that will elevate your skills and set you apart from the crowd.
Get smarter in 5 minutes with Morning Brew (it's free)
There's a reason over 4 million people start their day with Morning Brew - the daily email that delivers the latest news from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. Business news doesn't have to be boring...make your mornings more enjoyable, for free.
What do skills, AI, learning analytics and other 2023 L&D topics mean for you as a training provider?
Do you want to stay ahead of the curve in the L&D world and prepare yourself for the future? Then don't miss this upcoming webinar on April 25th, from 12:00 - 13:00 CEST!
Donald H. Taylor and Ger Driesen will clarify the results of the 2023 Global Sentiment Survey (GSS). How will topics like reskilling/upskilling, Artificial Intelligence and learning analytics, shape the L&D world in the coming year and how does this inform your strategy as a training provider? If you can't make it live, they’ll send you the recording.
🎧 Podcasts
These are the conversations that caught my ear this week.
The Neovation Learning Hub can become your source of eLearning articles without the sales pitch! Explore topics like creating custom content, training platform uses, eLearning libraries, learning analytics, and AI for instructional design – never miss an update – subscribe for free today!
🧰 Tech Tools & Tips
If tools are your jam, check out my new Work Smarter newsletter
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Two days of lectures and workshops given by top industry experts
iSpring Days 2023 is a free online eLearning conference where top industry experts will gather to share best practices and proven solutions that elevate digital learning experiences and result in improved KPIs.
Speakers: Cara North, Holly Owens, Tom McDowall, Patricia Rieger, Clark Aldrich, and others.
Dates: April 27-28
What you’ll learn:
Boost training metrics & improve your bottom line
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See you at the conference!
🧳 Where’s Mike?
If you or your event needs a speaker or workshop that is highly interactive and super practical we should talk.
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