Desirable Difficulties | Balancing Ease and Expertise
We want things to be easy and we also want to be an expert. Well, you can definitely have one of those. Often, the way your brain learns is like the opposite of Occam’s Razor ( In case you are wondering what’s occam’s razor https://www.newscientist.com/definition/occams-razor/) : the most simple and straightforward way is not the best. What appears superior in the short term might hinder long-term growth. So, to truly excel in learning, embracing “Desirable Difficulties” becomes essential. So this article delight takes you to the intriguing world of “Desirable Difficulties,” where we learn that the easiest route might not be the most effective in the long run.
Understanding Desirable Difficulties
“Desirable difficulties” refer to learning strategies and approaches that involve intentionally introducing challenges or obstacles into the learning process. These challenges, although they may make the learning experience more difficult or frustrating in the short term, ultimately enhance long-term understanding, retention, and mastery of the material. The concept suggests that struggling with the learning process can lead to deeper cognitive processing, better memory retention, and a more comprehensive grasp of the subject matter.
The concept of was introduced by psychologists Robert A. Bjork and Elizabeth L. Bjork. They discussed this concept in their research paper titled “Making Things Hard on Yourself, But in a Good Way: Creating Desirable Difficulties to Enhance Learning,” which was published in the journal “Psychological Review” in 1994. The paper showed how certain learning strategies that introduce challenges and difficulties can lead to better long-term retention , even though they may seem counterintuitive in the short term.
How To Apply Desirable Difficulties In Our Daily Life
Interleaving
Interleaving is a powerful learning technique that falls under the umbrella of “desirable difficulties.” It involves mixing different topics, subjects, or skills within a single study session, as opposed to focusing on just one topic at a time. By practicing multiple topics together, your brain becomes more adaptable and better at transferring knowledge to new situations. Also, it requires you to compare and contrast concepts, leading to a deeper understanding of their similarities and differences.
Embrace the Oops
The little mishaps, often called mistakes, aren’t the villains of your story. Instead they’re your trusty companions on your very own epic journey. Mistakes are like road signs saying, “You’re close, but let’s take a detour and explore this area a bit more. When you make a mistake, your brain goes into action mode. It tries to understand why things didn’t work out as planned. And guess what happens when you figure out what went wrong? You get smarter!
Teach Others
When you explain a concept to someone else, you have to break it down into simpler terms. This makes you to actually understand the material at a fundamental level. Teaching requires you to organize your thoughts coherently. You need to sequence information logically. If you struggle to explain a part of the concept, it’s a sign that you need to revisit and solidify your own understanding in that area.
Change Your Surroundings
Changing your surroundings is a simple yet effective way to introduce “desirable difficulties” into your daily life.Routine can lead to mental complacency. Shaking things up by changing your surroundings disrupts the usual pattern, jolting your brain out of autopilot mode. This renewed engagement can lead to fresh perspectives and renewed enthusiasm. So, incorporate scheduled changes of environment into your routine. It could be as simple as working in a different room or trying a new coffee shop.
Eyes Wide Open
Curiosity takes you beyond your comfort zone and into uncharted territories. It encourages you to step into the unknown, to embrace challenges, and to welcome the unfamiliar. You realize that there’s always something more to discover, a new layer to peel back, a deeper level of understanding to attain. Having your eyes wide open encourages you to tinker, experiment, and think outside the box, giving birth to innovative ideas and solutions.
Final Takeaway | Desirable Difficulties
Just as a sculptor molds a masterpiece from raw clay, we shape our minds through the deliberate introduction of challenges. So, as you walk through the path of learning, don’t shy away from challenges or mess-ups. Embrace them like your partners in discovery. Keep asking questions, keep exploring, and keep pushing yourself. Remember, when you choose the path of “desirable difficulties,” you’re choosing growth over comfort, depth over shallowness, and mastery over mediocrity !
Read also : 5 Best Personal Traits for a fulfilling Life https://thebrightdelights.com/5-best-personal-traits-for-a-fulfilling-life/