Improving your skills by creating profound memories

Have you ever thought about how you learn what you know, like bicycling, writing and swimming? You probably learned these things from another person, face-to-face. You might even have a profound memory of the first time you learned something new from a grandparent or a teacher. In this day and age it is easy to think that you can learn anything with Google or Youtube, and of course you can. Question is: what are the down sides?

Humans are social beings and social interaction is fundamental to one´s life in relation to how we learn new things. It might even be the foundation of our happiness. Researcher Jennifer L. Brown writes that one of the main reasons leisure activities contributes to happiness is the social interaction that they often entail. Therefore, one of the obvious reasons for choosing to learn something new face-to-face is the advantage of social interaction. I am quite sure you do not have the same vivid and fond memories when you learned something through Youtube. Aside from the fact that face-to-face learning is a good way to meet new people and become happier, it also gives an opportunity for deeper learning. Results from studies have shown that when learning something new by observing another person, the learning will be greatly enhanced when the teacher can explain the procedure through direct communication. The expert may help the participant detect small errors, explain how to mange them and how to improve. So, in summary: when learning a new skill, it is very useful to get instant, face-to-face feedback in order to improve your desired skill and create a meaningful and long-lasting memory. Another excellent reason for a Skillbreak, in other words.

Jennifer Amin
B.A. in psychology and psychology candidate at Habitud

Sources:

Observational Learning: Tell Beginners What They Are about to Watch and They Will Learn Better. Mathieu Andrieux and Luc Proteau

Are People Who Participate in Cultural Activities More Satisfied with Life? Jennifer L. Brown and Ronald MacDonald