Thoughtful learning
06 Feb, 2023
How would you respond if asked, "What is the periodic table of elements?"
For most of us, the answer would probably be pretty straightforward. We have basic knowledge of it because we studied it in high school. We might be able to recite the names of a few elements and their symbols or, at most, maybe remember a few atomic numbers.
But someone with a deep understanding of the periodic table would answer the same question differently. They would probably provide a comprehensive overview of the table and its structure and explain the different elements and their properties. They might also point out notable trends in the table, such as how certain elements form bonds with one another or why some metals are more reactive than others.
Deep understanding goes beyond simply memorizing facts. It's an in-depth exploration of a subject that requires higher-order thinking and critical analysis. This kind of deep learning is necessary for mastering academic topics and can also help us appreciate the world around us in new ways.
Whether you're studying the periodic table or table etiquette for a dinner party, developing a thorough understanding is crucial to achieving true mastery. Let's take a closer look at the concept of deep understanding, why it's something we should strive for, and how we can apply practical tips to achieve it.
You may have heard the buzzword "deep understanding" before, but what does it actually mean?
According to Collins Dictionary, deep understanding means a complete and thorough knowledge or grasp of a subject. Deeply understanding an issue means grasping the concept's nuances and interrelationships between different elements. At this level of cognition, you've developed competencies beyond simple facts or surface-level comprehension and can explain the subject and its importance in detail.
Developing a deep understanding is a process, not a destination, according to Harvard School of Education researcher Tina Grotzer. She and her colleagues on "Project Zero" have extensively researched deep understanding and its implications for student understanding. As Grotzer says, the nature of deepening understanding is evolutionary. Deep knowledge "leads to new questions and a willingness to work at the edge of one's competence to pursue new knowledge in a form of progressive problem-solving."
It's important to clarify that knowledge isn't the same as understanding. We can gain knowledge of something without genuinely comprehending it. For example, you might be able to rattle off a few impressive facts about the periodic table. But rote memorization doesn't create deep knowledge—just surface-level information.
You should also note that deep understanding and expertise are different as well. Developing a thorough understanding is one of the steps toward becoming an expert in a topic, but it isn't the only one. Expertise also requires skills, practice, and the repeated application of deep understanding in various settings and contexts.
Developing a deep understanding of a subject may sound like a lot of work. And it is. But it doesn't have to be intimidating. Many benefits make the deep-learning process worth the work.
Deep understanding also provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction—it's rewarding to know that you have taken the time to understand something in detail. Moreover, fully understanding something helps us appreciate how much we don't understand, opening the door to lifelong learning.
Assessing your level of understanding is crucial, as it will help you track your progress and identify gaps in your knowledge. But measuring something subjective, like deep understanding, can be challenging, especially for self-learners. Without the assessments and instructor feedback of a traditional learning environment to measure your progress, you must find other ways to determine your understanding.
One way to tell if you have a deep understanding of a subject is to see if you can explain it in simple terms. Simplifying complex information is more complicated than it seems and nearly impossible if you don't understand the material. One of the steps in the Feynman Technique is "explaining to a 12-year-old" because it's an excellent way to test your knowledge and can reveal gaps in your understanding.
Another way to measure deep understanding is to see if you can identify connections between topics and explain how they relate. For example, thinking back to the periodic table, someone with deep knowledge could explain the relationships between the elements, how they're organized, and what that means in the big picture of chemistry.
Deep understanding can also be measured by how well you can apply your competency to real-world problems. If you can examine a problem from multiple angles and develop creative solutions using your knowledge—for example, if your understanding of the elements helped you determine which substances you shouldn't mix in a cleaning solution—that's a good indication that you've deepened your understanding.
Achieving deep understanding extends beyond memorizing the facts for an exam or knowing enough to sound smart at dinner parties. A thorough understanding of a topic requires ongoing active learning, engagement, and exploration.
Here are five ways to engage your learning to develop a deeper understanding.
Start by cultivating curiosity. Developing a thorough understanding requires intrinsic motivation and a considerable time commitment. You'll need to dive deep into the topic and explore the nuances, and that's only possible if you're genuinely interested. Encourage your curiosity and let yourself explore by asking questions, seeking new information, and considering different perspectives.
Learn more about the topic by exploring its history, research studies, and how it's applied in real-world scenarios. The more you read, the better you'll understand the subject. Seek diverse sources and materials, from textbooks to magazine articles. Keep an open mind, and don't be afraid to explore different points of view. As you read closely, save useful sources into your personal knowledge management system so you can return to them later.
Note-taking is incredibly valuable for deep understanding. Research shows that taking notes—especially by hand—can improve information processing and help you remember what you've learned. Reviewing your notes later will help you make further connections between concepts and form a more meaningful understanding. As you explore your topic, be sure to record your observations. Try using various note-taking techniques, such as smart notes and visual notes, to gain the most benefit. Switching it up can help you see things in new ways, and there is evidence that doodling enhances learning and improves retention.
To gain a deeper understanding of your topic, try elaborating on it. Explain what you know to someone else or record yourself speaking about the topic so you can listen back and identify any gaps in your knowledge. Either way, discussing the subject will help you strengthen your understanding. According to experts in the journal "Applied Developmental Science," learners can deepen their conceptual understanding by elaborating on information in several ways, such as self-explanation, presenting the information to others, or teaching peers.
According to the same article in the "Applied Developmental Science" journal, we can learn more deeply if we put our learning into practice with a task. This could be problem-solving, experimenting, or creating something. Returning to the example of the elements, this might mean developing a new cleaning solution using certain elements or running an experiment on chemical reactions. Whatever the activity, doing the thing is the best way to gain a deep understanding.
With these tips, you can move past surface-level knowledge and dig deep into your next learning project. Get curious, read deeply, take notes, explain it to others, and put your knowledge into action. With deep understanding comes confidence, empowerment, and the satisfaction of true mastery.
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