Learn Letter 134: 3 Things Worth Learning; Visible Learning and the Science of How We Learn

June 19, 2024

Hi learners,

What is worth learning? Our time is limited, and what we focus on shapes who we become. Here are five things that have positively impacted my life over the past year. Some are practical skills, while others are lifelong journeys. Today, I want to share these three areas I've seriously and intentionally pursued, and I plan to continue exploring them (recommendations welcome!).

1) Prompting Generative AI

The myth that AI independently handles tasks like learning is false — AI outputs depend on our inputs. Learning to write effective prompts results in more accurate responses and better outcomes.

Prompting is a crucial meta-skill, akin to 'learning how to learn.' By mastering prompt engineering techniques, you can translate your thoughts into prompts and obtain the answers you need.

A prompt is a specific instruction or question given to an AI to generate a desired response. It sets the context and guides the AI to deliver the expected results. Efficient prompts act as well-drawn maps, leading AI to uncover hidden insights.

Great resources to learn prompting:

• ​Prompt Professor

• ​learnprompting

• ​openAI’s resources.

2) Resistance Training for Growing Your Muscles

I used to pity people who went to the gym. Didn't they have more enjoyable activities to do? Lifting weights must be incredibly boring, I thought. That was my mindset until I decided to give it a real try.

In March 2023, I committed to investing my time, money, and energy into learning weightlifting and building muscle to protect my body as I age. I set a goal to train four times a week for 90 minutes each session for three months, with the guidance of a personal trainer.

In addition to my training, I read a couple of books on science-based muscle-building principles and took an excellent online course. The results have been impressive. I've gained self-trust, accountability, and clarity, along with a clear path toward building muscle and feeling at home in my body. I've also learned a lot about recognizing when to push my limits and when to be gentle and soft, lessons that have proven valuable in my work as well.

Great resources to learn weightlifting: