We Learn Best by Contrast and Comparison

Note:

Ordered, categorized, and isolated content is more difficult to learn than content shown with relevant contrasts, comparisons, and variations.

↳ From the source
“Elaborating on the differences and similarities of notes instead of sorting them by topic not only facilitates learning, but facilitates the ability to categorise and create sensible classifications!”
How to Take Smart Notes One Simple Technique to Boost Writing, Learning and Thinking - Sönke AhrensPage 106

Comparison and Analogical Thinking are great tools for teaching and learning. I think this comes into play when writing Zettelkasten Style Notes, but comparisons and analogy probably shouldn't be the connections, connections need to signify meaningfulness in the associated context.

This implies that having the language to describe something is a necessary pre-requisite to learning, in the same way that Concepts and categories are fundamental to the human experience. If you cannot name something, especially something abstract (e.g. democracy, emotions, or morality) you cannot compare and contrast. Increasingly complicated taxonomies develop so that we can compare and contrast. This is the basis for how we teach children in the book Choice Words, which is a book that significantly shaped my thoughts on how to raise a kid.

Reference Notes
  1. How to Take Smart Notes: One Simple Technique to Boost Writing, Learning and ThinkingSönke Ahrens
    p. 106
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