Learning is a natural process, as can be seen from early childhood. For example, toddlers already have the impulse to learn to walk – without consciously wanting to. However, the learning process does not stop with age; quite the opposite: We learn throughout our lives. The Think-Read-Talk-Do model shows you how to learn in a particularly sustainable way. We will introduce it to you today!
A look back at school time shows: Learning is not always fun. After all, who enjoys learning content they have no connection to? Yet learning is essential for personal development and should also be enjoyable in a certain way!
The fact is: People are lazy. At least the brain is, as it tends to focus attention on relevant stimuli and draw conclusions from them (relevance theory according to Sperber & Wilson). Thus, we humans always take the path with the lowest processing costs when thinking and therefore also when learning. But fortunately, there are various methods to simplify the learning process!
Think-Read-Talk-Do: This is how sustainable learning works
A learning process according to the Think-Read-Talk-Do model (short: TRDT model) allows your brain to link deeper information with learned content. This way, you create a personal and profound connection to the content. As a result, it is easier for you to retain it in memory. At the same time, you make your learning process sustainable!
To learn sustainably with the help of the TRDT model, four central conditions must be met:
Learning must address emotions 🤩
Learning should capture attention 🧐
Learning must be socially anchored 🗣️
Learning should be application-oriented 🔧
If these conditions are interconnected, personal development is at its highest. Because you do not gain competence through the pure learning process alone. Rather, you must engage in exchange and practically apply new knowledge. How you gain new competencies and link the four conditions in a cycle is shown by the TRDT model:
With the TRDT model, you learn to internalize information sustainably. // Presentation: blink.it
Step 1: Think
You think, “Think? Of course, I need to think when learning!” But wait: Think refers not only to the thinking process but rather to the need or trigger to want or need to learn content. Because every development is triggered by a need. The higher the self-reference to this need, the higher the motivation to achieve learning goals. What is your motivation to develop further?
Step 2: Read
Did you know that information is often better absorbed when you read it yourself? However, you should pay attention to the length of the texts: Short, concise learning units are easier for the brain to remember than long novels. Additionally, exciting short information grabs attention and motivates further learning!
Info: Find out more about the advantages of short learning units now: Learning Nuggets in Training: Thinking big in small ways!
Step 3: Talk
Social learning fosters the strongest development in learning. By exchanging ideas with others, you get to know different perspectives and broaden your personal horizon. Additionally, you automatically reinforce the content by explaining it to others!
Info: Are you interested in the benefits of a learning partnership and in which scenarios you can implement it? Then find out more here: Learning Partnership: Potential for Employees and Companies [Part 1]
Step 4: Do
Learning by applying, trying out, and practicing helps you to link theoretical knowledge with practical knowledge. However, the previous steps are necessary to make learning sustainable. Because simply doing something – without having a plan for it – will hardly lead you to your learning goals. Formats like blended learning or workshops help you apply and ultimately reinforce your previously theoretical knowledge.
People enjoy developing themselves further, as we begin to absorb new information as soon as we wake up in the morning. When we sleep, we process this information – we learn here as well. Nonetheless, learning is a very complex and also slow process. The TRDT model is a method to simplify this process. By linking new knowledge, it remains in memory for the long term!
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