Learning is a natural process, which is evident from early childhood. For example, toddlers already have the impulse to learn to walk – without consciously wanting it. However, the learning process does not stop with age; on the contrary: We learn throughout our lives. The Think-Read-Talk-Do model shows how you can learn particularly sustainably. We will introduce it to you today!
A look back at school shows: Learning is not always fun. After all, who likes to learn content they have no connection to? Yet learning is essential for personal development and should, therefore, also be enjoyable in a way!
However, 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 by Sperber & Wilson). Thus, we humans always take the path of least processing cost when thinking and, therefore, when learning. Fortunately, there are various methods to simplify the learning process!
Think-Read-Talk-Do: How sustainable learning works
A learning process in the sense of the Think-Read-Talk-Do model (short: TRDT model) enables your brain to link deeper information with learned content. This creates a personal and profound connection to the content. As a result, it becomes easier for you to retain this information in memory. At the same time, you are making your learning process sustainable!
To learn sustainably using the TRDT model, four central conditions must be met:
Learning must address emotions 🤩
Learning should attract attention 🧐
Learning must be socially anchored 🗣️
Learning should be implementation-oriented 🔧
When these conditions are interconnected, personal development is maximized. Because you do not gain competence solely through the learning process. Instead, you need to engage in exchange and apply new knowledge practically. The TRDT model shows you how to acquire new competencies and link the four conditions in a cycle:
With the TRDT model, you learn to internalize information sustainably. // Presentation: blink.it
Step 1: Think
You might think, “Think? Of course I have to think when learning!” But wait: Think not only refers to the thought process but rather to the need, or the trigger, to want or need to learn content. Every development is triggered by a need. The higher the self-reference of 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 captures attention and motivates you to continue learning!
Info: Discover more about the advantages of short learning units: Learning Nuggets in Training: Thinking big in a small way!
Step 3: Talk
Social learning promotes the strongest development in learning. By exchanging with others, you learn about different perspectives and broaden your personal horizon. Additionally, you automatically reinforce content by explaining it to others!
Info: Are you interested in the advantages of a learning partnership and in what scenarios you can use this? Then find out more here: Learning Partnership: Potentials for Employees and Companies [Part 1]
Step 4: Do
Learning through applying, experimenting, 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 – will hardly get you to your learning goals. Formats such as blended learning or workshops help you to apply and ultimately reinforce your previously theoretical knowledge.
People enjoy developing themselves, as even waking up in the morning, we begin to take in new information. While sleeping, we process this information – we are learning even then. 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 also stays in memory for the long term!
