In 1927, Bluma Zeigarnik identified that we remember incomplete events much more readily than ones we've completed.
In fact, our minds quickly forget finished tasks.
This is the Zeigarnik effect.
These 5 ideas from her will change the way you learn + work: 🧵👇
In fact, our minds quickly forget finished tasks.
This is the Zeigarnik effect.
These 5 ideas from her will change the way you learn + work: 🧵👇
Bluma Zeigarnik was a Russian psychologist.
She noticed how waiters kept track of complex orders, but struggled to recall them once they were complete.
Our short-term memory has limited capacity.
But interruptions create cognitive tension that keeps our memories fresh.
She noticed how waiters kept track of complex orders, but struggled to recall them once they were complete.
Our short-term memory has limited capacity.
But interruptions create cognitive tension that keeps our memories fresh.
Idea #1: We CAN stop procrastinating
Most people think procrastination is about not completing tasks.
It’s actually about not starting them.
Zeigarnik recognises that by starting a task it’s on our mind.
The cognitive unease draws us back to it.
So, take an easy first step.
Most people think procrastination is about not completing tasks.
It’s actually about not starting them.
Zeigarnik recognises that by starting a task it’s on our mind.
The cognitive unease draws us back to it.
So, take an easy first step.
Idea #2: We read more where there's suspense.
Cliffhangers work because:
• They leave us wanting more
• The story sticks in our mind
• The pause keeps us interested
Rather than sharing everything at once in our writing, we can interrupt the reader + entice them to read on.
Cliffhangers work because:
• They leave us wanting more
• The story sticks in our mind
• The pause keeps us interested
Rather than sharing everything at once in our writing, we can interrupt the reader + entice them to read on.
Idea #3: We are happier when we don't leave difficult tasks hanging.
Incomplete tasks can lead to intrusive thoughts and anxiety.
Completing them unlocks:
• Self-confidence
• Self-esteem
• A sense of accomplishment
The Zeigarnik effect motivates us to complete tasks.
Incomplete tasks can lead to intrusive thoughts and anxiety.
Completing them unlocks:
• Self-confidence
• Self-esteem
• A sense of accomplishment
The Zeigarnik effect motivates us to complete tasks.
Idea #4: We study better with breaks.
The easiest way to do this?
Don't revise in long cramming sessions.
I once stayed up all night before an exam + then pretty much remembered nothing the next day.
I failed the exam.
Studying in increments makes it more memorable.
The easiest way to do this?
Don't revise in long cramming sessions.
I once stayed up all night before an exam + then pretty much remembered nothing the next day.
I failed the exam.
Studying in increments makes it more memorable.
Idea #5: We should design education in shorter chunks.
Finally, this is advice that would benefit us all.
Our learners don't do better when we give them a 45 minute lecture with no interruptions.
They do better when we break it up.
• Shift their focus
• Engage them
• Pause
Finally, this is advice that would benefit us all.
Our learners don't do better when we give them a 45 minute lecture with no interruptions.
They do better when we break it up.
• Shift their focus
• Engage them
• Pause
TL;DR - 5 ideas from Zeigarnik that will change the way you learn + work
• #1: We CAN stop procrastinating
• #2: We read more with cliffhangers
• #3: We are happier when we complete tasks
• #4: We study better with breaks
• #5: We should design teaching in chunks
• #1: We CAN stop procrastinating
• #2: We read more with cliffhangers
• #3: We are happier when we complete tasks
• #4: We study better with breaks
• #5: We should design teaching in chunks
If you found this thread valuable:
1. Follow me for more threads on education and frameworks → @TessaRDavis
2. Check out another similar thread:
1. Follow me for more threads on education and frameworks → @TessaRDavis
2. Check out another similar thread:
https://twitter.com/TessaRDavis/status/1434825128681091074
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