Raymond's User Manual

Learning Methods

5 min read

Learning is not collecting information, but turning information into abilities you can use.

My Interpretation (Wisdom)

Effective learning methods share one feature: active output. Whether explaining something simply to another person (the Feynman technique), asking questions about what one reads (HQ&A), or upgrading experience into wisdom (DIKW), the core is “don’t only take information in.”

Many people mistake learning for collecting: they save many articles, books, and courses but never process them. Real learning is a transformation. What you read is not important; what matters is what you can say in your own words and what you can do. The beginner stage is a golden period for cognitive growth. Curiosity and “not knowing” are some of the best fuel for learning. Do not rush to become an expert; first enjoy being a beginner.

Strategy and Methods (Knowledge)

DIKW Model

  • Situation: When scattered experiences need to be organized into reusable knowledge.
  • Method: Data (scattered calendar entries and notes) → Information (organized through questions and analysis) → Knowledge (identify cause-and-effect relationships and derive principles) → Wisdom (internalize it as judgment that can be applied flexibly).
  • Example: Every effective retrospective goes through a transformation from Data to Wisdom.
  • Source: Systematized by Russell Ackoff in 1989.

Three-Stage Reading Method

  • Situation: Facing a large information stream and needing to screen and absorb it effectively.
  • Method: Aggregate content (RSS, newsletters) → screen what to read (read only what is relevant to a goal) → extract knowledge with HQ&A (turn it into notes and work).
  • Example: People today receive information pushed by algorithms and do not need to read every article. Simplify tags, avoid excessive organization, and focus on turning information into output.
  • Source: Raymond’s original method.

HQ&A Note-Taking Method

  • Situation: After reading, when one wants to ensure there is a concrete output.
  • Method: Highlight → Question → Action.
  • Example: Build a habit of sharing high-quality content so every reading session produces something instead of ending with highlighting alone.
  • Source: Raymond’s original method.

Feynman Learning Technique

  • Situation: When learning something new and wanting to internalize it quickly.
  • Method: Explain new knowledge in simple language, learn while teaching, and make good use of beginners’ curiosity.
  • Example: Writing reflections helps oneself and can also guide others. Be willing to be a beginner to open the door to a new world of learning.
  • Source: Richard Feynman.

Related Content (Information)

Course Scripts

  • 12 | How to make use of the beginner stage: the Feynman technique
  • 13 | The three-stage reading method: how to read effectively
  • 14 | The three-stage reading method: connect experience and extract knowledge
  • 15 | How to ask good questions: the secret to strong self-learning
  • 21 | Effective retrospectives (Part 1): the secret to tenfold growth (DIKW section)

Articles and Newsletters

  • 2025-11-06: A complete AI learning path: prompts, knowledge bases, and AI Agents from beginner to advanced in three stages
  • 2025-04-24: Notion is not ideal for the Zettelkasten method: three common misconceptions
  • 2024-11-19: Escaping algorithmic control: how I use the new-generation RSS reader Follow (invitation code)
  • 2024-10-12: My AI translation workflow: immersive-translation extensions and bilingual reading of originals, PDFs, ebooks, and videos — six applications
  • 2024-09-23: Was my note-taking method wrong? The misunderstood Second Brain, why Notion is hard to use, and the PAI template
  • 2026-03-22: Livestream planning: co-learning in the age of AI anxiety — a member planning session; Yuzu proposes the “learning triangle” (passion, strengths, goals) and continuous-verb teaching for AI applications
  • 2024-04-08: Readwise Reader adds custom Chinese AI summaries with Ghostreader prompts
  • 2024-03-31: An introduction to Readwise Reader: improve reading focus and automate notes; use tags correctly
  • 2024-03-29: How to improve learning outcomes: modern reading difficulties and note-taking misconceptions
  • 2023-09-19: Why I no longer use PARA: stop falling into the collection and categorization trap; one core principle of knowledge management and an original Notion template
  • 2023-10-26: Three stages of learning: internalize knowledge and rebuild confidence, a solution to information anxiety
  • 2023-10-24: A modern daily reading-input workflow: how to use Readwise Reader to manage fragmented reading across platforms
  • 2023-08-22: The most effective learning method is deconstruction: what the learning pyramid leaves out and examples of the Feynman technique
  • 2025-02-26: How to recognize intelligent people: three dimensions and six indicators
  • 2023-12-19: Upgrade your thinking and avoid being deceived: four common cognitive biases, mental models, and responses
  • 2023-10-17: Three steps to develop originality: move from imitation to a personal style
  • 2026-02-26: Issue 174: AI double at work, in-person Notion classes, repricing my own salary — Raymond Weekly
  • 2023-10-10: Asynchronous communication is a skill everyone should learn: the key to regaining focus at work, not only for remote workers
  • 2026-06-29: A midyear reflection at 31: 19 things life taught me
  • 2026-06-29: A midyear reflection at 31: 19 things life taught me

Social Posts

(To be tagged using the Facebook post curation tool.)

Data

  • Russell Ackoff (1989) — The DIKW pyramid, a foundational theory in knowledge management.
  • Richard Feynman — The Feynman learning technique, learning by teaching.

Retrospectives, Second Brain, Growth Mindset, The DIKW Model, AI Tool Applications

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