Learning curves - Did you know about them?

I didn't until recently started to learn some mathematics. And I find these interesting examples from other domains of knowledge, as apparently at the heart of any subject there are models, built on mathematical principles. And one such was learning curves. I have been a learner myself all my life, yet never seriously thought about how it happens in terms of a mathematical function.

Basic understanding of learning curves

I assume you are not a professor of education, and just naive reader, who happened to pick up a random article to read. And also, I am not capable of writing mathematical jargon so I am going to build a simple explanation and a take home message so you can apply in your learning in the future.

A learning curve in general have following characteristics. At the beginning, of learning any subject or skill, the progress is fast. And the growth is rapid. After some time, it becomes a plateau, and the progress is very slow. And it seems no matter how much time we spend more on a subject, it is becoming harder and harder to reach mastery.

Model of a diminishing learning curve

There are slight variations to this common pattern of learning curves. As an example, some subjects may be harder at first, before you hit an accelerated learning phase. And later comes the plateau (S curve). However, this is not the end of the story of learning curve.

Model of a S curve

Deliberate practice curve

There is a different kind of learning curve, a concept popularized by Anders Ericsson. Which is called a deliberate practice curve. Above two examples are just what happens you are just keep repeating, the process of learning without any modifications. However, as time goes by, if mastery is one's aim, they need to do deliberate practice. In other words, each iteration of learning cycle should give feedback of specifics that you should improve. This way, one is supposed to break out of that plateau phase of traditional learning curve. You can imagine this as a new curve with step ladder pattern, as with each cycle you are jumping a skill level.

Model of a deliberate practice curve

Take home message.

When you are done with your accelerated ride of your learning curve, new skill, and it starts to get bored. Take a moment to look at your weaknesses, and adjust your strategy so, you confront them, leaving your comfort zone of pseudo competency. I am sure anyone who is called a master at their skill do this deliberate practice intuitively, which is not naturally present in others like you and me.

Next -> What is metacognition?