Mastering Speed Learning with ChatGPT: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Learning has always been a challenge for me. I’d go to class, sit down, and try to focus, but my attention would drift. Whether it was a bird outside the window or classmates chatting, I’d often find myself lost in thought. This lack of focus made school hard, and it wasn’t long before I was falling behind. But over time, I’ve learned how to hack my learning process. I managed to teach myself a tool called QlikView in just 2 days before a critical interview at a pharmaceutical company—and it worked. That’s when I realized speed learning could be a game-changer.

Today, I’m passionate about learning new skills, from AI to new languages, and I’ve even created my own YouTube videos and bots. My love for learning has grown into both a habit and a hobby. In this guide, I’m going to share the techniques I’ve developed and how ChatGPT can help anyone become a speed learner.

1. The Power of Focused Learning

When I had to prepare for my Meta data science interview, I had only two days to learn Qlikview—a skill I had no prior experience with.  This limited time forced me to focus on the most essential topics.

The key lesson here is to zoom out and focus on the overarching goal. In my case, it was passing the interview, so I concentrated only on the most critical aspects of Qlikview.

2. Leveraging AI for Speed Learning

Back then, I spent hours on Internet trying to figure out what types of questions would be asked in the interview. Today, you can use ChatGPT to streamline the process. For example, I could have asked ChatGPT to simulate a business intelligence interview, compile common questions, and recommend the most important Qlikview topics.

This is where the Pareto Principle comes into play: focus on the 20% of topics that will appear in 80% of the interview questions. By concentrating on the most common topics, you can maximize your learning efficiency.

3. Structuring a Learning Plan with ChatGPT

One of the coolest things about AI is its ability to customize learning experiences. Let’s say I wanted to learn Persian language with a focus on Cooking, which I am getting interested in, these days. I could ask ChatGPT to create a study plan that includes the best learning practices, while customizing the material to my interests—like cooking Persian cuisine.

The key is to break down the learning process into manageable steps:

• Basic phrases and greetings
• Familiarize with the Script
• Listening and Imitating
• Vocabulary building
• Immerse Yourself and Practice Regularly

By personalizing the curriculum, I stay engaged and motivated.

4. The Importance of Self-Testing

One of the most effective ways to deepen your understanding is through self-testing. Flashcards are a great tool for this. I use the app Anki to create digital flashcards for various subjects, from Qlikview to Persian. The process of actively recalling information strengthens memory retention.

For example, I’d create a flashcard that asks, “What is the Qlikview command for retrieving data?” This simple process reinforces key concepts, and Anki’s spaced repetition algorithm ensures that I review the material at optimal intervals.

5. The Feynman Technique for Understanding

Named after the physicist Richard Feynman, this technique involves explaining concepts in your own words as if teaching them to a toddler. This forces you to simplify the material, helping to identify any gaps in your knowledge.

Steps for the Feynman Technique:

• Choose a concept (e.g., SQL JOIN operations)
• Teach it to a “toddler” by breaking it down in the simplest terms
• Identify the gaps in your understanding
• Go back to the source material to fill those gaps
• Simplify the explanation even further

This technique has been invaluable for solidifying my understanding of complex topics.

6. AI as Your Learning Buddy

AI, like ChatGPT, can be your learning companion, providing dynamic feedback, generating practice exercises, and suggesting alternative learning methods when you’re stuck. However, it’s important to remember that AI isn’t a substitute for human interaction. At some point, you’ll need to engage with others—whether that’s talking to native speakers when learning a language, joining coding groups, or collaborating with peers on projects.

Engaging with others not only helps to apply what you’ve learned but also keeps you motivated.

7. The Benefits of Learning with Others

While AI can accelerate your learning, it’s essential to incorporate human interaction into the process. Whether you’re learning a language or technical skills, collaborating with others can significantly boost your learning speed. For instance, you could:

• Join study groups or workshops
• Work on coding projects with peers
• Practice speaking with native speakers

These interactions provide immediate feedback and push you beyond your comfort zone, speeding up the learning process.

Conclusion

In today’s world, learning new skills quickly is not only possible but essential for success. Whether it’s acing an interview, picking up a new language, or mastering technical skills, tools like ChatGPT can help optimize your learning journey. By focusing on the most important aspects, using self-testing techniques, and collaborating with others, you can become a speed learner and reach your goals faster.

If you're currently learning something new, I’d love to hear about it! Feel free to share in the comments, and let’s continue this journey of lifelong learning together.