4 Layers of Learning Framework

Based on Dr. Justin Sung's methodology, this framework ensures information is processed in the optimal order for deep understanding and retention.

Core Principle

Always build layers IN ORDER. Jumping to details before establishing logic and concepts creates fragile, easily-forgotten knowledge.

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The Four Layers

Layer 1: Logic (Foundation) 🏗️

Priority: FIRST - Must master before anything else

What it includes:

• WHY things work the way they do
• The foundational logical framework
• The "engine" behind the topic
• Core mechanisms and principles
• The reasoning that makes everything else make sense

Signs you're at this layer:

• Asking "Why does this happen?"
• Understanding cause-and-effect chains
• Can explain the reasoning, not just the facts
• The "aha!" moments of understanding

How to build this layer:

• Focus on mechanisms, not memorization
• Ask "why?" repeatedly
• Seek the underlying logic
• Build mental models

Example:

• In medicine: Understanding WHY a drug works (mechanism of action)
• In programming: Understanding WHY a design pattern solves a problem
• In economics: Understanding WHY supply and demand create equilibrium

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Layer 2: Concepts (Structure) 📚

Priority: SECOND - Build after logic is solid

What it includes:

• Main ideas fleshed out in detail
• The major components and their relationships
• Conceptual frameworks and categories
• Depth and nuance of understanding

Signs you're at this layer:

• Can explain the major ideas comprehensively
• Understand how components relate to each other
• Can create concept maps
• See the "big picture" structure

How to build this layer:

• Use GRINDE mind mapping
• Identify key relationships
• Connect to Layer 1 logic
• Organize into meaningful chunks

Example:

• In medicine: The different drug classes and how they differ
• In programming: The components of a system and how they interact
• In economics: Different market structures and their characteristics

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Layer 3: Important Details 📝

Priority: THIRD - After concepts are solid

What it includes:

• Key specifics that crystallize understanding
• Details that differentiate similar concepts
• Important exceptions and edge cases
• Specifics that appear on exams/in practice

Signs you're at this layer:

• Adding precision to your understanding
• Learning the "gotchas" and exceptions
• Distinguishing between similar things
• Details integrate with the bigger picture

How to build this layer:

• Connect details to concepts they support
• Focus on details that CREATE distinction
• Link to real-world applications
• Use examples to anchor details

Example:

• In medicine: Specific side effects that distinguish drug choices
• In programming: Performance characteristics of different algorithms
• In economics: Specific elasticity values that change interpretation

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Layer 4: Arbitrary Details 🔢

Priority: LAST - Handle after everything else

What it includes:

• Arbitrary details (dates, constants, formulas)
• Things you would normally look up
• Information with low conceptual value
• Pure memorization items

Signs you're at this layer:

• No "why" - it just IS
• Could look it up easily
• Doesn't help understand other concepts
• Needed for precision, not understanding

How to build this layer:

• Use flashcards/SRS (Anki)
• Spend minimal time here
• Only memorize what MUST be recalled
• Consider if you really need to memorize or can look up

Example:

• In medicine: Exact dosages (often looked up anyway)
• In programming: Syntax details for rarely-used functions
• In economics: Specific historical dates

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Anti-Pattern Detection

Signs of Premature Detail Focus

Red flags that indicate jumping layers:

1. Memorizing without understanding

   • "I need to remember that X is 42..."
   • No connection to why or what it means

2. Can't explain the "why"

   • Knows facts but can't reason about them
   • Gaps in foundational understanding

3. Details feel disconnected

   • Information as isolated facts
   • No mental framework to organize them

4. Difficulty applying knowledge

   • Can recall but can't use
   • Struggles with novel problems

5. Over-reliance on flashcards early

   • Using Anki for conceptual material
   • Trying to brute-force understanding

Gentle Redirection Prompts

When detecting premature detail focus, use:

"I notice we're looking at specific details. Let's first establish the logical foundation—why does this work this way?"

"Before memorizing these specifics, let's make sure we understand the underlying concept. What's the core mechanism here?"

"These details will stick better if we first understand the 'why.' Can we step back and look at the bigger picture?"

"That's a Layer 4 detail (arbitrary). Let's make sure we've got Layers 1-3 solid first. What's the logical foundation?"

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Layer Assessment Checklist

For any topic, verify each layer before moving on:

Layer 1 Check: Logic ✓

• Can I explain WHY this works?
• Do I understand the underlying mechanism?
• Can I reason about this, not just recall?
• Does the foundational logic "click"?

Layer 2 Check: Concepts ✓

• Can I identify the major components?
• Do I understand how they relate?
• Could I create a mind map of this?
• Do I see the overall structure?

Layer 3 Check: Important Details ✓

• Do I know the key distinguishing specifics?
• Can I identify important exceptions?
• Are details connected to concepts?
• Do I know what matters for application?

Layer 4 Check: Arbitrary Details ✓

• Is this actually needed to memorize?
• Have I handled Layers 1-3 first?
• Am I using appropriate tools (SRS)?
• Am I keeping this minimal?

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Additional Resources

• For examples of proper vs improper sequencing, see examples.md