Learning curve
A learning curve is a description of how the level of performance or proficiency changes with practice and time.
Definition
The learning curve shows that mastering a skill can have phases of rapid growth, slowdown and apparent stagnation. Its shape depends on the difficulty of the task, the quality of feedback, the frequency of practice and previous experience. Helps you realistically assess progress.
Key ideas
- Progress through practice
- Learning plateau
- The role of feedback
Practice and life
Monitor one skill measure for several weeks. Don't judge the method after one bad day - look at the trend.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to expect linear progress. The second mistake is to change your method every time a natural plateau occurs.
> Progress rarely increases evenly and sometimes plateaus are also learned, although this seems illogical.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- What trend do I see over time?
- Am I plateauing or am I not exercising effectively?
- What feedback will improve the quality of practice?