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Here’s some good news for anyone who’s ever felt behind as they learn a new skill or subject: quick learners are a myth. A study from Carnegie Mellon University in 2023 examined the learning speed of students. The study covered over 7,000 students ranging from children to adults, and elementary to college level settings. The finding? Students learn at roughly the same pace with only minor variation, regardless of age or education stage being studied at. 

What accounts for some students appearing to learn faster? We’ve all seen it, or indeed felt like we learned faster than our peers. The answer is that it isn’t any innate talent. Rather the “fast learners” had simply had prior exposure to the knowledge they seemed quicker at learning. The more prior exposure and practice, the faster they learned in formal settings. It makes intuitive sense - the more you practice, the faster you pick up a subject.

What’s more interesting about the study’s findings is the difference between those students with prior practice, and those without. The study defined a reasonable level of mastery as being able to reach 80% correct on a test. It took an average of 7 to 8 practice opportunities per component of knowledge to reach that level.

The determining factor between the extreme ends of this range was not intelligence. Instead, the researchers found that an individual’s memory ability was the limiting factor. Subjects that relied heavily on rote memorisation, such as learning a foreign language, saw the highest variance in learning speed. Subjects such as mathematics, where there are multiple learning pathways, and the potential to apply generalised skills saw the least variance in learning speed.

So what does this mean for the rest of us? For starters, it offers hope for those feeling like they’re behind their peers. Anyone trying to learn a new skill or subject now has concrete proof that success is within their grasp. And more importantly, a solid theory for making consistent progress - keep getting to those vital practice opportunities.

At the very least, it lights a clear path to guide our self-directed learning. The key is that you’re making consistent progress with practice. Practice opportunities in the study don’t need to be complicated. At its core, practice is simply actively engaging with the subject - taking notes, writing an essay/journal entry on the topic, solving mathematics problems, or writing code. If you don’t do well with grinding on a subject, look for a way to learn via constructing meaningful projects with your knowledge. Unfortunately passively listening to a lecture or reading a book wasn’t found to have enough of an effect on their own.

“Most people get ahead during the time that others waste.”
– Henry Ford

If you’re stuck for ideas on how to get more practice into a busy schedule, my suggestion is simple: carry a notebook and pen with you when you leave the house. There isn’t much you can’t practice with a notebook - writing, sketching, maths, journalling, software design (really - I use a notebook to start designs at work), and more. I myself carry a Field Notes memo book and pen in my wallet. It’s proven invaluable as a way to capture my thoughts, take notes on a book or idea, or work out a problem I’ve been having on a project. 

The reason for the recommendation is simple - it gives you an easy yet invaluable way to enjoy the moments of slack tide between the major events of the day. Without the notebook, we can become prone to doom-scrolling or other time wasting on our phones. With the notebook, we have a space for thinking that needs no power, no internet, and no monthly subscription. We can pursue our hobbies and creative outlets no matter where we find ourselves. Give it a go for a week - pen and paper are cheap and easy to experiment with.