To turn passive reading into deep. retained learning, you can apply a powerful 3-step approach combining:
1. The 5 HOW Technique – to drive strategic learning
2. The 3- Level Understanding Check – to self-assess comprehension
3. The Teach-Back Formula – to lock in knowledge permanently
Step 1: The 5 HOW Technique
Goal: Move from passive consumption to active strategic understanding
| Level | Trigger Question | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | How does it work? | Understand the core mechanism or principle behind what you read. |
| 2 | How is it applied? | Find real-world use cases or examples. |
| 3 | How do I apply it? | Think practically: what’s the first step you can take? |
| 4 | How do I measure it? | Define indicators that show learning or progress. |
| 5 | How do I improve it? | Reflect, iterate, upgrade your method over time. |
Use this for every idea or chapter you want to learn deeply.
Step 2: 3-Level Understanding Check
Goal : Diagnose the depth of your current understanding
Level Question to Ask Yourself Outcome 1 Can I summarize the idea in 2 sentences? Basic conceptual clarity 2 Can I apply the idea to a personal case? Practical transferability 3 Can I explain it to a beginner with ease? Mastery and retention
If you fail at Level 2 or 3 go back the the 5 HOW framework on that section
Step 3: The Teach-Back Formula
Goal: Reinforce and test retention by teaching it
Formula: “What I’ve learned today is that _______
This is important because________ .
If I wanted to apply this in real life, I would ________.
Let me show you how it works in a real example:________ .”
Use this formula:
- In your learning journal
- As voice notes to yourself
- In a blog/video post
- With a peer or team
Example : Reading about The Pareto Principle
5 HOW Technique
- How does it work? – 80% of outcomes come from 20% of causes
- How is it applied? – Used in business, time management, investing etc.
- How to I apply it? – Audit my to-do list, identify top 20 activities
- How do I measure it? – Track weekly output from those top activities
- How do I improve it? – Refine top tasks monthly; eliminate low-impact work.
Understanding Check
- Level 1: RECALL CHECK “Can I remember the Key Ideas without looking?”: Yes
- Level 2: MEANING CHECK: “ Can I explain it in my own words?“: Yes, I applied it to my client list.
- Level 3: TRANSFER CHECK:” Can I apply or teach it?”: Yes, I explained it to a colleague
Teach – Back:
” What I’ve learned today is that focusing on the 20% of tasks that deliver 80% of results drives efficiency.
This is important because it helps reduce overhelm and increase results.
If I wanted to apply this in real life, I would review my weekly actions and cut out low-value tasks.
A real example: I used it to prioritize top 5 clients who generate 80% of my revenue for at least 5 years.
Result:
From passive reading to practical action to retained mastery
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