Four Essential Tools for a Layered Learning System
I share a layered study system that helps you prioritize tasks, build momentum, enhance productivity, and improve retention and mastery of information.
I'm going to share with you how I took four principles from time management and learning domains and organized them into a layered learning system. This post is going to cover the Eisenhower Matrix, the principle of compounding, the Pomodoro Technique, and chunking combined with repetition. I show how to put all of that together into an effective learning system.
Strategic Layer
“I have two kinds of problems: the urgent and the important. The urgent are not important, and the important are never urgent.” — Dwight D. Eisenhower
The system starts off at the strategic level by implementing a tool called the Eisenhower Matrix. This matrix is a productivity and time-management tool that helps prioritize tasks into four quadrants based on their urgency and importance. Credited to the 34th President, it was popularized by Stephen Covey in his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Action item: List every assignment, exam, reading, and whatever else that is on your task list. Sort them into the four quadrants shown below.
Infographic from Columbia University. Source
Tactical Layer
"Compound interest is not just a mathematical concept, it's a life principle. Consistent, focused, goal-driven small steps frequently and predictably unlock astounding outcomes." — John C. Maxwell
The next layer in the system moves to tactics. We're going to apply the principle of compounding and combine it with setting up a schedule. This layer sets a predictable rhythm, helping build momentum. Doing regular, consistent work will allow your results to compound.
Action item: Take your prioritized task list and plug each item into a weekly calendar. You can break down tasks into multiple days. For example, if you need to study for a test on Friday, you should schedule time every day leading up to Friday to prepare.
Operational Layer
"Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out." — Robert Collier
The operational layer takes us into daily routine. The Pomodoro Technique is a method that can be applied here. This technique helps fight procrastination, distraction, and mental fatigue through manageable time blocks. You complete focused work, like studying, during set intervals. A common interval is 25 minutes of work with 5-minute breaks. Modify to what works best for you.
Action item: While following your previously arranged schedule, break down your activities into intervals using the Pomodoro Technique. Using the study example from previously, you can break down your session into 25-minute blocks with 5-minute breaks built in.
Execution Layer
“Repetition is the mother of learning, the father of action, which makes it the architect of accomplishment.” ― Zig Ziglar
The execution layer is the step at which we define manageable units of information that fit into a single Pomodoro or even a single 5‑minute micro‑task. Chunks are compact bits of knowledge that we connect together.
Action item: Break down the material you have to work through into smaller chunks and work on each unit until completed. Combine with repetition for things you have to do like studying until you feel like you have mastered the subject.
Putting it all together
Here is a nice table to illustrate how I see the parts of this system when put together:
These techniques may not be new or a surprise to you. What I've done is layer four techniques together, starting with the big-picture view and narrowing down to a moment-by-moment execution level. I hope this has been of value to you and thanks for reading!