#115: How to Learn When Words Don’t Work for You

Get 20% off any STSI course with code TEACH20 — become a systems thinker today!In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University explore how systems thinking can transform the way we learn—especially for people who struggle with traditional, language-based learning.They break down why reading alone doesn’t lead to understanding, and how organizing information structurally—through visual, tactile, and object-oriented thinking—can dramatically improve comprehension, memory, and communication. From mapping ideas in the margins of books to building mental models you can “see” and manipulate, they show how shifting from words to structure unlocks a deeper level of learning.They also explore a critical distinction between tokens and value—why we often chase finishing tasks, grades, or surface-level completion instead of true understanding—and how this disconnect limits real learning.If you’ve ever felt like you read something but didn’t truly understand it, this episode will change how you process information—and how you learn for life.