Optimizing for Learning

Explore a 27-minute conference talk from SREcon19 Americas that delves into optimizing human learning for Site Reliability Engineering. Discover how cognitive science principles can enhance information retention and system understanding, leading to improved incident response and anomaly detection. Learn about the four key areas covered: preparation for learning, knowledge acquisition, mental model construction, and fostering team learning. Gain insights into techniques such as low-stakes testing, delayed retrieval, interleaving, memory palaces, and storytelling. Understand the importance of building mental models through patterns, observability, and reflection. Examine concepts like mnemonic convergence, cultural memory, and growth mindset to elevate team performance in SRE roles.

Intro
story time!
is NOT magic.
is achievable.
the nature of the field
problem solving is easier with constraints
Google SRE Handbook
Robert Gagné's hierarchy of learning
low-stakes testing
to learn, retrieve
to learn, struggle
delayed retrieval and interleaving
memory palaces
storytellers
how do we build mental models?
patterns
observability
reflection
incident reviews
beyond singular mental models
mnemonic convergence
cultural memory
growth mindset