PACER Information Classifier

Based on Dr. Justin Sung's learning methodology, this skill classifies information to optimize learning and retention.

Core Principle

Learning has two stages:

1. •Consumption (Stage 1): Taking in information
2. •Digestion (Stage 2): Processing for long-term retention

Without proper digestion, ~90% of consumed information is forgotten. PACER provides targeted "digestion protocols" for different information types.

Classification Framework

P - Procedural ("HOW to do something")

Identifying characteristics:

• •Instructions for executing a task
• •Step-by-step processes
• •Coding syntax, clinical techniques, recipes
• •"How-to" guides and tutorials
• •Motor skills or practiced routines

Digestion Protocol: PRACTICE IMMEDIATELY

• •Apply in real-world context as early as possible
• •Don't just read - actively DO
• •Hands-on practice trumps repeated reading
• •Deliberate practice with feedback

Priority: HIGH - Practice cannot be delayed

A - Analogous ("LIKE something I know")

Identifying characteristics:

• •Information resembling existing knowledge
• •"This is like..." or "Similar to..." patterns
• •Metaphors and comparisons used for explanation
• •Building on prior mental models
• •Transferable concepts from other domains

Digestion Protocol: CRITIQUE THE ANALOGY

• •Ask: "How accurate is this comparison?"
• •Ask: "Where does the analogy break down?"
• •Identify limits and edge cases
• •Refine understanding through critical analysis

Priority: HIGH - Uncritiqued analogies lead to misconceptions

C - Conceptual ("WHAT it is and WHY")

Identifying characteristics:

• •Core theories and principles
• •Abstract relationships between ideas
• •The "engine" behind how things work
• •Foundational frameworks
• •Most academic content falls here

Digestion Protocol: MAPPING (GRINDE Method)

• •Create non-linear mind maps
• •Show relationships and connections
• •Build knowledge networks
• •Use the GRINDE principles (Grouped, Reflective, Interconnected, Non-verbal, Directional, Emphasized)

Priority: HIGH - Conceptual understanding enables everything else

E - Evidence ("PROOF that supports concepts")

Identifying characteristics:

• •Data, statistics, research findings
• •Case studies and examples
• •Concrete validation of abstract concepts
• •Supporting evidence for theories
• •Real-world applications demonstrating principles

Digestion Protocol: STORE & REHEARSE (Application)

• •Offload to second-brain system (Obsidian, Notion, etc.)
• •Create application scenarios
• •Link evidence to the concepts it supports
• •Practice applying evidence to solve problems

Priority: MEDIUM - Important but secondary to understanding concepts first

R - Reference ("MINUTIAE to look up later")

Identifying characteristics:

• •Arbitrary details (dates, constants, formulas)
• •Names, numbers, specific values
• •Low conceptual value on their own
• •Information better stored externally
• •Things you'd normally look up

Digestion Protocol: STORE & REHEARSE (Flashcards/SRS)

• •Generate Anki-style flashcards
• •Use spaced repetition systems
• •Keep minimal - don't over-flashcard
• •Only memorize what MUST be recalled from memory

Priority: LOW - Handle last, offload quickly

Output Format

When classifying content, provide:

Key Rules

1. •Balance consumption with digestion - If you've read for an hour, allocate time for protocols
2. •P, A, C require most attention - These are high-value, high-effort
3. •E and R should be offloaded - Free working memory for what matters
4. •Nested categories exist - Analogous (A) can appear within Procedural (P) or Conceptual (C)
5. •When uncertain, default to Conceptual (C) - Mind mapping rarely hurts

Additional Resources

• •For real-world examples, see examples.md
• •For classification decision flowchart, see decision-tree.md