Learn Difficult Subjects Quickly

I found a pretty interesting article presenting six steps to learning difficult subjects in a short time. The six steps are:

Step 1: Bombard yourself with information
Step 2: Identify the key concepts and make them yours
Step 3: Only memorize what absolutely has to be memorized
Step 4: Get some feedback on your understanding
Step 5: Bombard yourself with some more information, but from another source
Step 6: Get some real-world feedback

The author goes into each step and explains the concept and why it helps to learn the subject matter.

I found this interesting because this is basically how I learn (except for maybe #4 most of the time). Funny how we like things that reinforce what we already do, isn't it? My basic learning process, if I was to formalize it and call it a 'process' would be, first read a ton of material on the chosen subject. This includes any material I can get my hand on from myriad sources. This is basically a combination of steps 1 & 5 above. As he suggests, I only memorize what I expect I can't find again easily. Throughout the process, I discuss, debate, or argue with whoever I can about the subject. I find this last step to be the one that really cements the subject in my mind. By having to explain the subject and my understanding of it, that understanding is shaped and molded and where appropriate, reinforced.

Article link: Six steps for learning difficult subjects quickly

So, what do you think, furiousReaders? How do you learn best?