Hey there! Welcome to another episode of the autodidactic podcast. Today, I’m thrilled to dive into a topic that’s near and dear to my heart: mentorship. You know, mentorship is one of those incredible experiences that can truly transform your personal and professional growth. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s embark on this exciting journey together.
Understanding the Importance of Mentorship:
First things first, let’s talk about why mentorship matters. It’s not just about having someone to show you the ropes; mentorship goes way beyond that. When you have a mentor by your side, you gain access to invaluable guidance, support, and accountability. Think of them as your personal cheerleader and advisor rolled into one!
Mentors bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. They’ve been there, done that, and can offer you insights that you simply won’t find in textbooks or online courses. Whether it’s navigating career challenges, making tough decisions, or finding your unique path, mentors are like your secret weapon.
Plus, they’re fantastic at keeping you on track. With their wisdom and encouragement, they ensure you’re focused and motivated to achieve your goals. They become your accountability partner, helping you stay true to your commitments and pushing you to unleash your full potential.
Types of Mentorship and Virtual Mentorship:
Now, let’s explore the different types of mentorship out there. You’ve got traditional mentorship, which involves that classic one-on-one relationship. It’s like having a wise sage who’s there to guide you through the twists and turns of your journey. You can seek out these mentors in your field of interest and learn directly from their experiences.
Then, there’s group mentorship. Picture a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, all seeking growth and development. In a group setting, you get to benefit from diverse perspectives, shared learning experiences, and a supportive network. It’s like having a squad of mentors cheering you on!
And let’s not forget about peer mentorship. Sometimes, the best insights come from those who are right there beside you. Peer mentors are individuals at a similar level or experience, and they offer mutual support and guidance. You can learn so much from their unique journeys and collaborate to overcome challenges together.
Now, here’s where it gets even more exciting: virtual mentorship. In today’s digital age, physical distance is no longer a barrier. Virtual mentorship takes advantage of online platforms and tools, allowing you to connect with mentors from all around the world. It’s like having a mentor on-demand, right at your fingertips. The best part? You can access guidance and support whenever it suits you, no matter where you are.
Finding Virtual Mentors:
Alright, now that we’re all pumped up about mentorship, let’s talk about finding those incredible virtual mentors. First things first, it’s crucial to identify your personal and professional goals. Take a moment to reflect on what you want to achieve. What are your passions? Where do you see yourself in the future? Once you have that clarity, you’re ready to take the next steps.
Online platforms and communities are fantastic resources for finding virtual mentors. There are platforms specifically designed to connect mentors and mentees, so why not give them a try? You can create a compelling profile that showcases your unique experiences, skills, and goals. Trust me, a well-crafted profile will catch the eye of potential mentors.
But don’t stop there! Dive into niche communities, forums, and social media groups related to your field of interest. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and connect with professionals who inspire you. These online communities are treasure troves of mentorship opportunities, so don’t be afraid to jump in and start networking.
Networking and leveraging your existing connections can also lead you to amazing mentors. Explore professional networking platforms, attend industry-specific events, and connect with like-minded individuals. Building relationships within your field opens doors to mentorship possibilities. Remember, sometimes the best mentors are just a few connections away.
Oh, and here’s a neat idea: consider educational programs and courses that offer mentorship components. Many online courses, boot camps, and educational institutions provide mentorship as part of their curriculum. It’s like a two-for-one deal—learning and mentorship combined!
Approaching and Building Relationships with Virtual Mentors:
So, you’ve found some potential mentors? Awesome! Now, let’s talk about approaching them and building those meaningful relationships. It’s all about making a genuine connection, my friend.
Before reaching out to a potential mentor, do your homework. Research their background, expertise, and values. Get to know them on a deeper level. This knowledge will help you establish a strong connection and show that you value what they bring to the table.
When you craft your introductory message, be yourself and keep it personal. Share your goals, motivations, and why you believe they’re the perfect mentor for you. Express your enthusiasm and genuine interest in learning from them. Let your passion shine through, my friend!
Once you’ve connected with a mentor, it’s time to nurture that relationship. Building rapport and trust is crucial. Be an active listener, show respect for their time, and engage in meaningful conversations. Regular check-ins, progress updates, and seeking feedback are fantastic ways to keep the momentum going.
And here’s a pro tip: set clear expectations and goals together. This ensures both you and your mentor are on the same page. Talk openly about what you hope to achieve, establish boundaries, and define your mentorship journey. By setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), you’ll have a roadmap for success.
Maximizing the Benefits of Mentorship:
As you embark on this incredible mentorship journey, there are a few things you can do to maximize the benefits. First, embrace a growth mindset. Approach challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Embrace them, learn from them, and let them propel you forward.
Don’t be afraid to seek diverse perspectives and feedback. Embrace different viewpoints and expand your understanding. Your mentors have unique insights to offer, but so do others. Soak up that wisdom and broaden your horizons.
Remember, mentorship is a two-way street. Take initiative and responsibility for your own learning. Be proactive, conduct research, and explore new resources independently. Your mentor is there to guide you, but it’s up to you to take the reins and make the most of this experience.
And last but certainly not least, maintain gratitude and reciprocity. Express your appreciation for your mentors’ time and support. Find ways to give back, whether it’s by helping with their projects, volunteering, or supporting their work. Mentorship is a relationship built on mutual respect and support.
Conclusion:
Mentorship is a journey that can transform your life and career. Whether you choose traditional mentorship, group mentorship, peer mentorship, or the exciting realm of virtual mentorship, the possibilities are endless.
Remember, finding the right mentor takes time and effort, but the rewards are immeasurable. So, take that first step, connect with mentors, and embrace the wisdom and guidance they have to offer. Let mentorship be your guiding light as you unlock your full potential.
Thank you for joining me today. I hope you feel inspired and ready to embark on your own mentorship journey.
Section I: Introduction to Expanding Knowledge Base
A. Importance of Continuous Learning
Expanding our knowledge base through continuous learning is of utmost importance in today’s rapidly changing world. It not only promotes personal and professional growth but also enables us to keep up with the ever-evolving landscape in various fields. Lifelong learning has become essential in order to thrive in a dynamic society.
By actively seeking opportunities to broaden our knowledge base, we can enhance our critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. When we expose ourselves to diverse perspectives and ideas, we develop a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues. This broader understanding enables us to approach challenges from different angles and find innovative solutions.
Moreover, expanding our knowledge base opens up new avenues for career advancement and personal fulfillment. By acquiring expertise in multiple areas, we become more versatile and adaptable, which can lead to increased professional opportunities. Additionally, learning about different subjects outside our comfort zone can bring joy and satisfaction by fueling our intellectual curiosity.
Section II: Unconventional Methods to Expand Knowledge
A. Embracing Interdisciplinary Learning
One unconventional method to expand our knowledge base is by embracing interdisciplinary learning. This involves exploring new fields and disciplines beyond our primary area of interest. We can do this by reading books, articles, or taking courses that are outside our comfort zone. By venturing into unfamiliar territories, we expose ourselves to new ideas and perspectives that can enrich our understanding.
Attending lectures, conferences, or webinars in different fields is another way to embrace interdisciplinary learning. These events provide opportunities to learn from experts in various domains and discover unexpected connections between different disciplines. For example, we can explore the relationships between art and science, technology and philosophy, or psychology and marketing. Recognizing these intersections can lead to innovative approaches and insights.
Utilizing interdisciplinary knowledge allows us to gain fresh perspectives and tackle problems from different angles. We can apply concepts and approaches from one field to solve problems in another, leading to creative and innovative solutions. This interdisciplinary thinking enhances our ability to connect seemingly unrelated ideas and generate unique insights.
B. Seeking Alternative Learning Resources
Traditional sources of knowledge, such as textbooks and lectures, are no longer the only options available. In today’s digital age, there are numerous unconventional resources that can expand our knowledge base.
Online platforms, podcasts, and TED Talks provide convenient access to educational content. Platforms like Coursera and Khan Academy offer a wide range of courses on various topics, allowing us to learn at our own pace. Subscribing to podcasts covering diverse subjects of interest provides an opportunity to delve deeper into specific areas while multitasking. Additionally, TED Talks offer insightful and inspiring talks by experts in their respective fields.
Blogs, forums, and social media communities also play a significant role in unconventional learning. Specialized blogs and forums allow us to engage in discussions and knowledge-sharing with like-minded individuals. Platforms like Reddit or LinkedIn host communities centered around specific topics, where we can connect with others who share our interests and learn from their experiences.
Open educational resources (OER) and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are valuable sources of free educational materials. These resources provide access to a wealth of knowledge from renowned universities and institutions, enabling us to explore new subjects and acquire new skills.
Audiobooks, podcasts, and documentaries are excellent resources for expanding knowledge while on the go or during downtime. Listening to audiobooks during commutes or exercise sessions allows us to absorb information effortlessly. Subscribing to educational podcasts or watching documentaries in our spare time provides an immersive learning experience and exposes us to new ideas and perspectives.
C. Engaging in Experiential Learning
Engaging in hands-on experiences and real-world applications is a powerful way to expand our knowledge base. By actively participating in workshops, seminars, and boot camps, we can gain practical skills and knowledge directly from experts and practitioners in various fields. These practical sessions often provide opportunities to engage in interactive activities and apply theoretical knowledge in a hands-on setting.
Volunteering, internships, or job shadowing experiences offer valuable opportunities for learning through direct involvement. By getting involved in volunteer projects or internships, we can learn through experience and contribute to meaningful causes. Job shadowing allows us to observe professionals in their daily work, gaining insights into their expertise and industry practices.
Conducting experiments or projects independently is another form of experiential learning. By setting up experiments or projects in areas of interest, we can explore new concepts and apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. Learning through trial and error and documenting the outcomes helps solidify our understanding.
Applying knowledge through practical projects or side ventures is an effective way to deepen understanding and expand our skills. Whether it’s building prototypes, creating art, or developing software, practical projects allow us to apply acquired knowledge in tangible ways. Collaborating with others on projects or research papers fosters knowledge exchange and provides opportunities for learning from different perspectives.
D. Leveraging Technology and Online Platforms
Technology plays a crucial role in unconventional learning, offering a wide range of tools and online platforms that facilitate knowledge expansion.
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) provide immersive learning experiences. By using VR or AR technologies, we can explore virtual environments and simulations, enabling us to learn in a highly interactive and engaging manner.
Online platforms with interactive simulations and virtual labs are valuable resources for practical learning. These platforms offer virtual labs and simulated experiments that allow us to practice skills and conduct experiments in a virtual environment. This hands-on approach enhances our understanding of complex concepts and helps us develop practical skills.
Data analysis tools and coding environments are instrumental in practical learning. Tools like Jupyter Notebook or RStudio enable us to analyze data and practice coding. Online coding platforms provide collaborative learning environments where we can learn from others and enhance our programming skills.
Joining online communities and forums is another way to expand our knowledge base. Participating in discussions, asking questions, and sharing knowledge in platforms like Stack Overflow or Quora allows us to engage with experts and enthusiasts in various fields. Networking with professionals in online communities or through LinkedIn enables us to connect with experienced individuals and seek mentorship and guidance in desired areas.
E. Traveling and Cultural Immersion
Traveling and cultural immersion provide unique opportunities for learning and expanding our knowledge base. By exploring new countries, cities, and communities, we can learn about different cultures, histories, and traditions. Engaging with locals and experiencing their way of life offers insights into diverse perspectives and broadens our worldview.
Participating in cultural events, festivals, or workshops allows us to engage with local cultures and traditions. By actively participating in these activities, we can learn about different customs, art forms, and ways of thinking. Learning local languages further deepens our understanding and facilitates meaningful connections with people from different backgrounds.
Traveling and cultural immersion provide opportunities to gain insights into global perspectives and diverse viewpoints. Exposure to different cultures fosters appreciation for cultural diversity and promotes empathy towards others. By understanding and valuing diverse perspectives, we become more open-minded and adaptable in our personal and professional lives.
Participating in educational travel programs or study abroad opportunities is an excellent way to combine travel and learning. These programs offer workshops, language courses, and cultural exchanges, providing immersive educational experiences in foreign countries. Immersing ourselves in a new environment enhances our understanding of different cultures and helps us develop a global mindset.
F. Adopting a Growth Mindset and Embracing Curiosity
Cultivating a growth mindset is essential for expanding our knowledge base. By embracing challenges and viewing failures as opportunities for growth, we develop resilience and perseverance in the face of obstacles. Learning from mistakes and seeking improvement is an integral part of the continuous learning journey.
Developing a positive attitude towards acquiring new knowledge is crucial. Embracing curiosity and actively seeking opportunities for learning keeps us motivated and enthusiastic about expanding our knowledge base. By staying curious, we maintain a sense of wonder and are more likely to explore new subjects and ideas.
Nurturing curiosity involves pursuing answers to intriguing questions and engaging in curiosity-driven exploration. When we encounter questions that spark our curiosity and interest, we can dive deeper into those topics, seeking out resources and experts to enhance our understanding.
Asking thought-provoking questions and seeking answers through investigation is another aspect of nurturing curiosity. By formulating questions that challenge existing knowledge and assumptions, we stimulate our critical thinking and engage in research and investigation to find answers and gain new insights.
Section III: Maximizing the Benefits of Unconventional Learning
A. Setting Learning Goals and Establishing a Routine
To maximize the benefits of unconventional learning, it is important to set clear learning goals and establish a routine. By defining specific areas of interest and desired knowledge outcomes, we can determine the topics or skills to focus on during our learning journey. Setting achievable and measurable learning targets helps us track our progress and ensures that we stay motivated.
Breaking down larger goals into smaller milestones facilitates better tracking and progress evaluation. Setting realistic expectations and timelines for achieving desired outcomes allows us to make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed. By establishing a routine, allocating dedicated time for unconventional learning activities, and creating a learning-friendly environment, we minimize distractions and optimize our learning experience.
Prioritizing and scheduling learning activities into our daily or weekly routines is essential. By creating a structured plan that incorporates learning into our schedules, we ensure consistent engagement with learning materials. Balancing learning activities with other responsibilities and commitments helps us maintain a sustainable and effective learning routine.
B. Balancing Unconventional Learning with Formal Education
Integrating unconventional learning methods with formal education is a powerful approach to knowledge expansion. Recognizing the value of both formal and informal learning experiences is important. Formal education provides a foundation of knowledge and skills, while unconventional learning methods complement and deepen our understanding.
Finding synergies between formal education and unconventional learning methods enhances our learning journey. We can leverage the knowledge and skills acquired through formal education as a foundation and use unconventional methods to explore specialized areas and gain new insights. Applying interdisciplinary approaches by integrating diverse perspectives and approaches from different fields enriches our problem-solving abilities and fosters innovation.
Leveraging unconventional learning to supplement formal education fills knowledge gaps and allows us to pursue personal interests and explore specialized areas that may not be covered extensively in formal education. By integrating unconventional learning methods into our educational journey, we can broaden our knowledge base and develop a well-rounded skill set.
C. Reflecting and Applying Knowledge
Engaging in reflection and synthesis of acquired knowledge is crucial for deepening understanding and making meaningful connections. Journaling, blogging, or creating content related to our learning experiences helps us process and solidify what we have learned. By reflecting on our learning journeys through writing or content creation, we can document insights, key takeaways, and personal reflections, which reinforce our understanding and provide a valuable resource for future reference.
Connecting new knowledge with existing knowledge and experiences enhances our learning outcomes. Making connections between new concepts and previously acquired knowledge helps us build a comprehensive understanding of complex subjects. Relating new information to personal experiences or real-world examples reinforces our understanding and facilitates application in practical contexts.
Applying acquired knowledge in practical contexts is a crucial step in the learning process. Actively seeking opportunities to use our newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios allows us to consolidate our understanding and develop practical skills. By applying concepts and skills learned through unconventional learning in practical projects or problem-solving tasks, we bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Applying interdisciplinary approaches and combining knowledge from various sources further strengthens our problem-solving abilities. By integrating ideas and perspectives from different fields, we can develop innovative solutions to complex problems and generate unique insights.
Section IV: Conclusion
Expanding our knowledge base through unconventional learning methods is a transformative journey that opens doors to personal and professional growth. By embracing interdisciplinary learning, leveraging alternative resources, engaging in experiential learning, utilizing technology, immersing ourselves in different cultures, and fostering a growth mindset, we can unlock new horizons of knowledge.
Maximizing the benefits of unconventional learning requires setting goals, establishing routines, and finding a balance between formal education and informal learning. Reflecting on our learning experiences and actively applying knowledge in practical contexts deepens our understanding and strengthens our problem-solving abilities.
In a world where knowledge is constantly evolving, embracing unconventional learning methods equips us with the tools and perspectives needed to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. By continuously expanding our knowledge base, we enhance our adaptability, foster innovation, and contribute to our personal and collective advancement.
Section I: Introduction to Self-Study in STEM A. Importance of Self-Study in STEM Fields
Benefits of self-directed learning for aspiring STEM professionals:
Flexibility to explore personal interests and pace of learning
Opportunity to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-motivation skills
B. Challenges of Self-Study in STEM Fields
Identifying common challenges faced by self-learners in STEM:
Lack of guidance and structured curriculum:
Limited access to experienced teachers or mentors
Difficulty in finding appropriate learning resources
Difficulty in grasping complex concepts without formal instruction:
Tackling abstract and advanced topics independently
Overcoming gaps in foundational knowledge
Section II: Strategies for Successful Self-Study in STEM A. Setting Goals and Objectives
Importance of setting clear goals in self-study:
Defining specific learning objectives and desired outcomes:
Mastery of specific STEM subjects or skills
Preparation for exams or future academic pursuits
Aligning goals with long-term aspirations and interests in STEM:
Exploring potential career paths within STEM fields
Strategies for setting achievable and measurable goals:
Breaking down complex subjects into smaller topics or milestones:
Dividing larger subjects into manageable study units
Setting measurable targets for each study unit
Utilizing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals:
Ensuring clarity and specificity in goal setting
Establishing realistic timelines and benchmarks for progress
B. Creating a Structured Learning Plan
Developing a personalized study plan for efficient learning:
Organizing study sessions and allocating dedicated time for different topics:
Establishing a study schedule or routine
Prioritizing subjects or concepts based on importance or difficulty
Balancing breadth and depth of knowledge in STEM disciplines:
Allotting time for both comprehensive understanding and focused exploration
Incorporating active learning techniques and practical application:
Engaging in hands-on experiments, projects, and problem-solving activities:
Applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios
Enhancing practical skills through active engagement
Integrating theoretical knowledge with real-world applications:
Connecting STEM principles to their practical implications
Identifying opportunities to apply knowledge in various contexts
C. Accessing and Evaluating Learning Resources
Identifying reliable and high-quality learning resources:
Utilizing textbooks, online courses, academic journals, and reputable websites:
Researching and selecting resources based on credibility and relevance
Exploring resources that cater to different learning styles
Evaluating the credibility and relevance of resources in STEM fields:
Assessing the author's expertise, qualifications, and reputation
Considering peer reviews, citations, or endorsements
Leveraging technology and online platforms for self-study:
Exploring virtual labs, simulation tools, and educational websites:
Accessing interactive and immersive learning experiences
Practicing experiments or simulations in a virtual environment
Participating in online communities and forums for collaborative learning:
Engaging with other self-learners, enthusiasts, and experts
Sharing knowledge, seeking assistance, and fostering peer learning
D. Building a Strong Foundation in Mathematics and Science
Recognizing the fundamental role of mathematics and science in STEM:
Importance of developing a solid understanding of key concepts and principles:
Mathematics as the language of science and technology
Scientific principles as the foundation of STEM disciplines
Exploring mathematics and science as interconnected disciplines:
Recognizing the interplay between mathematics and scientific inquiry
Understanding the applications of mathematics in various scientific domains
Strategies for effective self-study in mathematics and science:
Practicing problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills:
Solving mathematical and scientific problems independently
Developing logical reasoning and analytical abilities
Seeking additional resources and seeking guidance when faced with challenges:
Exploring supplementary textbooks, online tutorials, or video lectures
Seeking help from online forums, study groups, or mentors
E. Seeking Support and Collaboration
Engaging with peers and mentors in the STEM community:
Joining study groups, online forums, or local meetups:
Collaborating with like-minded individuals for mutual support and learning
Sharing knowledge, experiences, and resources with fellow self-learners
Building relationships with mentors and experts in the field:
Seeking guidance, feedback, and mentorship opportunities
Networking and connecting with professionals for career guidance or research advice
F. Continuous Learning and Adaptability
Cultivating a growth mindset for lifelong learning in STEM:
Embracing curiosity, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for learning:
Staying motivated and eager to explore new concepts and ideas
Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement
Adopting an iterative approach to knowledge acquisition and skill development:
Iteratively revisiting and reinforcing foundational knowledge
Embracing continuous improvement and adaptability in the face of evolving STEM fields
Staying updated with advancements and emerging trends in STEM:
Following industry publications, research papers, and news sources:
Keeping up with the latest discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations
Gaining insights into emerging career opportunities and market trends
Engaging in professional development and attending conferences or webinars:
Participating in workshops, seminars, or webinars for skill enhancement
Expanding professional networks and staying connected with the STEM community
Hello and welcome back to the Autodidactic Podcast. It has been a while since I’ve done a season and I apologise, but I’ve been learning new stuff.
In today’s episode I’m going to cover self-learning and topics include, Goal Setting and Planning, Developing Effective Study Habits, Leveraging Technology for Learning, and Leveraging Technology for Learning, and much more. In this episode we’ll touch on these briefly, but over the course of this season we’ll explore self-learning in a lot more detail. I’ll put the transcripts of each episode with the others on my website autotdidactic.info.
So let’s get started with Goal Setting and Planning:
Setting clear and specific learning goals is essential for successful self-learning. It’s time to define what you want to learn and, more importantly, why you want to learn it. Take a moment to reflect on your passions, interests, and aspirations. What knowledge or skills do you want to acquire?
Once you have a clear goal in mind, it’s important to break it down into manageable chunks. By dividing your goal into smaller, actionable steps, you create a clear roadmap to follow. This helps prevent overwhelm and allows for steady progress.
To ensure your goals are effective, consider using the SMART framework. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Let’s break it down further:
Specific: Be specific about what you want to achieve. The more precise your goal, the easier it is to work towards it.
Measurable: Set measurable criteria to track your progress. This allows you to see how far you’ve come and stay motivated.
Achievable: Make sure your goals are realistic and attainable. While it’s great to aim high, setting unattainable goals can lead to frustration and demotivation.
Relevant: Ensure your goals are relevant to your overall aspirations and align with your interests and values. This ensures that your learning journey remains meaningful and purposeful.
Time-bound: Set a deadline or timeframe for achieving each goal. Having a timeline creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused.
Now that you have your specific goals in mind, it’s time to break them down into actionable steps. Identify the key milestones or steps needed to achieve your goals. This allows you to create a clear roadmap for your learning journey.
Creating a timeline or checklist can be immensely helpful in tracking your progress. By visualizing your goals and the steps required to reach them, you can stay organized and motivated. Consider using calendars, apps, or productivity tools to plan and track your schedule. These tools can help you allocate dedicated time for learning in your daily or weekly routine.
Remember, it’s important to prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. Not all tasks are equally vital, so focus on the ones that will have the greatest impact on your learning goals.
By setting clear and specific goals, breaking them down into actionable steps, and creating a study schedule or learning roadmap, you lay the foundation for a successful self-learning journey. Now, let’s move on to the next section: effective learning techniques.
When it comes to self-learning, employing effective techniques can significantly enhance your understanding and retention of new information. Let’s explore some valuable strategies:
Active learning methods: Engaging in hands-on practice, discussions, and interactive activities is key. Actively immerse yourself in practical exercises, experiments, or projects relevant to the subject you’re learning. By doing so, you’ll gain a deeper understanding and develop valuable skills. Additionally, participate in group discussions, join study groups, or engage in online forums to exchange ideas and perspectives. Teaching others or explaining concepts to someone else is an excellent way to solidify your own understanding.
Using varied resources: Broaden your horizons and explore different mediums to gather information and perspectives. Don’t limit yourself to just one source. Read books, articles, or research papers related to your topic of interest. Take advantage of online courses, video tutorials, podcasts, or documentaries. Each resource offers unique insights and can deepen your understanding from different angles.
Incorporating spaced repetition and review: Regularly reviewing and revising previously learned material is crucial for long-term retention. Use spaced repetition techniques to reinforce your knowledge. Flashcards or spaced repetition software can be effective tools for this purpose. Test your knowledge periodically by challenging yourself with quizzes or practice questions. This reinforces your understanding and helps solidify the information in your memory.
By actively engaging in learning through hands-on activities, discussions, and teaching, using varied resources to gather information, and incorporating spaced repetition and review into your study routine, you can optimize your self-learning experience. These techniques will enhance your understanding, retention, and application of the knowledge you acquire. Next, let’s explore the importance of developing effective study habits.
Developing Effective Study Habits:
Creating a conducive learning environment is essential for effective self-study. Let’s explore some strategies to optimize your study environment:
Find a quiet and comfortable space: Identify a dedicated area where you can focus without interruptions. It could be a quiet corner in your home, a library, or any other peaceful environment that allows you to concentrate on your studies.
Minimize distractions: Turn off notifications on your devices and limit internet browsing during your study sessions. Keep your phone on silent mode or place it out of sight to avoid temptations. Organize your study materials, tools, and resources in a way that they are easily accessible, reducing the time spent searching for what you need.
Managing distractions and staying focused: Practice techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working in focused bursts with short breaks. Set a timer for a specific period (e.g., 25 minutes) and work intensively during that time, then take a short break (e.g., 5 minutes) to refresh your mind. Repeat this cycle, and adjust the timings based on your preference and concentration span. You can also use website blockers or apps that limit access to distracting websites or apps during your study sessions. Additionally, employ mindfulness or concentration exercises to improve your focus and concentration.
Utilizing time management techniques: Effective time management is crucial for productive studying. Break your study sessions into shorter, focused blocks of time. For example, you can study for 45 minutes to an hour and then take a 10-minute break. Set timers or use time management tools or apps to track and optimize your productivity. These tools can help you allocate specific time slots for different subjects or tasks, ensuring you make the most of your study time.
By creating a conducive learning environment, managing distractions, and utilizing time management techniques, you can maximize your study efficiency and create an atmosphere that promotes deep concentration and effective learning. Now, let’s explore the role of technology in self-learning and how you can leverage it to enhance your educational journey.
Leveraging Technology for Learning:
In today’s digital age, technology offers a multitude of resources and tools to enhance your self-learning journey. Let’s explore how you can leverage technology effectively:
Exploring online learning platforms and resources: Research and utilize reputable online platforms that offer courses and educational content. These platforms provide a wide range of subjects and learning materials tailored to your interests and goals. Take advantage of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) that offer free or affordable courses from renowned universities and institutions. Additionally, explore websites, blogs, and forums dedicated to self-learning and educational resources. These platforms often provide valuable insights, discussions, and additional learning materials to supplement your studies.
Utilizing productivity tools and apps for organization: Technology provides various productivity tools and apps that can help you stay organized and manage your learning materials effectively. Use note-taking apps or digital organizers to capture and organize your study notes, research findings, and important information. These tools allow you to easily access and review your materials whenever needed. Employ task management tools or to-do list apps to track your learning goals and progress. These tools help you prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and monitor your progress towards achieving your learning objectives. Additionally, consider trying productivity apps that assist with time management, focus, or habit formation. These apps can provide reminders, timers, or techniques to improve your study habits and boost your productivity.
Using technology for research and accessing educational content: The internet is a treasure trove of information and resources for self-learners. Leverage search engines to conduct research on specific topics or concepts you want to explore further. Make use of digital libraries and academic databases that offer a vast collection of scholarly articles, research papers, and publications. Access e-books, audiobooks, and podcasts to broaden your knowledge and gain different perspectives on the subject matter. Engage with online communities, webinars, or virtual conferences that provide learning opportunities and allow you to connect with like-minded individuals.
By exploring online learning platforms, utilizing productivity tools, and leveraging technology for research and accessing educational content, you can tap into a wealth of resources that can enrich your self-learning experience. Technology serves as a powerful ally in your educational journey, enabling you to expand your knowledge and skills with ease. Now, let’s delve into the importance of self-assessment and feedback in self-learning.
Engaging in Self-Assessment and Feedback:
Self-assessment and feedback play crucial roles in your self-learning journey. Let’s explore how you can effectively engage in self-assessment and seek valuable feedback:
Regularly evaluating progress and adjusting learning strategies: It’s important to reflect on your learning journey and regularly assess your understanding and progress. Take the time to reflect on what you have learned, how well you have grasped the concepts, and whether you are moving closer to your learning goals. Identify areas where you need improvement and be willing to adjust your study methods accordingly. Set milestones or checkpoints along the way to track your advancement and ensure you are on the right path.
Seeking feedback from mentors, peers, or online communities: Sharing your work or progress with trusted individuals can provide valuable insights and constructive feedback. Seek out mentors who can guide and offer expertise in your field of study. Engage with peers who share similar interests or are studying the same subjects. Their perspectives and feedback can offer fresh insights and alternative viewpoints. Additionally, participate in online communities, forums, or social media groups dedicated to self-learning. These platforms provide opportunities to seek input, ask questions, and gain feedback from a wider audience.
Reflecting on successes and areas for improvement: Along your self-learning journey, it’s essential to celebrate and acknowledge your achievements and milestones, no matter how small they may seem. Recognize your progress and the effort you have put into your learning. Celebrating successes helps to motivate and reinforce your dedication. Equally important is identifying lessons learned from both successes and failures. Embrace the valuable insights gained from your experiences and use them as stepping stones for growth. Continuously strive for improvement and embrace a mindset of continuous learning and personal development.
Engaging in self-assessment and seeking feedback are powerful tools that can enhance your self-learning experience. By evaluating your progress, seeking input from mentors and peers, and reflecting on successes and areas for improvement, you pave the way for continuous growth and improvement in your learning journey. Now, let’s move on to explore the mindset necessary for effective self-learning.
III. Mindset for Self-Learning
A. Cultivating Curiosity and a Growth Mindset
Cultivating the right mindset is essential for successful self-learning. Let’s explore how you can develop a mindset that fosters curiosity and embraces growth:
Embracing a love for learning and exploration: Nurture your curiosity by actively asking questions and seeking answers. Maintain a sense of wonder and fascination with the subject matter you are studying. Stay open to new ideas and perspectives, as they can enrich your learning experience and broaden your knowledge.
Recognizing challenges as opportunities for growth: Embrace difficulties as opportunities to learn and develop resilience. Rather than being discouraged by challenges, view them as chances to expand your understanding and skills. Shift your perspective and see mistakes as valuable learning experiences that contribute to your growth.
Overcoming the fear of failure and embracing mistakes as learning experiences: Adopt a mindset that treats failures as valuable feedback. Understand that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. Learn from your mistakes and use them as stepping stones for improvement. Develop a healthy attitude towards errors, recognizing that they provide opportunities for growth and deeper understanding.
By cultivating curiosity, embracing challenges, and learning from mistakes, you develop a growth mindset that fuels your self-learning journey. This mindset encourages continuous improvement and enables you to approach your studies with enthusiasm and resilience. Now, let’s explore some practical tips for maintaining motivation and staying committed to self-learning.
B. Developing Self-Discipline and Motivation
Developing self-discipline and staying motivated are crucial aspects of successful self-learning. Here are some practical strategies to help you cultivate self-discipline and maintain motivation:
Setting intrinsic motivations for learning: Take the time to identify your personal reasons and values that drive your desire to learn. Connect your learning goals to your long-term aspirations and passions. When you understand the intrinsic rewards and benefits of self-education, it becomes easier to stay motivated and committed to your learning journey.
Creating a personal reward system or incentives: Set up a system of small rewards or incentives to motivate yourself after completing tasks or reaching milestones. These rewards can be as simple as taking a short break, treating yourself to something you enjoy, or engaging in a favorite activity. Celebrate your progress and achievements along the way to maintain motivation and discipline.
Building self-discipline through habit formation: Establish a routine that incorporates regular learning sessions into your daily or weekly schedule. Start small and gradually increase the duration or intensity of your study sessions as you build momentum. Use habit-tracking techniques or apps to monitor your progress and reinforce your learning habits. By consistently engaging in your learning routine, you develop self-discipline and make learning a natural part of your life.
By setting intrinsic motivations, creating a personal reward system, and building self-discipline through habit formation, you empower yourself to stay motivated and committed to your self-learning journey. These strategies provide practical ways to overcome challenges and maintain consistency in your studies. Now, let’s explore the importance of reflection and self-care in the process of self-learning.
C. Embracing Resilience and Persistence
Embracing resilience and persistence is key to overcoming challenges and staying motivated throughout your self-learning journey. Let’s explore practical ways to cultivate resilience and persistence:
Overcoming obstacles and setbacks in the learning process: It’s important to expect and accept challenges as natural parts of the learning journey. Recognize that obstacles and setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning. Develop problem-solving skills to effectively tackle obstacles. Be proactive in seeking support or guidance when facing difficulties. Reach out to mentors, peers, or online communities to gain insights and strategies for overcoming challenges.
Cultivating a mindset of resilience and determination: Foster a positive and optimistic outlook, even in the face of challenges. View setbacks as learning experiences that provide valuable lessons for improvement. Cultivate perseverance and tenacity in pursuing your learning goals. Embrace the mindset that setbacks are temporary and that you have the ability to bounce back stronger. Develop resilience by acknowledging your progress and focusing on the long-term benefits of your learning journey.
Celebrating small wins and progress along the way: It’s important to acknowledge and appreciate incremental achievements and milestones. Take time to reflect on your progress and growth, no matter how small. Celebrate small victories to boost your motivation and maintain momentum. This can be as simple as treating yourself to something you enjoy or sharing your achievements with others. By celebrating small wins, you reinforce a positive mindset and fuel your determination to continue moving forward.
By overcoming obstacles, cultivating resilience and determination, and celebrating small wins, you develop the ability to navigate challenges and stay motivated in your self-learning journey. Remember, resilience is a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time. Now, let’s move on to explore the importance of reflection and self-care in the process of self-learning.
D. Seeking Continuous Improvement and Adaptability
To continuously improve and adapt in your self-learning journey, it’s important to adopt a growth mindset and embrace new ideas and perspectives. Let’s explore practical ways to seek continuous improvement and adaptability:
Embracing a growth mindset and seeking constant improvement: Adopt the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and dedication. Embrace challenges as opportunities to stretch and grow, rather than obstacles to avoid. Actively pursue ongoing learning and improvement in various aspects of your life, not just in your chosen field of study. Cultivate a mindset that values continuous growth and lifelong learning.
Being open to new ideas and perspectives: Cultivate a willingness to explore diverse viewpoints and alternative approaches. Engage in discussions or debates that challenge your existing beliefs or assumptions. Seek out experiences or learning opportunities that expose you to different perspectives, whether through reading diverse literature, attending seminars or workshops, or engaging in conversations with individuals from different backgrounds. Embracing new ideas and perspectives broadens your understanding and enhances your ability to adapt and innovate.
Adapting learning strategies based on feedback and changing circumstances: Be flexible and willing to adjust your study methods based on feedback or new information. Recognize when a different approach may yield better results or when circumstances require a change in strategy. Embrace change and adapt your learning strategies to suit evolving circumstances. Stay attuned to feedback from mentors, peers, or online communities, and use it as valuable input for refining your learning approach.
By embracing a growth mindset, being open to new ideas and perspectives, and adapting your learning strategies based on feedback and changing circumstances, you foster a mindset of continuous improvement and adaptability. This allows you to stay relevant and effectively navigate the ever-changing landscape of knowledge and skills. Now, let’s move on to the conclusion of this episode.
IV. Conclusion
In this episode, we have explored various strategies and mindsets for successful self-learning. We discussed the importance of goal setting and planning, effective learning techniques, developing study habits, leveraging technology, engaging in self-assessment and feedback, cultivating curiosity and a growth mindset, and embracing resilience and persistence. We also highlighted the significance of seeking continuous improvement and adaptability in your self-learning journey.
We encourage you, our listeners, to implement these strategies and mindsets in your own learning endeavours. Remember to set clear and specific goals, break them down into manageable steps, and create a study schedule or roadmap to stay organized. Embrace active learning methods, utilize varied resources, and make use of technology to enhance your learning experience. Develop effective study habits, seek feedback, and regularly assess your progress.
Additionally, cultivate curiosity, embrace challenges, and view mistakes as opportunities for growth. Set intrinsic motivations, create a reward system, and build self-discipline through habit formation. Embrace resilience, celebrate small wins, and stay open to new ideas and perspectives. Seek continuous improvement, adapt your learning strategies, and foster a growth mindset.
To further explore these topics and continue your self-learning journey, we recommend exploring additional resources and readings. Look for books, online courses, or educational websites that align with your interests and goals. Engage with online communities, attend webinars, or participate in virtual conferences to expand your knowledge and connect with like-minded learners.
Remember, self-learning is a lifelong journey, and your dedication and commitment to continuous growth will lead to fulfilling and enriching experiences. So, go forth with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a thirst for knowledge.
I hope you enjoyed today’s episode and I’d like to thank you for listening.
Hello and welcome to episode 4 season 3 of the autodidactic podcast. I’m sorry about not getting an episode out last week. I recently started a new job and I just didn’t have time to record an episode. Nor did I manage to edit and post the YouTube video. The show isn’t sponsored or paid for, so really it is just best endeavours. However, I should be able to keep up the weekly schedule, although I don’t know if I’ll be able to always manage to get it out on the Tuesday.
It seems that I need to work on an episode about dealing with sudden changes to your study schedule. I’ve had to cut my ambitions back drastically with regards to the amount of things I’m going to be studying in the next few weeks. I’ve decided that I will carry on the memorisation tasks since they are straightforward, and I’ll keep the literature reading. This is because I can do this on my commute and hopefully will not have a lot of impact. The textbook study will become more difficult, but I plan to keep at least one science topic active.
However, most of the other topics will have to wait, and I’ll try to pick them up later. The good news is that I can still apply the learning and self-teaching techniques to the smaller scale of topics I’ll be studying. This means I can still show you how I am doing and what I am doing with the method I am using.
This week I want to look at how to develop quizzes to give to yourself each study period, but also use these quizzes to generate a test/exam for yourself at the end of each book. This is very straightforward.
I personally use a couple of methods for generating these questions. Let me describe the one which I use with textbooks first. Typically I’m going to be using the book in sections, normally chapters. So I create a folder for the textbook on my computer and start with a text file called Chapter1questions.txt and Chapter1answers.txt.
As I read through the chapter and review I build up questions and answers. I open the two files on my computer and then type the question into the file and then the answer in the other file. This allows me to later concatenate all the chapter files together into one long examination and I can also combine all the answers into one answer key.
You might want to just have one file to keep all the questions in, and one other file for the answers, but I find that breaking them up into small sections for quizzes and combining them later to generate a long exam works better for me.
When I complete the chapter one question and answer files I will leave it, then the next time I start to study I just open the question files for the last section I was one, in this example Chapter one. Save that file as a Chapter1quiz.txt and type my answers into that file. I can then compare with the answer file and review the things I got wrong.
When I create the questions I am typically using the information which I have highlighted in the book. For example if I highlight a header which is: “Areas of misuse in a biological environment.” then I simply change the header into a question: “Name the 10 areas of misuse in a biological environment.”
You can make your own questions easily from the material you have studied, but when you make them there are some things to remember:
Don’t make the answer yes or no. This is too easy and doesn’t force you to recall the information
Don’t use multiple choice for the same reason as above. Open ended questions are always best.
Fill in the blank questions can be useful, but should be limited.
To encourage better questions, think about and focus on some of the tougher or more important concepts you encountered in the lesson, and then propose questions that start with “explain” or that use “how” and “why” framing.
Take a page out of project-based learning and ask driving questions such as “Why do leaves have different shapes?”
Open ended or essay format questions are excellent for measuring higher level cognitive learning and overall comprehension of a subject. When writing good open-ended questions, keep the following tips in mind:
Be sure that the test question clearly states the answer you are seeking. For example, ‘explain an election outcome’ is a poor question.
If you are looking to test comprehension, a good opening line for the test question is, ‘Explain the following…”
If you are seeking to test the student’s ability to analyse a concept, a good opening phrase for your test question is, ‘compare and contrast…..”
I am also trying to memorise things and here I have a different approach. I need to have a set of prompts and then I fill in the answers. For example I am memorising all the squares from 1 to 100 and to prompt myself to recall them I just printed a paper with the numbers 1 through 100 with one number per line and I tried to write the square down beside each number.
But to do it the other way from the square to the square root I can’t just list the numbers, because they would be in order and I could just count up or down. So in order to test myself going from squares to square roots I need the prompts to be in a more or less random order. So to do this I use excel and create a random number field beside the answer and then sort it by the random number and print the prompts.
So when you are trying to create recall questions you should only need the prompt.
That is all for this week, a very short episode, but hopefully I will be able to get back to doing a longer format show next week. If you have any comments or suggestions please feel free to comment on the website, autodidactic.info or on the YouTube channel. I try to respond as quickly as I can. You can also email me at rick@autodidactic.info .
I will put a link to the YouTube channel in the show’s transcription and show notes on the website.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to record a YouTube video for the previous episode.
Welcome to the audodidactic podcast season three, episode three. If you’re a new listener welcome aboard and if your a returning listener welcome back.
In season one I covered a lot of the methods regarding how to be an autodidactic, and in season two I covered autodidactics of the past and some of the methods they used for self learning. This season I’m doing a series called “My Destupidifacation”. I will be using all of the techniques and methods I’ve discussed previously to show these techniques in action. However, since a lot of the techniques require some elements that are best shown visually I decided to show what I’m doing on my YouTube channel.
I’ve really been struggling to do all of the study for this season and all of the projects I have ongoing. I counted up all the projects I have and I’ve got 21 project in trail right now. You may be aware that I write books both fiction and non-fiction. I’ve got two fiction books to complete which are already twelve months over due, and I’ve got a non-fiction book proposal to complete before the end of next month. I’ll put some links in the show notes if anyone is interested.
Later in the season I’m going to try and cover off some time management techniques I’ve been using, but also show how to prioritize and juggle some tasks.
However, this week on the Autodidactic podcast I’m going to look at textbook study, and creation of quizzes for yourself as you learn.
I’ve done two complete episodes on textbooks studies in season one. Episode seven and episode eight are both about studying textbooks. I recommend you listen to both of these if you haven’t already done so.
In season one, episode seven I discussed how to read a textbook to increase comprehension and retention of information using one of the three different study methods I described. These three methods were: P2R, SQ3R and S-SUN-R.There are probably at least a dozen different systems developed to help students understand what they read, and they’re all very similar but these are three of the most popular. You probably want to use a combination of these methods.
The first one we’re gonna talk about is a three step approach called P2R (or Previewing, Reading and Reviewing) and it’s designed for textbooks from easy to average level of difficulty. This isn’t for the really difficulty or information dense textbooks, but easier level or average level.
The first step is to preview a chunk of the textbook, e.g. ten pages, one section, one chapter. Something small and defined. You skim through this section, reading the section headings, or first sentence of the paragraphs, anything in bold print or italics, have a look at any figures, tables or charts. While you are doing this note down any questions this might bring up. You’ll try to look out for answers to your questions when you start active reading.
Once you’ve previewed, write down any information you gleaned while previewing Right yourself some sample questions, write a brief summary of what you think you’re going to get and then move on to active reading.
During active reading you are typically highlighting things, or putting notes in the margins, or writing in your notebook. Keep in mind when you’re when you’re highlighting. You’re just trying to highlight things that will be useful and relevant in summary later.
After you’ve completed your chunk of reading or at the end of the chapter, you need to review and do something to reinforce the important information. Now there’s a number of ways that you can review the text material, but the four most common ones are.
First, you look at your highlighted entries or the notes, and you read them aloud. You write questions in the margin of your text or notes at the end of each chunk, and then when you finished reading the entire chapter, you recite the answers to your questions
Secondly, used the headings to recite the key information on cover the details with your hand and then recite using only the headings as a clue.
The third ways to do some or any exercises or questions they may have at the end of chapter. Many textbooks have this sort of thing, at the end of chapters.
And finally, you can take the end of chapter tests or online test to review and monitor what you’re learning.
You can use SQ3R for more complex textbooks, but you can also use it for the easy ones.
SQ3R was developed by a fellow called Frances Robinson in 1941 on is probably one of the most widely taught system. SQ3R is an acronym for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review. And this time we have five steps.
the five steps are:
Survey- you survey the chapter before you read it. You go through the chapter quickly, you glance at the headings, you read the final paragraph to get a general idea and the main points so very similar to the previous method and then question.
Question – Before you begin to read each headed section of your chapter, you turn the heading into a question. For example, you may have a heading “housing population” and so you would typically turn that into a question.
Read – So the next step is to read the material underneath the heading to try and find the answer to the question which you generated. Turning heading into a question helps you focus your reading, and the reading in this section helps you locate the answer to your question. Hopefully, and so you’ll get actively involved in the reading material. As you read the selection, see if you can answer your question and then the next bit is recite.
Recite – So at the end of the section the headed section, recite the answer to the question that you formulated. Recite the answer in your own words, though, so that it’s a summary without looking back at the text. And if you can’t recall part or all of the answer, then go back to the section again and then try and jot down the answer in a sort of an outline or a summary form. But don’t take any notes until you’ve read the entire section, and then the next step, the final step is review.
Review – So after you finished reading through entire chapter, look over the notes that you made to familiarize yourself with the important information and then check your memory by covering up your notes and reciting the main points out loud, and then cover each point in your notes and recite subordinate points that you’ve noted. So this type of review should only take five minutes because you’re only review in a very small subset of what you’ve, that you’re only studying a small subset.
The final system I want to talk to you about is called S-RUN-R. The S-RUN-R system was developed by a lady Nancy Bailey. This combines review steps to better help you with your comprehension because you’re focusing on one section at the time. This is also a useful technique for difficult or advanced textbooks which are, information dense.
The five steps here are:
S, survey
R, read
U, underline,
N, note taking
R, review
I cover this in detail in the season one, episode seven podcast and it would take too long to got through it all again here, so I recommend you go back the listen to that podcast. The advantage of using this particular system is that it highlights all the important information in every section in every paragraph, and it increases repetition as well, because you get more repetition of the important points because you’re not just highlighting it.
So how do you go about marking up your textbook? The main two methods are underlining or marking with a pencil. You can use either, but I would recommend that you use a highlighter, since this forces you to read a second time. You might think you get the same effect with underlining but studies have shown that people tend to look at the pencil like rather than the words. Highlighting doesn’t have this disadvantage.
When marking, markup sentences where possible. If you ‘re highlighting keywords, then you need to use linking to connect them together. While marking just try to remember to mark things in a way that they’ll make sense when you review a month or six months later. This is why it is better to mark meaningful phrases instead of just words.
Diversity is great, but not when it comes to text highlighting. You’ve probably seen people who have 10 different colour highlighters and they have one colour for facts, one for opinion, one for keywords, another colour for examples, etcetera. I would advise against this. It makes you think more about the colouring than the content. Using two colours is really the maximum.
What to mark? Headings, subheadings, main ideas, supporting details, definitions, examples, and statistics are important. Mark the main ideas of the section. Main ideas are the general statements that the author makes about the topic. The main idea statement, or topic sentence, is generally found in the first or second sentence of a paragraph.
Look for definitions, examples, facts, statistics, and signal words. Lists or enumerations, like definitions, should almost always be highlighted. Don’t omit information included in charts, graphs, and other diagrams. The information under photos, in footnotes, and in boxed features is also important to your understanding of the material.
For Math or Science books make sure to highlight all formulas, as well as any problems.
Remember you don’t want to over mark, it will simply increase your review times! If you highlight everything, you might as well just read the book again.
Be sure you’re not under-marking as well. You need to get all the important information, and not miss anything, without marking too much. So you need to be like goldilocks and mark it just right. Practice will help here more than anything else. As you get experience in marking and reviewing later you’ll find the sweet spot.
You also need to use your highlighting to generate self-tests and quizzes. You use these markings and turn them into questions which your future self can be tested on and review. It will help you to solidify your knowledge and make sure you’re retaining what you need.
I’ll show you on the YouTube channel how I use a pdf reader called Okular to highlight pdf’s and show you how to generate quizzes into text files which can then be combined into tests or examinations.
I will post any links to the YouTube channel on the autodidactic website and in the transcription of this podcast. The transcriptions and the links are at https://autodidactic.info
If you have any comments or suggestions regarding this series or any of the previous series you can contact me at rick@autodidactic.info. Or post a comment on the website or on the YouTube channel.
That you for listening and I hope to see you next week.
Hello, everybody, and welcome back to the show. This is Episode 8, Season 1 of The Autodidactic Podcast. Today we’re going to discuss textbook highlighting.
If you’re new to the show I would like to welcome you and if you are returning, I’d like to welcome you back. As always, I really enjoy getting feedback for this show. So if you’re interested in giving me some feedback, you can email me at rick@autodidactic.info. You can make comments on the website as well where I will be uploading the show notes for this show as well as others.
Why should you mark up your text books?
When done correctly, text marking promotes active reading, condenses the
material for later review, increases your comprehension, and serves as a mini
comprehension-monitoring system.
Active reading
By marking your textbooks as you read, you can achieve a high level of concentration and knowing that you should mark specific sections as you read helps keep you alert. It gives you a purpose for
reading. To mark your text effectively, you have to think about the content of the chapter. You constantly need to make decisions about what’s important and what isn’t.
Condense Material
Because you are highlighting the important areas, there is not need for you to read the entire section again for review. You only need to review the highlighted areas.
Increased Comprehension
Identifying and marking the main points and then looking for supporting details help you understand the text. When you highlight you’re effectively reading twice, because your eyes will follow the marker and reinforce the reading.
Feedback on comprehension
Highlighting also monitors your comprehension because it gives you feedback on if you are paying attention. If you’ve highlighted everything, then it means you have not been looking for the important information and making decisions about what is or isn’t important. If you haven’t highlighted anything in a large section it means you’ve not understood well enough, or that you were distracted while reading.
So how do you go about marking up your textbook? The main two methods are underlining or marking with a pencil. You can use either, but I would recommend that you use a highlighter, since this forces you to read a second time. You might think you get the same effect with underlining but studies have shown that people tend to look at the pencil like rather than the words. Highlighting doesn’t have this disadvantage.
Before you underline or highlight anything, you need to have completed the reading of the section. After you’ve read the section, have a little think about what parts were important, then go back and find those areas and highlight them. Don’t mark anything until you complete the section. If you start marking right away then you might mark something important which actually isn’t. In addition marking while reading interferes with comprehension.
When you do mark, make sure to highlight in the direction of the text to force a second reading. Don’t highlight the text backwards. You also should you a soft shade like yellow or pink, this is because highly fluorescent colours tend to cause eye-strain when you go back to do your reviews.
When marking, markup sentences where possible. If you ‘re highlighting keywords, then you need to use linking to connect them together. While marking just try to remember to mark things in a way that they’ll make sense when you review a month or six months later. This is why it is better to mark meaningful phrases instead of just words.
I recommended you only do highlighting, but don’t throw away the pencil just yet. While you’re marking up the textbook use your pencil to make notes in the margins. Mark margin notes about areas where you disagree with the author, or put a question mark if you need more information about this particular point. You can use margin notes to make a summary of the keywords and creating a link between them.
But don’t over use the margin notes. You defeat the object of highlighting if you’re creating huge summaries in the margins.
Keep It Simple Stupid – The kiss principle.
Diversity is great, but not when it comes to text highlighting. You’ve probably seen people who have 10 different colour highlighters and they have one colour for facts, one for opinion, one for keywords, another colour for examples, etcetera. I would advise against this. It makes you think more about the colouring than the content. Using two colours is really the maximum.
One thing about colours however. If you’re using a used textbook which has already been highlighted make sure you get a different colour for your highlights. This might be difficult if the previous owner was a multiple-colour highlighter.
Another time consuming exercise in futility is the multiple symbol method. This is where people underline, double underline, circle, bracket, use asterisks, etc. The idea being you have a set of symbols you use to encode the review material. This is very time consuming, and often leads to over-marking the text. You spend too much time thinking about the system instead of the content.
A simple system will help focus on the important information without the distraction of remembering various symbols, or colour combinations.
Now that we have discussed how to mark, the next step is figuring out what to mark. In the past you’ve probably caught yourself thinking; “I wonder if I should mark this?” Until you become experienced at marking, it’s better to mark a little too much rather than not enough.
There is no real set of rules for what you should mark. But, headings, subheadings, main ideas, supporting details, definitions, examples, and statistics are important. Even though they’re not always identified by bold or italic print. So let’s go through some good practice guidelines for marking up information.
Mark headers. It is very likely that headings in the text are important, since typically, they are a summary of the most important idea of the section.
Mark the main ideas of the section. Main ideas are the general statements that the author makes about the topic. The main idea statement, or topic sentence, is generally found in the first or second sentence of a paragraph. Sometimes authors don’t directly state the main ideas; they only imply them. However, as you practice looking for these main ideas you’ll find the implied ones. You want to write the implied idea in the margin notes.
Focus on the supporting details. Look at definitions, examples, facts, statistics, and signal words, etcetera. You should absolutely highlight definitions, and perhaps even load them into a SRS, spaced repetition program in order to learn them off by heart.
Look through the examples and highlight where the example is illuminating the idea.
Lists or enumerations, like definitions, should almost always be highlighted. They contain itemised information.
Facts or statistics are also worth highlighting a because they will support the main idea.
Some important information is found outside the regular body of the text. You need to read and mark any definitions for technical terms, even if they’re in the left-hand margin. Don’t omit information included in charts, graphs, and other diagrams. The information under photos, in footnotes, and in boxed features is also important to your understanding of the material.
For Math or Science books make sure to highlight all formulas, as well as any problems that
you want to review. Be sure you also mark the text material that explains or discusses that formula or problem. The prose material material is as important as or perhaps even more important than the problems.
Finally it is probably worth highlighting negation words like, but, however, on the other hand, conversely, etcetera. This is because they are showing a change in the authors direction in this area. So you’ll need to highlight them in order to avoid confusion later when reviewing.
So now we know how to make, and what to mark, how much should we mark? Well, the correct answer is “just enough”. But what does that mean. Firstly, you don’t want to over mark since this will lengthen your review times, if you highlight everything, you might as well just read the book again. You need to be actively looking for important ideas and information.
However, being overly concerned about over-marking can lead to another problem which is under-marking. Marking too little means you’re probably only marking the headlines or key words. But you should also highlight related details. You may miss important information by trying to pick out only one or two important points in each paragraph or headed section. You may have heard or read that you should mark only one main point in each paragraph or that you shouldn’t mark more than 20 percent of the words on a page. This might be good rules-of-thumb, but actually you need to mark all the information which you need in order to understand and retain all the important information.
So both over-marking and under-marking are a problem. Just like Goldie-locks you need the find the one that is just right.
Remarking and review. After you’ve marked your textbook, on the next review don’t leave the highlighter behind, pick a second colour for your second review. So I recommended you only use one colour when you highlight, but this time you’re not highlighting, you are re-highlighting and therefore you need a different colour from the first time.
The idea here is if you have to remark the material you are once again engaged and actively reading the material. As you reread the marked selections, you can determine whether or not the information is important enough to review again. The first time you read the chapter, everything was new
to you. At that time, many things may have seemed important. After having completed the chapter, worked through text questions or a study guide, read or listened to other material, you should be able to reduce the text material even more.
When you review you might also want to rewrite and summarize the information into a notebooks. One really good method of review is to generate a mock examination from the information on a separate sheet of paper. Don’t make multiple choice questions however since this might lead you to remembering incorrect information. Write a broad question for each heading or subheading and then
as many specific questions as you can.
After your review, have a think about your markings.
Did they make sense?
Did you mark all the important information the first time around?
Does the markings retain and contain the meaning of each section?
Giving yourself feedback on your markings will help you in future markings. You’ll get better at it as you go along. For an autodidactic, there probably isn’t going to be a test or examiniation in your future. So you’ll need to review your books periodically and having a good well thought out set of markings will reduce the time you need for review.
That is all for today, thanks for listening and I’m glad you joined me. Next week, we’re going to talk about taking lecture notes. Thank you very much.
Today we’ll go through three reading and study methods, P2R, SQ3R and S-SUN-R. These methods help to increase comprehension and retention of information when using textbooks.
Welcome to the Autodidactic Podcast with your host Rick Dearman.
Hello, and welcome back to the Autodidactic Podcast. This is Episode seven Season one. Today I’ll be covering the topic of studying and reading textbooks and the methods that you can use to read textbooks in order to get the most out of them.
I’ve struggled to record the podcast this week because I’ve been so busy myself studying. I recently began or rather re-started doing some assembler language programming using a raspberry pi. And this led me down a rabbit hole that had me reviewing various microprocessors. And assembly language instructions on day finally down to electronics and on creating an eight bit computer with a bread board on some chips. One of the reasons for mentioning this is I’m planning to do a short podcast sometime in the future that discusses how you can keep yourself from being distracted from your primary goal of learning and study and not going down a particular rabbit hole because you find something interesting and go off on a tangent. But that’s for a later date.
Today we’re going to discuss text reading and studying and there are a lot of systems for doing this, but today we’re going to cover three of them in particular, So let’s get into it.
The three systems that I’m going to talk about today are called the P2R to reading and studying system, the SQ3R studying system and the S-RUN-R reading and studying system. Now there are probably at least a dozen different systems developed to help students understand what they read, and they’re all very similar.
We’re going to discuss these three today, but it doesn’t really matter how you use each system or how much of it, and you just need to choose the one that works best for you. And you might discover that one method might work well with one type of study, and another one works better with a different type of study. Or you might decide to mix-and-match and chop-and-change to create your own method as appropriate. And all of that is fine. It’s not a problem, but these are the standard systems that most people will be taught if they are taught a reading and studying system.
Most people don’t like to teach or to learn long complicated systems, and although some systems are very long and do work, the students don’t use them because they take too much time. So you can try and get a much out of your textbook as you can with a simpler approach.
And now the first one we’re gonna talk about is a three step approach called P2R and it’s designed for textbooks from easy to average level of difficulty. This isn’t for the really difficulty or information dense textbooks, but more of the sort of, you know, easier level or average level.
So you use the P2R to on the entire chapter or on 10 page chunks. If the chapters are too long, all right, and basically, what you’re doing is your previewing, you’re reading it actively and then you’re reviewing it.
So the first thing you do is you preview the entire chapter or the 10 page chunk that you’ve chosen to study and you actively read by highlighting or taking notes as you read. And then finally you review using an active strategy, such as reciting it, answering your review questions or writing questions in the margin. So that you’re not just sitting there reading the text chapters. You need to be engaged, actively reading and reviewing.
I mentioned this in a previous podcast where I said, When you study, you should be writing yourself out little test questions so that you can give yourself quizzes weekly and and examination monthly, sort of thing. So the three steps again, our preview read actively in review.
So in the preview, you should always preview the chapter before you read it, and the preview is a brief overview of the chapter, which you do before reading. So previewing doesn’t take a lot of time or effort, and you can usually do it in like five minutes. So the first thing you do is you read the title of the chapter, then the introductions, the outline, any structured overview. You look at any visual displays of key information at the beginning of the chapter, etcetera.
If it doesn’t have an introduction or an outline, you just read the first couple of paragraphs. And as you turn the pages of the chapter, read all of the headings. Anything that’s in bold print, have a look at any pictures or tables or graphs. But you know, don’t bother reading the text that the bulk of the text that goes along with it. Here you’re just trying to get a summary in your head and an overview of what it is you’re going to be studying. If you don’t have a lot of information, visual tables, that sort of thing. What you can do is just read the first two paragraphs and the last two paragraphs in order to get sort of a summary.
Once you’ve previewed, write down any information that you gleaned while previewing, right yourself. Some sample questions describe a brief summary of it of what you think you’re going to get and then move on to active reading.
Now, the second step is active reading, so you need to be doing something whilst reading. So one way that you could become an active readers by marking up your text and you see a lot of people do this with markers, you know you’re going through and you’re highlighting things. So after you read a paragraph or a headed section pause to think about what you read and then go back with a highlighter to mark any material, you think you want to review again. So that you’ve highlighted any information that you believe will be relevant to yourself, and you’re trying to condense this into a summary for your review later.
Now you can run into a lot of problems with highlighting, and I’ll probably wind up doing another podcast where we just discuss highlighting text, because many people over highlight things. But just keep in mind when you’re when you’re highlighting. You’re just trying to highlight things that will be useful and relevant in summary later.
Okay, so you’ve completed the first two steps, and then the final step is the review. So after you’ve completed your chunk of reading or at the end of the chapter, you need to review and do something to reinforce the important information. Now there’s a number of ways that you can review the text material, but the four most common ones are.
First, you look at your highlighted entries or the notes, and you read them aloud. You write questions in the margin of your text or notes at the end of each chunk, and then when you finished reading the entire chapter, you recite the answers to your questions
Secondly, used the headings to recite the key information on cover the details with your hand and then recite using only the headings as a clue.
The third ways to do some or any exercises or questions they may have at the end of chapter. Many textbooks have this sort of thing, at the end of chapters.
And finally, you can take the end of chapter tests or online test to review and monitor what you’re learning.
You don’t need to use all of these strategies, but you should try as many of them as you can, after you complete your reading. And then try and find the one that works best for you that allows you to remember the most. Now the advantage of the P2R reading study is it’s very efficient with text material by previewing actively reading and then reviewing your text. You should be able to significantly increase your comprehension, and you may find it takes less time to read the chapter, and then you have an increase in interest, and it builds up a background for your comprehension.
Previewing the chapter basically builds up this background before you start reading and then it reduces the reading time. You would think that previewing would appear to add time to your reading, but it probably reduces the total time it takes you to read the chapter and you can test this yourself. Just select a section in a chapter, and time yourself is you read it and then select another one where you’ve done the previewing and then read it and, you know, figure out which chapter took more time.
You generally find that you’ll get an increased interest in the chapter because of the previewing. And this is especially true when you’re reading something that you find boring. Because as you preview, you may notice a particular topic in the middle, which seems more interesting. And then you’ll be able to read to get to the good stuff as it were. And then because you’re reviewing periodically either 10 pages or a chapter, it helps you reinforce this information that you get, and without reviewing, you can’t really be sure that you understood the material and that you need to be quizzing yourself and then marking up your your the text or taking notes.
In addition to aiding your comprehension will actually help you prepare later for another review. Or if you do have actually to take examinations, it’ll help you when you’re reviewing, for for those sort of things. So that’s the first system. The P2Rreading system, and then the next one we’re going to discuss is something called the SQ3R. Now the SQ3R was developed by a fellow called Frances Robinson in 1941 on is probably one of the most widely taught system. So if you’re going into a sort of a high school or university, someone probably would teach you the SQ3R system.
What does it stand for? SQ3R is an acronym for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review. And this time we have five steps. And use these five steps to review textbooks. Some of the steps are very similar to those in the aforementioned P2Rmethod, but the main difference is that the steps were performed on each headed section rather than on 10 page chunks on whole chapters.
So, as you see, this difference makes this particular method a bit more time consuming. Because of this, you may want to save that SQ3R for more difficult textbooks. And because although it will take, ah, lot of time, many people find this a bit more effective for longer or more advanced textbooks.
So the five steps are:
Survey- So you survey the chapter before you read it. You go through the chapter quickly, you glance at the headings, you read the final paragraph to get a general idea and the main points so very similar to the previous method and then question.
Question – Before you begin to read each headed section of your chapter, you turn the heading into a question. For example, you may have a heading “housing population” and so you would typically turn that into a question. What is and then the heading, But formulating a question forces you to think about what you’re going to read before you read it.
Read – So the next step is to read the material underneath the heading to try and find the answer to the question which you generated. Turning heading into a question helps you focus your reading, and the reading in this section helps you locate the answer to your question. Hopefully, and so you’ll get actively involved in the reading material. As you read the selection, see if you can answer your question and then the next bit is recite.
Recite – So at the end of the section the headed section, recite the answer to the question that you formulated. Recite the answer in your own words, though, so that it’s a summary without looking back at the text. And if you can’t recall part or all of the answer, then go back to the section again and then try and jot down the answer in a sort of an outline or a summary form. But don’t take any notes until you’ve read the entire section, and then the next step, the final step is review.
Review – So after you finished reading through entire chapter, look over the notes that you made to familiarize yourself with the important information and then check your memory by covering up your notes and reciting the main points out loud, and then cover each point in your notes and recite subordinate points that you’ve noted. So this type of review should only take five minutes because you’re only review in a very small subset of what you’ve, that you’re only studying a small subset.
Some of the advantages is that it breaks the task down into very small segments and has a built in comprehension system. There’s a great deal of repetition here, so this is another advantage because it allows for repetition of important information. And because you’re focusing on smaller segments of the material. If you’re focusing on smaller segments of a really difficult or advanced textbook, it can make it a lot easier for you and very helpful. Because it’s a smaller chunk and it feels more manageable and you’re not being overwhelmed. And then, of course, you have your built in comprehension model / monitoring because you’re you’re testing yourself on this, repeatedly as you go through.
You can change this to be more effective. You don’t have to use it for every reading assignment. Usually you would only use it for difficult textbooks. You know this this method the SQ3R method, because with easy text, the other system that we mentioned before the P2R are is probably easier to use with smaller, less information dense text.
And you you wanna formulate a broad question. Because typically these textbooks have a lot of information just in the headed section. You know, just in that sentence, you can generate a lot of open ended questions like; What is; Why is; How does this work? etcetera and then highlight the answer to your question.
So instead of just reading as you’re going through, make sure you’re highlighting the answer. So when you find the answer to your question highlighted and then recite the headings as clues and, the highlighted answer. And now this may be able to be used with some mnemonic techniques that we talked about last week. To help you try and remember the journey through the textbook. And then at the end of the chapter, you need to go back and review all of the questions for all of the headed sections. So this is the repetition piece. So you you’ve done each, say you’ve got 10 headed sections, you’ve done all 10 of them. You have 10 questions, and at the end of the chapter, you go back and you review all of them.
The final system I want to talk to you about is called S-RUN-R. The S-RUN-R system was developed by a lady Nancy Bailey on this combines review steps to better help you with your comprehension on because you’re focusing on one section at the time. This is also a useful technique for difficult or advanced textbooks which are, information dense.
The five steps here are S, survey and then you have R, read U, underline, N, note taking and then review.
Survey again is you simply serving the entire chapter. You read the title introduction headings, subheadings, summary, etcetera. And this is very similar to the previous two, try and build up a background and interest. So this isn’t going to take you long. It shouldn’t take you more than five minutes to do, and it has taken you longer than five minutes. Then you’re probably you’re probably reading too much or stopping too long to look out illustrations or tables or whatever.
So after you’ve done that, instead of formulating a question before each section, you write the heading of the section that, the section heading, on a piece of notepaper and then just copying out the heading makes you pay attention to it and focus your reading. And then you read the section as if you would, you know, reading any other text material and then critically thinking about the material as you’re reading it.
Now, after you finish each paragraph, think about the important bit of the paragraph and underline or highlight only the important bit. So if the important bit is just a single word, just highlight that one. Or if it’s one sentence, highlight that. If you’re highlighting the whole paragraph, chances are you’re over highlighting. For now. Just just think about the information you think you may need to recall and highlight the particularly important information. Now, as soon as you’ve completed all the highlighting for the entire section, so you’ve highlighted paragraph by paragraph and you you’ve completed that section. Then you need to open your notebook and start taking some notes.
So you take notes on the key information, which you should have already highlighted and briefly summarized this information in your own words. And then you skip to the next line on write the notes of meaningful phrases as you do it.
So you have in your notebook, you would basically have the heading title that you’ve written down. You have a brief summary of the section in your own words and then underneath, slightly indented, you put in the highlighted information, the important relevant bits. But you don’t copy what you highlighted. You’re paraphrasing what you’ve highlighted in your own words because, paraphrasing and making it your own will help your comprehension.
Then the final bit is review. So once you’ve completed the entire chapter, you’ve highlighted everything and you’ve done your note taking then you try and recite the key information that you wrote down under the heading. Try and do the end of chapter questions. If there are any. Try and predict the questions that you may get or create self-tests for yourself in order to practice. So this is the review information, and you can do this at the end of each chapter, or you could do it slightly later, but you should try and do it as soon as you can.
Now, the advantage of using this particular system is that it highlights all the important information in every section in every paragraph, and it increases repetition as well, because you get more repetition of the important points because you’re not just highlighting it. You’re actually having to rewrite it and paraphrase it into your notes, and so it will increase your comprehension and hopefully your memory. And then it prepares the text for review later, so if you need a go back and review it, the relevant important information is already highlighted. It matches information in your notes, and you’ll be able to review it quite quickly.
In summary, textbooks are generally different from any sort of normal book that you may be reading. They’re generally written at a higher reading level, they are longer and they’re more information dense. So they don’t just seem harder. They actually are harder. You need to try and keep on top of this on.
Understand what you’re reading and use a reading strategy while you read to try and retain the information. Try and learn to be a critical reader so that you think about evaluate information as you’re reading. Now, using these three systems P2R, the SQ3R or the S-RUN-R will help you increase your comprehension as you as you go through it. The whole point of these is to try and get you actively involved in your reading. So you may find that you only need to use a really simple system like P2R when you’re reading textbooks to get yourself engaged. Or you may need to use one of the more complex systems in order to get a good comprehension or to chunk up the material into a smaller piece that you’re you can work your way through. Or you may decide to just adapt these systems to make it sort of roll your own where you mix and match the best bits.
So you might decide that you like the note taking idea. But you want to use the P2R more simple system. So you may combine P2R our with with note-taking.
That, in summary, is the three main methods. There are many, many other methods, and you could go out and find as many as you like. But I recommend you try one of these three, or try all three, and see how you get on with your information.
Now, obviously, this is for reading textbooks, and it doesn’t really help you, necessarily, if you’re watching videos or you’re, listening to audio. Or you may be doing sort of massive online classes where you’re actually in a lecture and you need to do lecture notes and things like that. So we’ll cover that sort of information later. And what we’re gonna call that is taking lecture notes. So although it may not be, actual lecture notes, in other words, you’re not in a formal lecture. You’re not sat in the classroom. But you might be watching, for example, a YouTube video on how to construct an eight bit assembly language computer with a bread board and you’re gonna decide you’re going to take notes because he’s effectively giving you a lecture. The person with the video.
Whatever the subject is you’re studying. If you’re doing lecture type material like YouTube videos or some of these paid for systems or Khan academy or whatever, you want to take notes to retain that information on, and I know that you could just go back and watch the whole video. But if you just walk to the 30 minute video and there’s only four important points. Do you want to go back and review 30 minutes? When actually, there’s only the relevant bit is two minutes long.
So I want to talk about lecture notes. But one of the things that we also need to review, which goes along and sort of dovetails with this particular podcast is highlighting and marking up textbooks and organizing text information.
Okay, that’s it. So that’s the three methods that I think you should try. The P2R, the SQ3R or the S-RUN-R systems. So next week, we’re going to talk about marking up your textbook on using a highlighter and organizing textual information. So these three podcast dovetail together. It is all about reading, reviewing and studying text books.
I’m hoping that next week I’ll be able to get marking, highlighting and organizing text information all into the same podcast. But if not, and it runs long, then we may or I’m a split it up.
If you enjoyed this podcast, please, please, please tell other people. I mean if if everybody who listen told two people and they listened I might get up to I don’t know, six listeners. But seriously, if you can spread the word, it really helps me out a lot, and it gives me the incentive to carry on. Okay, Well, that’s the end of the podcast. Thank you very much for listening. I hope you enjoyed the information. And I hope you find it useful. And I’ll see you again next week.
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