How I learn: setting some ground rules for myself
As the learning begins to ramp up at Makers Academy, I’ve been quite self-conscious on how I’m applying my mind to the learning. I’ve tried to notice what kind of ‘productivity hacks’ work better for me, what ways I can best absorb the information.
I’ve been out of formal education for nearly two years now. However, to my good fortune, going back into learning mode has not been so difficult for me. I think this has two reasons. Firstly, while working in the fast-paced world of the PR agency, I needed to learn things quickly and efficiently — whether that be learning new practical skills, grasping the intricacies of the media landscape or understanding the goals of each client.
Secondly, in a more abstract sense, I am a natural learner. This is one of my go-to self-descriptions when I am asked about strengths in a job interview. But, to me, learning is not just about the subject matter. Whatever the topic may be, I am drawn to the process of teaching and learning.
What style of learning suits me?
Not sure if this part is the same for all ‘natural learners’, but, to me, being flexible in my styles of learning is key to the overall process. Whether that be learning on my own, attending a one-way lecture, or programming with a peer. Mixing different styles encourages you to think about topics from different perspectives and ensures that you fully engage with it. It also trains you to be highly adaptable — not only in terms of learning situations, but also in terms of working and general productivity. So it suits me well that the 12-week Makers Academy course is varied by the four-week remote, self-taught pre-course.
And now, at the end of precourse week two, I’ve laid down a few ground rules for myself to make sure I stay engaged and productive.
Set up a timetable
Every evening, I use Google Calendar to plan out the next day. If I don’t do this, I risk starting my self-study at 9am and not stopping until I’m really tired in the evening. Studying like this also doesn’t feel productive. Without a clear time-markers, I get distracted by social media, reading articles, or making copious amounts of hot drinks.
When I block out a set time to code, I am more inclined to focus all that time on coding. I get to the end of the session and am able to turn my attention more fully on making lunch, for instance. This habit also allows me to scope in time for my hobbies (mainly climbing) and errands, allowing my mind to rest in between intense learning sessions.
Set goals, reflect on goals
These can be short term or long term. In similar vein to the first rule, goals keep me on track. Short term-wise, I ask myself to finish specific exercises before lunch or before dinnertime. In the longer term, I’ve set the goal for myself to blog at least once a week.
In turn, it is important to think back on these goals — did I not achieve it because I asked too much of myself? Could I have done more?
Break down the problem into manageable steps. Always.
One of the excitements of coding is the prospect of building something usable. However, focussing too intensely on that one prospect risks causing more problems in the journey. Eager to get to the end goal fast, I end up skipping out obvious steps, only slipping further away from the end goal. ‘Biting off more than one can chew’ is often heralded as one of the most common mistakes in programming. And, of course, I don’t want to be picking up this poor habit at this early stage.
Rather, every time I get a brief, I must always break down its specifications into clear, step-by-step requirements. If I am to become a great developer, this must become a habit.
Time to learn
Looking forward to attending the Makers Academy on-site course, I’m looking forward to see how my learning evolves there. Another blogpost on ‘learning ground rules’ specific to the course proper may be due as well.
