Goal-Oriented Recommendations for IT Trainees
This article primarily addresses those pursuing education in Information Technology (IT), but it also offers methods relevant to all students aspiring for success. The increasing demands of the modern world, such as motivation problems and the need for focus, necessitate implementing effective methods for students, mainly if they aim to succeed. This is especially pertinent for most IT students who partake in distance learning, making this article of greater significance for them.
This article can be read by students themselves as well as by families with students. The methods suggested are suitable for these groups. Every reader will find a behavioral model that suits their character in the following methods.
The article is composed of three main sections. The first section discusses what students need to do regarding mental preparation; the second section offers targeted application recommendations; the final section lists methods that can be implemented in group work.
MENTAL FRAMEWORK
How Should I Prepare My Mind for This Process?
In today’s world, we often experience a feeling of being overwhelmed with tasks and responsibilities. This creates a cluttered and chaotic mental state that hinders productivity due to accumulating tasks in our minds. The learning process should be approached with an acceptance and embrace of its challenges, and strategies should be developed accordingly. In this context, let us begin with the initial stages of mental preparation under ‘Deep Work’.”
Deep Work
Is it about working hard or working intensely? Which is correct? Let us address the matter in the context of ‘deep work’ instead of ‘superficial or shallow work.’ Due to our extensive engagement with social media and watching TV shows or movies, we spend significant time in front of screens. However, redesigning this time according to priorities is an important starting point. Deep work is essential if we want to learn complex things quickly and use our potential to the fullest to create something lasting. According to the Hungarian psychologist Csikszentmihályi, deep work begins when you fully concentrate on your task or focus energetically on it, a particular mental state in humans. So, how do we start deep work? There are two main aspects to consider: Space and Time.
Regarding space, a room in the house or a corner of a room, free from distractions, will suffice. Secondly, time management is crucial. Initially, it is advisable to start with a day or an hour that does not strain our habits for deep work. For instance, it can be a short, deep work session once a week, eventually becoming a daily routine in a suitable time frame. Swiss psychologist Anders Ericsson notes that those new to deep work can do it for one hour daily. Those who master it can engage in deep work for up to four hours daily without breaking concentration. An author and researcher I heard in a radio talk mentioned in his book that the insights everyone praised emerged after what could be termed a five-hour ‘brain warm-up.’ To establish deep work, specific prohibitions should be set. The most crucial aspect is to eliminate all distractions. In today’s world, a digital detox will likely suffice. An internet-free environment seems promising for this purpose. In our deep work, we can find motivational elements that suit our character. A regular environment, a scent, a coffee, etc., can be included. These small details will prepare your mind for deep work.
Recommendations for Efficient Study
Some of the responsibilities of the frontal cortex of our brain, the front part, related to our topic include understanding what we read, remembering, and other activities associated with learning. Let us immediately grab our phones after waking up and engage with visually heavy data like Instagram and YouTube, with their rapid transitions. We initiate a significant flow in the frontal cortex. Consequently, it might seem tedious when you later try to read an article or study. The related brain area has already been exposed to intense and highly transitionary data flow.
Therefore, if you plan to study that day:
Avoid engaging with your phone and social media first thing in the morning.
Engage in activities that release dopamine in your body and evoke a sense of small achievements — for instance, having an excellent breakfast or a short walk. These activities should trigger dopamine release. The dopamine hormone will give you a sense of happiness and help you start the day more hopeful and confident.
Always divide the amount of study into small sections. Create more achievable goals by setting smaller targets. Experience a sense of accomplishment by completing these goals step by step. For example, instead of setting a goal to solve 50 questions today, manage achievable targets like solving 20 questions in the first 40 minutes.
The Parkinson’s Law for Effective Time Management
The first step to facilitate the activities discussed in this article is effective time management. While numerous suggestions can be found in this field, the most crucial aspect is personal willpower. It is vital to act within a framework of positive discipline. The Parkinson method is one of the effective time management techniques.
Parkinson’s Law is a principle that highlights the inefficiency people can experience when given more time than necessary to complete a task. We observe many individuals needing help with time management and the ineffective use of time, preventing many from reaching their full potential. As a simple yet effective time management technique, Parkinson’s Law states that the time allocated to complete a task will expand to fill the time available. For example, if a task that can be completed in 15 minutes is given a five-day deadline, the entire duration will likely be used, leading to inefficiency. Setting unnecessarily long durations for tasks leads to the misuse of time and prolongs task completion. To counter this, it is advised to accurately assess the real-time needed for a task, avoiding overly restrictive and generous timeframes. To increase efficiency, it is suggested that the estimated time be reduced by 10%.
Managing Time and Simplifying Life: The Kanban Technique
The Kanban technique is often encountered, especially for those familiar with the software development life cycle (SDLC) in the IT field. This method, used to make the management of IT companies more efficient and effective, is also employed to enhance individual performance. Derived from the Japanese words meaning ‘signboard’ or ‘billboard,’ this technique focuses on visualizing tasks and limiting workload. The core principle is to visualize tasks and set boundaries. It suggests categorizing tasks into different stages and areas like ‘To Do,’ ‘In Progress,’ and ‘Done’ by writing them on a board or a corkboard (or using post-it notes), thereby organizing and prioritizing work. The technique also has psychological benefits. Completing tasks and moving them to the ‘Done’ category can provide satisfaction and relaxation due to neurochemical changes like serotonin release.
The Eisenhower Matrix — Prioritize
We will help create more manageable goals by prioritizing the workload piled up in front of us according to the matrix shown in the picture, reducing it psychologically and in number. At this point, the Eisenhower matrix divides tasks into four categories, recommending immediate action for ‘Urgent and Important’ tasks while suggesting different methods for the rest. Starting with the most critical and urgent tasks at the beginning of the day or week ensures productivity and reduces the mental burden caused by procrastination. The details are shown in the image.
“When tasks pile up and you do not know where to start, begin with what you consider most important. Start so that you can help yourself reduce mental stress.”
Error Management in IT
A critical area of struggle within the mental framework for the IT field is error management. In coding, everyone encounters errors, and every error inevitably creates a sense of negativity and pessimism, especially if it takes a long time to resolve. I recommend applying the following points in managing errors:
Be determined to combat errors.
Getting an error is fine. When you search the internet for the error you received, you will find hundreds of others have encountered the same issue.
Much can be learned from errors.
Everyone respects a person who encounters and deals with errors.
Sometimes, receiving an error from a wrong solution can be more effective than the right solution.
Provide feedback once the error is resolved.
APPLICATION RECOMMENDATIONS
‘Precise Application Recommendations’
Why Practice is Essential
Let us slightly modify the well-known saying ‘Practice makes perfect’. Instead of ‘practice makes perfect’, consider ‘practice makes permanent’. Let us evaluate this scientifically to understand its reason and grasp the significance of the following practical steps by first learning about our brain’s system.
Mastering any skill requires practice. This process involves the repetition of an action with the aim of improvement. However, what does practice do in our brains to improve us at specific tasks?
Our Brain’s Two Types of Nerve Tissue: Gray Matter and White Matter.
Our brain consists of two types of nerve tissue: gray matter and white matter. Gray matter processes information in the brain, directing signals and sensory stimuli to nerve cells. White matter, primarily composed of fat tissue and nerve fibers, is essential for the movement of our body. For movement to occur, information must travel from the brain’s gray matter to our muscles through a chain of nerve fibers called axons. How does practice or repetition affect the internal workings of our brain?
The axons in white matter are wrapped in a fatty substance called myelin. It is known that what changes with practice is this myelin sheath or coating. Myelin acts like the insulation on electrical cables, preventing energy loss in the electrical signals used by the brain and efficiently moving these signals along nerve pathways. Recent studies in mice have suggested that the repetition of physical movement increases the layers of the myelin sheath insulating the axons. The more layers there are, the greater the insulation around the axon chains, creating a superhighway for the information connecting your brain to your muscles. While many athletes and artists attribute their success to muscle memory, muscles do not have memory. Instead, the myelination of nerve pathways might provide these athletes and artists with faster and more efficient nerve pathways.
At this stage, one suggestion is to practice with vivid details in your mind. Surprisingly, some studies suggest that a physical movement, once created, can be strengthened by merely imagining it. In one study, 144 basketball players were divided into two groups. While Group A physically practiced one-handed free throws, Group B only practiced mentally. At the end of the two-week experiment, it was observed that both the intermediate and experienced players in both groups showed nearly the same rate of improvement. Effective practice is the best way to push our limits, reach new peaks, and maximize our potential.
PreClass Study (Superficial Overview of Concepts Before Class)
This technique, as effective as the repetition technique, is less popular. In IT, preparation activities presented under the name ‘PreClass materials’ serve this purpose. During this stage, resources like YouTube videos, Chat GPT guidance, and Google resources can be utilized. Including concept maps, or mind maps (diagrams showing related concepts and their interconnections with lines), in pre-class materials can enhance retention.
PostClass Study (Post-Class Repetition Technique)
This is one of the best-known techniques mentioned in the literature. The ‘Increasing Interval Repetition Technique’ is the most effective among its various applications. Repetition is done at increasing intervals, such as one hour after the class, the next day, a week later, etc. You can apply this technique according to the following items:
Identify the subject.
Take notes.
Write down the essential parts.
Review the next day.
Repeat on the 4th day.
Review again on the 7th and 14th days.
Writing Technique
Note-taking is crucial for memory retention. This technique can be beneficial when learning to code. In IT education, when initially learning to code, writing it out by looking at each line can be a practical approach instead of copying and pasting code.
Brainstorming
Brainstorming activities with groups can deepen learning. Conducting brainstorming sessions in groups of 5–10 people is one of the most effective techniques. Even if ideas initially seem unreasonable, all participants should be encouraged to engage in the discussion. You will find recommendations for group work below.
Pomodoro Technique
This technique is widely popular among students studying for exams, but it is also highly suitable for anyone engaged in studying. It is particularly beneficial for two groups of people:
1. Those who perceive they have unlimited time and are prone to procrastination.
2. Individuals in fields like IT who remain sedentary in front of computers for long periods.
The Pomodoro Technique involves studying for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break, and after every four cycles, a more extended break is taken. There are numerous countdown and music-incorporated videos on YouTube designed explicitly for this purpose. You can apply the Pomodoro Technique using these videos.
Feynman Technique
Popularized by the renowned physicist Richard Feynman, this technique is based on the principle that “If you can explain something in simple terms so that others can understand, you have truly learned it.” It is a method that involves rephrasing and internalizing information by learning with the intent to teach. Students in the IT field can apply this method by explaining what they have learned after each class to a peer or a family member. According to Feynman, there are four steps to effective learning:
1. Choose a topic.
2. Explain it in simple terms.
3. Identify points of confusion.
4. Use analogies.
Question Formulation Technique
Following the principle that “the quality of a question reflects the quality of the questioner,” students can prepare questions related to the subject matter after each class. They can create 5–10 questions after each lesson. These questions can even be documented and shared on platforms like GitHub or LinkedIn.
Cornell Technique
In today’s world, we face increasing challenges with concentration, compounded by the chaos and uncertainties of life. Note-taking can solve these problems, providing a practical way to materialize thoughts and ideas and address the lack of focus. The goal is to transcribe thoughts into written form and organize them to facilitate recall. The Cornell Method suggests a specific note-taking structure to organize and remember information better. Pre-made templates are available for this purpose, but you can also create your own. Additionally, as a practical step, a digital note-taking application can be used to apply this technique in a digital format. The note-taking process should be customized to fit personal needs and preferences.
Concept Map — Mind Mapping Technique
A concept map or mind mapping involves creating diagrams showing the concepts covered in a subject and their relationships. Tony Buzan’s books and recommendations are pivotal in this area, and consulting related sources can provide detailed information. These maps illustrate where each concept stands in a hierarchy and its connections to other concepts. The philosophy underlying this technique is structuring the mind and reinforcing it through repetition. After classes, students can create their mind maps for the concepts learned that day. In IT education, where a vast amount of information is often delivered quickly, organizing these new concepts methodically with concept maps can simplify the learning process. These mind maps can also be used to build individual portfolios on platforms like LinkedIn.
Various platforms can be used to create mind maps. For example, tools like ‘Xmind’, ‘gitmind.com’, and ‘Canva’ are available.
First Homework — Last Homework Technique
The ‘First Homework’ involves assignments that must be completed within 24 hours of class. ‘Last Homework’ entails assignments to be done before the next week’s class. The philosophy behind this technique is based on the Increasing Interval Repetition method.
Platform Recommendations
To systematically and disciplinedly implement the techniques discussed above, several vital platforms must be considered. Foremost among these is ‘Notion’. The Notion, widely used by professionals, is an application where you can manage all your tasks digitally. I highly recommend using Notion to achieve success. You can find my previous article on using Notion in the field of Data Science.
COLLECTIVE STUDIES
‘Framework for Group Work’
The techniques described in this section have been employed throughout approximately nine months of educational activities and have led to success. These are practical, field-tested recommendations, steering clear of utopian and purely theoretical approaches.
The Importance of Group Work
We often encounter videos on social media illustrating the power of collective efforts. Examples such as young people climbing a wall by helping each other or an ant colony building a raft by linking their legs to cross a river using the surface tension of water are prime demonstrations of this concept. These natural examples are highly relevant for students in the IT field aiming for success. Group work facilitates the emergence of various skills and primarily fosters learning. People remember 10% of what they hear, 20% of what they both hear and see, and 65% of what they discuss, read, and explain to others. Therefore, in group studies, finding listeners and explaining your thoughts to them is crucial. Debate the subjects and engage in brainstorming for idea exchange. Leveraging the power of several minds will be a significant advantage. Everyone in the group will contribute to collective learning by addressing the matter from different angles. One might be proficient in using ChatGPT, another in coding, someone else could excel in team leadership, and another might have taken courses on Udemy. This way, collective learning is achieved.
How to Conduct Group Work
Members should convene outside of class hours for group studies to make weekly plans. It is decided who will present the lesson review on which day, among other responsibilities. While this is based on voluntariness, members are encouraged to push themselves to explain topics, thus reaping the benefits mentioned earlier. The person responsible for presenting the next day’s lesson review must listen more attentively to that day’s class, facilitating effective learning. The day after the class, repetitions are done according to the PostClass technique. Both lesson reviews and reinforcements using solution examples from platforms like Kaggle are conducted. Contributions from other group members result in a comprehensive document called the ‘Master Note.’ In group studies, it is essential to maintain mutual respect and courtesy and not to underestimate the presenter. Success will follow when group members are disciplined and proactive individuals. Proactive people take initiative, focus on the future, and are willing to modify their actions or themselves when necessary. This mindset can be developed over time. All group members should take turns assuming the role of team leader. Group studies contribute not only to technical development but also to enhancing soft skills.
Conclusion
Like other educational programs, education in the IT field should be structured around common educational values and unique dynamics. This is essential for success. Although the practices discussed in this article are recommended for the IT field, they are actually applicable to all levels of education. More details could have been included in this article, but as stated at the beginning, the main focus was to discuss direct, targeted methods leading to success. I thank all my colleagues who contributed to the preparation of this article.
I hope you find it useful..
References:
Barış Özcan Youtube videos (Deep work, Cornell method, Feynman technique, Pomodore technique)
Beyhan Budak, Parkinson method Youtube video
How to practice effectively — TED-Ed Video
