Knowledge media face an awkward chasm between theories.
The old theory was naive transmissionism: "I'll convey this knowledge by telling you about it." That's effectively books' learning model.
But we know that model's wrong: learning is an active process of assimilation.
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Books (and videos and lectures) sometimes work anyway, but because the learner's doing the heavy lifting—making connections, posing & answering questions, etc
In apprenticeships and great classrooms, the new theory (constructivism) operates: teachers foster active assimilation.
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But what's the equivalent of a "book" which was composed using an effective theory of how its reader will learn? We don't know.
It's a rock and a hard place: we know the old theory's wrong; we don't know how to make media which operate under our new theories.
Exciting times.
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Is the new theory any better, though?
I read about constructivism and I don't see my learning style reflected in that theory.
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What have been your most successful learning experiences (however you define success)?
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Carefully picking the material I'm going to use, and systematically studying it.
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How do you pick it? How do you systematically study it?
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Look at ToC of multiple sources, sort by year, try to pick the most recent, most comprehensive, and most principled (subjective).
Then I study it in sequence. Getting hands-on with the subject can be a bit delayed sometimes.
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That’s helpful! When you say “I study it,” what specific actions do you perform?
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I read, make many highlights, notes and and think a lot about the topic.
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I know these questions feel endless, so feel free to beg out at any time, but I'll continue collecting data until then. :)
Can you describe your note-taking practices? What is a "good" note to you? How do you balance granular vs. syntopic? Any specific principles you use?
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