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.
Conversation
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.
2
3
49
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.
19
11
80
Is the new theory any better, though?
I read about constructivism and I don't see my learning style reflected in that theory.
1
What have been your most successful learning experiences (however you define success)?
1
Carefully picking the material I'm going to use, and systematically studying it.
1
How do you pick it? How do you systematically study it?
1
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.
2
1
That’s helpful! When you say “I study it,” what specific actions do you perform?
1
I read, make many highlights, notes and and think a lot about the topic.
1
Replying to
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?
Replying to
The notes tend to be fragments of the source material.
When learning Math these tend to be the theorems and formulas.
In CS, lists of techniques/algorithms.
1
1
A good note allow me to go to the source material when I want to recall something.