Reflections on learning

In reflecting on my learning journey, I've come to several realizations.

During my school days, learning seemed synonymous with memorization, largely due to a teacher's emphasis on rote learning. This approach prevailed partly because I found some subjects boring, leading me to rely solely on memorization.

Simultaneously, I recognized the value of hands-on learning, particularly in science and math, where practical application was essential. Despite this, I didn't fully appreciate its significance during my childhood, as I naturally grasped concepts quickly.

As I transitioned to middle school, my academic performance declined significantly. Disregarding homework and neglecting study, my grades plummeted from a 9 to a 5-6 on average. Nonetheless, I maintained proficiency in mathematics and sciences out of personal pride.

My study method was straightforward: completing assigned tasks from teachers. However, certain subjects, such as literature, necessitated additional effort, involving memorization of dates and definitions, often without genuine comprehension.

As I neared high school, my focus shifted to programming, driven by a desire to develop videogames. Initially attempting to learn C++, I found it daunting and shifted gears towards web development, inspired by my parents' success with WordPress and Joomla.

My learning approach revolved around practical projects, although progress was limited until I set the ambitious goal of obtaining a software development job by 2022. Unfortunately, my endeavors to learn through projects coupled with my belief on creating an innovative project hindered my progress.

For programming, I enrolled in various courses without a coherent structure, leading to fragmented knowledge. This pattern persisted across endeavors such as sales, UI design, graphic design, and broader computer science topics.

My learning challenges were caused by a lack of patience, structure, and clear direction.

Recently, I've begun exploring systems thinking through a video series, which has reshaped my approach to learning. Systems thinking involves organizing and synthesizing information using frameworks and models to build a comprehensive understanding.

To cultivate profound insights, I must construct a mental framework to assimilate new information systematically. An unordered approach to learning proves inefficient; thus, adopting a structured study plan is imperative. By adhering to an already existing curriculum, I can mitigate uncertainty, facilitating rapid and thorough comprehension, even if some concepts might initially feel purely theoretical.

Currently, my focus lies on learning Russian and DevOps.

In pursuit of a more effective learning strategy, I've resolved to commit to a single course or instructor until completion, utilizing supplementary materials sparingly. This approach will enable me to assess my knowledge systematically, identifying areas for improvement and uncovering unknown unknowns.

I believe that embracing this methodology is the key to attaining genuine expertise.