I think a lot of us are at a crossroads. Our education system is dramatically changing, lifestyles are shifting, job loss is substantial. We're all sitting around wondering what's next? As well, a lot of students are wondering if online education is worth it—in regards to the cost, of course. Independent learning is a concept I've wandered in and out of since dropping out of college in 2014.
Initially, learning outside of school merely meant reading a lot of books. The more information being read, the more knowledge obtained. This is far from true. Sure, tidbits of insights have stuck with me through reading, but I haven't been able to retain the information properly. The solution is to use strategies from school inside my personal knowledge system. My actions across the current system are as follows:
*Note: I'm in the midst of creating a personal knowledge system that does a bit more than this.
My Current Reading Notes Process
Note: Yes, this process can be easier inside a kindle format or other digital eBook, but I like a good old fashion book in my hands.
- Locate each topic as it appears whether the author takes 1 paragraph or 3 pages on the concept. I block these paragraphs and write a short summary in the margins.
- Highlight exceptional insights (log in Notion later)
- Star ideas that I want to know more about. Maybe the author breezed past an idea I know very little about. I'll have my phone by my side and do a quick search for a short summary of the idea. Then, I will continue reading.
- After each chapter, I'll log into RemNote and begin writing notes about the chapter strictly from memory. Then, I'll go back and fill in the gaps.
- I queue up my flashcards everyday in RemNote to store my knowledge inside longterm retention. What's great about Rem is its spaced-repetition capability!
For more technical subjects, I will write more extensive notes in the mobile Notion app that follow the syntax of RemNote and transfer from there. (more about that process here)
Sources For Information?
Lately, I've been using textbooks online believe it or not. Free ones, of course. Also, I'll flip through non-fiction to find a jumping-off point before diving deeper into the subject online. In general, I follow curiosities but remain inside a general topic.
How Many Subjects At A Time?
I don't believe I've ever read one book at a time from front to back. Especially with non-fiction, it isn't optimal to read books front to back. Currently, I'm leaning toward American political history with a focus on policy. Within that subject, I'll branch into American campaigning history as well. Even further, if a particular notable person is influenced by a philosopher, I'll do a quick reading into that realm. Again, my learning process is guided by limited curiosities.
Giving Information Purpose
Knowledge is information with purpose. My purpose isn't actionable per se, in terms of aquiring a skill or landing a job in a new field. I'm following more of a hobbyist path. For me, this mindset allows for the most growth. Right now, I'm pleased simply by seeing my knowledge base grow and making new connections. I'd like to compile some public articles with discernable purpose, but for now, my information is lacking substantial output potential—something I am exploring.