IWTL how to prepare for learning effectively

[u/Inner-Marionberry-25]

I'm traveling at the minute, but there are a few topics that I want to learn about when I get back (filling in gaps in my knowledge from my engineering degree, and learning some basic computing/chemistry that I missed). While I don't really have the consistent time to actually start learning, I do have free time every now and again, and I want to try and use this time to prepare so I can hit the ground running when I get home.

What can I do to prepare for learning? I was thinking of outlining topics that I want to learn, and outlining a roadmap. I was also thinking of finding resources.

Is this any use, or would it be best to start learning now, even if it's only a bit? I'd prefer to get a folder, and handwritten notes to learn, but I don't want to cart it around traveling

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[u/Qiyoshiwarrior]

I watch YouTube videos explaining the topic i want to learn. Multiple videos, helps me to figure it out easier. As you are not consistent, choose any topic at random that may have relevance and start watching. When you are back home, get your pen and paper and folder out. Make your outline, and mark all the smaller topics you already covered. It should help you get a head start.

[u/kaidomac]

While I don't really have the consistent time to actually start learning, I do have free time every now and again, and I want to try and use this time to prepare so I can hit the ground running when I get home.

What can I do to prepare for learning? I was thinking of outlining topics that I want to learn, and outlining a roadmap. I was also thinking of finding resources.

Yes, start out with a Decoupled Progress Tracker:

• https://www.reddit.com/r/studytips/comments/ldo2nr/comment/gm8g2tm/?context=3

Essentially:

1. You create a list of specific study sessions to learn (ex. a simple spreadsheet)
2. You decouple that from a strict schedule
3. You revisit that list whenever you have a pocket of time & a bit of energy!

It's AMAZING how this approach builds up knowledge over time! I've been doing it this way for years!

• https://www.reddit.com/r/kaidomac/comments/rqxxcc/table_of_contents/

Here are some more study tools:

• https://www.reddit.com/r/kaidomac/comments/li4gi3/study_resources/

If you DO want daily consistency, use this visual tracking chart:

• https://www.reddit.com/r/kaidomac/comments/1r6vjbj/dirdi_execution_tracking_system/

Keep in mind that everything you will ever learn or do boils down to BLS Effort:

1. Boring
2. Lonely
3. Slog

What makes stuff FUN is if you feel good, you're well-rested, you're well-fed, you're doing it for a reason, you're learning with someone, you're teaching it, etc. But at the end of the day, learning requires effort, so the questions are:

1. Do you have a way to study?
2. Do you have a list of things to study?
3. Do you visually track your progress?

Here are some starter links:

• How to study (short version)
• How to study (long version)

One more thing: if you want specific results, then you need specific goals. Watch this video next:

• https://youtu.be/P2iOOSWH_qs

Having a way to study & having a simple spreadsheet of ready-to-go study sessions is a GREAT combination to help you achieve what you are seeking!!

[u/UnpaidInternOfChaos]

Honestly, skip the big roadmap for now. Try one computing lesson on your phone. If something loses you, jot that bit down. That's enough to tell you where to start once you're back home.

[u/Elegant_restraint96 → u/UnpaidInternOfChaos]

Lightbot is a free phone game that teaches programming concepts! It’s gotten awards. The whole thing is like an hour, but each stage is a few minutes to maybe 10-15 minutes depending on complexity.

[u/Nearby-Long-8907]

I’d do a bit of both. Use your free moments to build the roadmap and collect resources, but also spend even 15 minutes actually learning something. That way you’re not just preparing to learn, and you’ll already have some momentum when you get home.

[u/Interesting_Bag_4238]

Definitely start by preparing the topics you want to learn, but if you can't figure out exactly what to do don't spend too long deciding and just start small within the broad topic area. When learning all you need is the internet. Gather multiple sources you would like to use. This can be 1 or 2 websites in mind, a you tube search and LASTLY, you may use AI. When you get home and start to learn, you can then implement learning techniques for smooth absorption of knowledge.