How to Teach Yourself MORE Than You Thought Possible

Summary

In this video, Parker from Park Notes teaches viewers how to design their own self-made university courses to teach themselves more than they ever thought possible. By selecting a topic of interest, creating a syllabus, scheduling study times, and incorporating resources like books, lectures, and online platforms such as Brilliant, viewers can structure their learning and deepen their understanding. The process also emphasizes active engagement through writing papers and participating in discussions with others. This method encourages lifelong learning, self-discipline, and the development of valuable autodidactic habits.

Takeaways

• 😀 Self-directed learning is more effective than you might think. By creating your own university-style course, you can teach yourself far more than you ever imagined.
• 📚 Start by selecting a topic you're passionate about. The key to self-education is pursuing something you genuinely want to learn.
• ⏳ Organize your learning by setting clear time commitments. Treat your study like a course, even if it’s outside the traditional academic system.
• 📝 Design a syllabus for your course. Outline what you'll study, how you'll structure your time, and what materials you'll need.
• 🎥 Use online resources like YouTube lectures, podcasts, and educational platforms like Brilliant to find lecture content and materials.
• 📅 Schedule your study sessions just like a real class. Block out time for watching lectures, reading, and taking notes.
• 🖋️ Write papers or book reviews to synthesize what you've learned. These assignments help solidify your understanding and critical thinking skills.
• 💬 Join discussions with like-minded learners. Engage in conversations on platforms like Discord or social media to deepen your understanding of the material.
• 🔍 Use crowdsourcing to find the best books and papers for your course. Ask others on social media or academic forums for recommendations.
• 💡 By treating your self-learning seriously, you can develop good study habits and become an expert in your field, even before formal academic qualifications.
• 🎓 The key takeaway is that learning doesn't end at graduation. You can keep learning for the rest of your life by continuously creating and completing your own self-designed courses.

Q & A

What is the main idea behind creating your own university-style course?

The main idea is that you can teach yourself more than you ever thought possible by organizing your self-learning into a structured, university-style course. This involves creating a syllabus, finding relevant content (such as books, papers, lectures), and setting up discussions with others to deepen your learning.

How can you find content for your self-designed university course?

You can find content for your course through various channels like online courses, YouTube lectures, academic papers, podcasts, and platforms like Brilliant for interactive lessons. Crowdsourcing book recommendations from online communities is also a helpful strategy.

Why is it important to have a syllabus for your self-study course?

A syllabus helps you organize your study schedule, set goals, and structure your learning process. It also makes the self-study experience feel more official and serious, which increases accountability and helps you stay on track.

What role does setting a study schedule play in self-learning?

Setting a study schedule is crucial for staying organized and making consistent progress. It helps you allocate specific times for lectures, reading, and discussions, which keeps you on track and prevents procrastination.

How does incorporating discussions with others enhance your self-learning experience?

Discussions with others provide different perspectives, help clarify complex ideas, and challenge your thinking. Engaging in conversations with peers or experts can deepen your understanding and reinforce the material.

Can you describe the importance of taking notes during self-study?

Taking notes during self-study is essential for retention and comprehension. It helps you process information more deeply and creates a useful resource for review later. It also encourages active engagement with the material.

What is the benefit of writing papers in your self-designed course?

Writing papers, such as summaries or reflections, helps synthesize the information you've learned and turn it into your own ideas. It also provides a concrete way to measure your progress and understanding of the material.

How can you make your self-study course feel more like a real university course?

By setting a schedule with specific study times, assigning yourself tasks like writing papers, and even simulating the structure of a university course (with 'lectures', 'discussions', and 'exams'), you can make your self-study course feel more formal and legitimate.

What are 'guided readings' and how do they fit into self-directed learning?

Guided readings are self-created courses where you choose a topic and pitch it to a professor for approval. The professor might recommend books or papers, but the majority of the learning happens through independent study. It's a flexible way to structure your research and learning.

What is the significance of the term 'commencement' in the context of lifelong learning?

In the context of lifelong learning, 'commencement' means not the end but the beginning of your education. Once you graduate from university, you have the tools to continue learning on your own for the rest of your life. The skills developed during formal education serve as a foundation for continuous, self-directed learning.