My Top 11 Study Essentials (for self-learning)

Summary

Ruby shares her personal study essentials for a year of independent learning, emphasizing the importance of learning for its own sake. She recommends tools like a trusted notebook, a mini printer for diagrams, commonplace books for idea compilation, library cards for resource access, and academic websites for research. Ruby also highlights the value of summary websites like Wikipedia and the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy for pre-research, as well as digital tools like Notion and MIL Note for organizing thoughts and research. She concludes with the significance of a study playlist and discussing ideas with friends to enhance the learning experience.

Takeaways

• 📚 Ruby is embarking on a year of independent learning, focusing on self-guided education outside of institutional settings.
• 🎓 She emphasizes that while institutional education is valuable, it often leads to the assumption that learning can't occur without it.
• 📝 Ruby will be using a trusted notebook to keep organized notes and jot down random thoughts, aiming to create a mini textbook of key learned concepts.
• 🖨 She plans to use an inkless mini printer for printing diagrams and notes, which is cost-effective and doesn't require ink.
• 📔 Ruby recommends using commonplace books for compiling research and connecting ideas under single themes, enhancing synoptic thinking.
• 🏛 She advocates for the use of library cards, both public and academic, to access a wide range of books and resources for learning.
• 📘 Highlighters, Post-it notes, and dot stickers are among the annotating supplies Ruby suggests for marking and organizing information in books.
• 🌐 Summary websites like Wikipedia and the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy can provide useful starting points for research, with a caution to verify information.
• 🔍 The Oxford English Dictionary online is a valuable resource for etymology and historical word usage, especially for English and history students.
• 🗂️ Notion and MIL Note are recommended tools for organizing research and creating visual mind maps, respectively.
• 📅 An academic planner is essential for keeping track of studies, with features like library book trackers and exam trackers.
• 🎵 A study playlist with classical music or similar focus-inducing tunes is important for maintaining concentration during study sessions.
• 🤝 Having friends to discuss research topics with is crucial for learning, as it aids in synthesizing ideas and reaching solid conclusions.
• 🖊️ Ruby plans to use her iPad and Apple Pencil for digital note-taking, envisioning a similar study approach as when she was at university.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Ruby's video?

The main focus of Ruby's video is to share her personal study essentials for independent learning outside of institutional education.

Why is Ruby choosing to pursue independent learning this year?

Ruby is choosing to pursue independent learning to self-guide her learning journey, explore topics of interest without the constraints of institutional education, and to challenge the assumption that learning can only be adequately done within an institution.

What is the first essential item Ruby mentions for her study routine?

The first essential item Ruby mentions is a trusted notebook, which she plans to use for keeping neat notes and jottings of random thoughts and ideas.

How does Ruby plan to use a mini printer for her studies?

Ruby plans to use a mini printer to print diagrams and other study materials on receipt paper, which she can then annotate, as a cost-effective way to avoid the need for ink.

What is the purpose of the commonplace books in Ruby's study routine?

Commonplace books are used by Ruby to compile research, fit ideas and thoughts together under a single theme, and to discover insights and connections that might not be immediately apparent.

Why does Ruby recommend having a library card for independent learning?

Ruby recommends having a library card to access a wide range of books and resources, support local libraries, and potentially gain access to academic libraries for a more comprehensive collection of materials.

What are the annotating supplies Ruby suggests for studying books?

Ruby suggests using highlighters, specifically Tombow or mild liners, Post-it notes, mini page flags, and tiny dot stickers as annotating supplies for studying books.

How does Ruby view the use of Wikipedia for her studies?

Ruby views Wikipedia as a useful tool for pre-research or getting an overview of a topic, but advises to use it intentionally and to always check the references provided for more in-depth information.

What are the key websites Ruby plans to use for her independent learning?

Ruby plans to use websites like Wikipedia for pre-research, the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy for philosophical theories, the Oxford English Dictionary online for etymology, and academic tools like Notion and MIL note for organizing research and creating visual mind maps.

How does Ruby utilize an academic planner for her study routine?

Ruby utilizes an academic planner for organizing study-based spreads, tracking library books, exams, and academic feedback, and adapting the planner's spreads for independent learning.

What role does music play in Ruby's study routine?

Music, particularly classical music or other focus-enhancing tracks, plays a role in Ruby's study routine by providing a conducive background for concentration and study.

How does Ruby envision using her iPad and Apple Pencil for independent learning?

Ruby envisions using her iPad and Apple Pencil to keep a digital notebook with images and other study materials, similar to how she used it during her university studies.