Justin Findlay wrote:
On 11/9/05, Shane Hathaway <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
I've always wondered if I'm odd in the way I learn things, but I've
always had far more success if I start with practical applications
before moving into theory. When I start with theory, I don't know why I
need to learn it, so my rebellious nature ignores it. However, when I
start with applications, the importance is obvious and most of the
theory is intuitive. Later, I fill in the gaps in my theoretical
understanding by talking to people or reading books.
You're not odd. But there are people out there who learn best by your
method backwards.
Let me tell you about an experiment I tried in college. I was having
trouble getting good grades, so I decided to give up my preferred method
of learning. Rather than work on coming to a real understanding of each
subject, I decided to memorize and regurgitate. I banned any original
thought from my mind. Since that decision, I got A's for two years
straight. I learned some useful things like active verbs, Communism,
and Descartes, but I don't feel like the theory stuck in my head as well
as it could have. Is that really learning? The institution certainly
encouraged my behavior.
Shane
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