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An introvert’s way of finding what works best
Today I was looking up Logarithmic Functions.
I was waiting for my course to be graded so that I could move on to Algebra, but since it was taking longer than I hoped, I decided to get ahead by revising some Algebra concepts ahead of time.
As I scroll through the search results on Google. I get several options.
- A Kahn Academy article on key points
- Articles talking on basic knowledge
- YT instruction videos
Back when I was a kid and used Kahn Academy, I really enjoyed the game-like way they quizzed you on knowledge.
But now?
When scrolling through their site, there was nothing I could review at-a-glance. I had to go through their coursework the way they organized it.
I don’t have time for that.
Next, I considered the YT video. In the past they were really helpful because I could use less brain power when trying to understand concepts. I would just watch, see them work out the problem for me, and then make mental note on how it worked.
But when I click on the video, I pay attention at first… but then stare glumly as I see the instructor solving the concepts in front of me.
Feeling bored within a minute.
Lastly, the path that I would’ve thought had taken more time, was reading through articles. As I scroll down, I’m able to catch details on how to do the Logarithmic Functions & see examples at my own pace of the diagrams and explanations used.
I was slightly surprised.
I knew that I had less time that day to go over it, which was why I was wanting a quick way to grasp the info. But I didn’t realize how studious of a reader I was until that moment.
After all, YT videos and instruction courses on Kahn Academy are designed to get you to pay attention.
While they’re mostly designed for kids, many college students watch & do the assessments as well.
But why wasn’t I able to focus as much as I could reading a non-engaging article?
I need to learn the way I want
It’s the same reason I went into homeschool for high school, and studied college remotely. To learn at my own pace.
I don’t thrive by learning alongside other kids in my class, I need to do things alone to think deeper & enjoy what I’m doing.
By knowing this about myself, I shouldn’t feel pressured to learn a way that I don’t like.
Same as teachers would tell me to stop reading fiction books in class, or get me to pay attention (even though nearly everyone else in class wasn’t paying attention either).
I learned more than I ever did when I left public school & charted the path to learn what I needed,
but according to my own curiosity.
I don’t think this is just me either, since we’re all lifelong learners, what kind of learning techniques help you best?_