Empowering Self-Education: My 8-Year Journey Outside School
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Chapter 1: My Journey into Independent Learning
I made the decision to leave school after completing the 9th grade. From that point onward, I took it upon myself to study all the subjects typically taught in a school setting. Both my parents and my teacher supported my choice to pursue education from home, allowing me to take the same exams as my peers. This arrangement provided a valuable opportunity to assess my learning outcomes. Now at 23 and still attending college, I continue to learn independently, and I’d like to share my insights with you.
Learning from the Best
One of the greatest advantages of studying at home is the ability to select your own textbooks and learning materials. For instance, I had the opportunity to delve into positive psychology through Harvard's course, taught by the enthusiastic Professor Dr. Tal Ben Shahar, via his engaging lectures in Psychology 1504. Additionally, I explored Calculus through MIT’s renowned OpenCourse titled “Single Variable Calculus,” which is freely accessible online.
Even prestigious institutions like Harvard, MIT, or Stanford may not excel in every subject they offer. The flexibility to choose the most appropriate courses and instructors allows you to maximize your educational experience.
Pacing Your Learning
Traditional classroom settings often struggle to accommodate the varying learning speeds of students. Some may grasp concepts quickly and desire a faster pace, while others might need more time to fully understand the material. Learning from home or online addresses these challenges effectively. You can adjust the playback speed of video lectures, replay difficult sections, or pause to take a moment to reflect on complex topics.
This article, The Essence of Learning, can assist you in identifying why you might struggle with certain materials. Additionally, you have the freedom to take breaks or even a quick nap when feeling fatigued—though ensure you're genuinely tired rather than just procrastinating.
Combating Loneliness
If there's one significant drawback to learning independently, it would be the feeling of isolation. Humans thrive on social interactions, and prolonged solitude can lead to loneliness. If you decide to embark on a self-study journey, I encourage you to spend time with friends to mitigate these feelings.
The Challenge of Inquiry
Another hurdle is the lack of immediate access to teachers or classmates for asking questions. While the internet provides a wealth of information, sometimes it can be frustrating to search endlessly without finding satisfactory answers. Although online discussion platforms like Reddit exist, waiting for responses can also be tedious.
Conclusion: The Importance of Self-Directed Learning
Choosing to self-study is ultimately a personal decision. However, I firmly believe that the ability to learn independently is crucial in today’s society, regardless of how you choose to apply it.
Chapter 2: Learning Resources and Techniques
In this video, titled "How to Self Study: A Step-by-Step Guide," you will discover effective strategies for self-directed learning and how to optimize your study sessions.
The second video, "You Don't Need School to Learn — My 8-Step Process," outlines a comprehensive approach to education without traditional schooling, detailing practical steps you can take to become a self-learner.