Learning Python starts with Learning about Learning

 


The following should be obvious. However, for many it's not fully obvious. Here it is. Before we "Learn", we need to know HOW to learn. We need to know the best techniques for imprinting new stuff onto our brain's substrate, for recognizing the imprinted material at a later time and for being able to recall the imprinted material on our own.

A problem though, is that each of us has a strong desire to just dive right in. To immediately jump into the pool and swim among the intricacies of the Python computer language without concerning ourselves about planning HOW we should "learn". And more importantly, to consider what will cause us to retain the learnt material (imprint it) and what will enable us to later recognize and further recall at will that material as needed.


Dr, Justin Sung has a multitude of YouTube lectures about efficiently carrying out the learning process.

One of his lessons (here) identifies 6 points about proper studying techniques. Worth watching.

I don't fully agree with Dr. Sung's method of teaching because he leaves out the NeuroScience.

A major tenant of brain science is: If it [neural synapse] fires, it wires [becomes a stronger connection]. Learning involves creating neural connections that stick to the cerebral substrate and stick to one another. It is possible that there are 3 trigger circuits: (a) one to 'write' new material for attachment to the substrate, (b) a second one to spot written material in the form of recognition, and (c) a third one to 'recall' the imprinted material without the aid of external suggestion. Dr. Sung's methods are directed to exercising ALL 3 circuits. He refers to imprinting as "encoding". He addresses the pre-encode filtering problem. He also suggests engaging in mind mapping.  

Using a Mind Map instead of a "Road" Map

Part of the learning process involves connecting interrelated concepts (aka interleaving) so that each stored memory fragment reinforces the storage of its adjacent fragment (and so that they all connect to a pre-existing, well memorized other memory fragment aka a strong connectomes linked to the substrate and to each other)

To the right is an example of a possible mind map.  The concept of a file on nonvolatile disk (or SSD) easily roots to pre-existing understandings of computers.

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