General Question About Self-Teaching

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around self-teaching various subjects, specifically chemistry, physics, and mathematics, and how to effectively assess one's learning progress. Participants explore methods for self-testing and the importance of community engagement in the learning process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to test their learning effectively while self-studying multiple subjects.
  • Another suggests that being able to solve problems from textbooks without frequent reference indicates a good level of understanding.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes the importance of avoiding isolation during self-study and encourages finding others to discuss topics with.
  • Several participants reference resources available on the forum that may assist in self-study.
  • There is a question raised about the underlying motivation for self-teaching, whether for personal knowledge or professional advancement.
  • One participant indicates that their self-teaching is motivated by a combination of personal interest and professional goals related to starting a business.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of self-testing and community engagement, but there is no consensus on the best methods for self-assessment or the motivations behind self-teaching.

Contextual Notes

Some responses reference external resources and insights, but the discussion does not resolve the best practices for self-testing or the implications of the participant's motivations.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in self-teaching STEM subjects, educators looking for strategies to support self-learners, and those considering professional development through independent study may find this discussion relevant.

Atom1
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So I'd like to say sorry if this has been posted before, or I'm placing it in the wrong area...

After taking several months off (which I probably shouldn't have done) I am going to start self teaching myself, some subjects will be easy, but what I'm wondering is how can I properly test myself to see if I'm actually learning?

I'll be teaching myself chemistry, physics, and reteaching myself college level algebra, calculus and other math and science related topic's.
 
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Atom1 said:
but what I'm wondering is how can I properly test myself to see if I'm actually learning?

If you can do the majority of the problems in the books you're studying from without having to constantly look up how to do them, you're probably doing okay.
 
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When self studying any subjects for academic or professional purposes always try to avoid working in total isolation .

Find some people to talk to .
 
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Atom1 said:
So I'd like to say sorry if this has been posted before, or I'm placing it in the wrong area...

After taking several months off (which I probably shouldn't have done) I am going to start self teaching myself, some subjects will be easy, but what I'm wondering is how can I properly test myself to see if I'm actually learning?

I'll be teaching myself chemistry, physics, and reteaching myself college level algebra, calculus and other math and science related topic's.

You never explain the reason for this self-teaching. Are you doing this just to learn these subjects, or are you hoping to go into a professional or educational position with such knowledge?

Zz.
 
Drakkith said:
If you can do the majority of the problems in the books you're studying from without having to constantly look up how to do them, you're probably doing okay.

Yes, or, even better, do sets of questions done without any reference at all to the textbook at all. i.e. a test

-Dave K
 
ZapperZ said:
You never explain the reason for this self-teaching. Are you doing this just to learn these subjects, or are you hoping to go into a professional or educational position with such knowledge?

Zz.

It's a combination of wanting to learn them and professional I'm about to start a DIY in business and I'd like to supplement it to the best of my ability with subject's that I like.

[Post edited by moderator]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Atom1 said:
It's a combination of wanting to learn them and professional I'm about to start a DIY in business and I'd like to supplement it to the best of my ability with subject's that I like.

[Post edited by moderator]

This reply has a dubious distinction of turning it into a more puzzling situation than before. What exactly does it mean?

Zz.
 

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