How many problems should you do when teaching yourself?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the approach to self-study, specifically focusing on how many problems individuals should tackle when learning new subjects. Participants share their experiences and strategies regarding problem-solving in the context of self-directed learning.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the number of problems to solve depends on individual comprehension; those who grasp concepts well may not need to do many problems.
  • Others argue that problem-solving is crucial for deepening understanding and mastering topics, especially in subjects where one struggles.
  • A participant mentions that they typically focus on problems they find difficult, while skipping those they already understand, proposing this as a strategy for effective self-study.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of doing problems to learn definitions and integrate theorems, particularly in advanced topics like topology.
  • There is a question about the significance of the subject being studied, suggesting that different subjects may require different approaches to problem-solving.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the necessity and quantity of problems to solve, indicating that there is no consensus on a specific number or approach. Different strategies are proposed based on personal experiences and the subjects being studied.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that their approaches may vary significantly depending on the subject matter and their own learning styles, highlighting the subjective nature of self-study practices.

DeadWolfe
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I've decided to start taking self-study seriously, and stop just skimming books and putting them back.
My question is, for those who do work hard at self-study, how many problems in the tet do you do? All of them? Half? None?
I'd like to know what a reasonable amount is to set as a self goal, because if I say I'll only do problems until I feel comfortable, I know I'll just get lazy and wind up doing barely any.
So how do you guys handle this? Help me out PF!
 
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Well if you are capable of grasping concepts very well there is no need for you to do problems. Otherwise problem solving is important to develop your understanding of things. Some people only need theory to grasp all the concepts and others some problem solving.
 
DeadWolfe said:
I've decided to start taking self-study seriously, and stop just skimming books and putting them back.
My question is, for those who do work hard at self-study, how many problems in the tet do you do? All of them? Half? None?
I'd like to know what a reasonable amount is to set as a self goal, because if I say I'll only do problems until I feel comfortable, I know I'll just get lazy and wind up doing barely any.
So how do you guys handle this? Help me out PF!
May I ask what you're self-studying?
 
Does it make a big difference?
 
DeadWolfe said:
Does it make a big difference?
No I was just curious. Speaking from personal experience, I've found the need to work a lot of problems in certain courses, but not in others.
 
I ask because, naturally, I intend to teach myself more than one subject.
 
When I did the self-study, I usually look for the problems that I have difficulties with so you can master that topic deeper. I usually skip the problems that I know how to do them. Hopefully this kind of system can work with your self-study. Good Luck...
 
Last edited:
nevetsnosaj said:
When I did the self-study, I usually look for the problems that I have difficulties with so you can master that topic deeper. I usually skip the problems that I know how to do them. Hopefully this kind of system can work with your self-study. Good Luck...
This is generally good advice. However, make sure you occassionally attempt one of those problems you think you're capable of doing - sometimes they could help you realize little things you've missed or haven't given any thought about.
 
Also, from my experience, doing the problems makes you really learn definitions. Oftern when I am self-studying topology, i use the problems as a way of testing myself on simple definitions by writing them in the actual problem, then going after them that way. They also help you integrate theorems. I'm finding that not just a few of the topology problems I do can be mostly solved by a simple "consider theorem X.Y..."
 

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