2004.03/01 Habits Of Learning
EXCERPTED FROM MESSAGE TO A FRIEND
} B Geez, a lot of info, thanks. Well either way. I did some more looking at
} the links you provided etc., I'm going to need some serious work LOL. Didn't
} even comprehend the vocab parts of some of the examples on the SAT or the
} new SATs. Never mind the math.... Well looks like I have to get some books.
So did you sit down and take the tests? How did it go? BTW, I really do
recommend taking them even knowing nothing. That way, when you are studying
the subjects (like algebra, say) then you will recognize a type of problem
from the tests, and be able to connect the two. If you initially score a 200
on the SAT and a 2 on the ACT, so be it. Your improvement will be all the
more marked and profound as you progress.
} What would you recommend as far as books? The "dummies" serious, e.g.
} Algebra for dummies etc.., ??? I'm going to need serious explaining done for
Well, I was hoping to actually see your test results so that I could tailor a
list, but it looks like you want to leap right in with the home study.
} me to learn this stuff. But I'm determined, Cornell it is ;-) (but I'd be
} happy just to get accepted to a school once I passed the SAT) but hell might
} as well shoot high right?
Definitely. Shoot high. No one achieves anything meaningful or worthwhile
in life by leaving themselves unchallenged. To be able to challenge yourself
at just the right level, neither so hard that it is too frustrating nor so
easy that you don't really grow, that is an invaluable state to be in. And
if you can keep yourself perpetually in that "challenge zone", then no goal
is out of reach. This is not just a lip-service platitude, it is the real
truth of our existence.
Hmmm.... perhaps I could draw an analogy. How confident do you feel nowadays
about approaching new physical activities? You mentioned before that you had
gone back to the gym, starting exercising more, and it was like being reborn
again. You have seen with your own two eyes that if you simply stick to a
good regimen, then at a certain point all physical goals are within feasible
reach. All you have to do is tailor your workout / sport / activity to
constantly ride the edge of your current ability, and your physical abilities
grow. Too easy, and muscles don't strengthen, no skill develops; too hard,
and you are likely to burn yourself out or hurt yourself.
So why is it that everyone isn't as physically fit as you are? A significant
factor is that they don't really believe they can do it. They shy away from
the challenge presented, and don't realize that once you break through
certain "body barriers" that it opens up a whole new world of possibility.
Or, they just aren't willing to spend the damn time it takes to achieve the
level of proficiency they desire. They want the result cheaply, for free,
and don't want to have to work for it, to earn it.
Anyway, what you are going to experience with education is much the same.
You have flabby vocab muscles, ****. :-) But I can completely guarantee
you that if develop the right habits and stick to a solid regimen, there is
no vocabulary level beyond your reach. And moreover, once you break through
certain "mind barriers", it opens up whole new vistas of mental
possibilities. The principles governing development are the same no matter
whether they are physical or mental: you put in the effort in the proper way,
you get results. Or, put differently, you want results, if you find the
right way to put in the effort and just do it, then you will get them.
A fit mental mind is just as achievable as a fit body; the only thing you are
missing is the background knowledge of how to get it. You already have the
drive; unlike many, I know that you are willing to earn your way through
life. Once you figure out "how to learn", the actual learning part is just
logging hours in the mental gym. Stay conscious of that while you are
studying. Sometimes you see people in the gym, doing things improperly and
feeling uncomfortable because of it, and you think "Man, if they just did
things a little bit different they'd see results." While you are studying,
keep asking yourself that. What could you change about your study habits so
that you could see better results? You would be amazed at the effect that
proper lighting, being well-fed and well-rested, and a comfortable desk and
chair have on the study process.
Let me further assure you that the place where you will end up in college is
directly related to your projected self-image right now. Do you want to be a
proud Marine of academics or a pansy "weekend warrior"? Start this venture
believing in your own capability to achieve. Cornell is only beyond your
grasp if you fear that it is: it is within your grasp if you believe that you
can make it happen. Believe!
This has been pure KIM (Kim's Inspirational Minute. ;-)
} But seriously Kim what books do you think I need for Math;
} Geometry, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Algebra I and II, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus
} ???
Let's see. Okay, here's the standard route that things are done in most
schools:
Pre-Algebra -> Algebra -> Trig -> Pre-Calc -> Calc
Geometry ->
The reason why is because the later topics depend on the earlier topics,
i.e. you need algebra and geometry before trig, etc.
So, let's start the whole math shtick by getting you started on Algebra and
Geometry, which can be done in parallel. A good author choice for you is
Selby. Here's two books to get you started:
"Practical Algebra: A Self-Teaching Guide", by Selby and Slavin
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471530123/sosmath/102-7588397-8904931
"Geometry and Trigonometry for Calculus" by Selby
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471775584/ref=pd_sxp_elt_l1/102-7588397-8904931
If you're in a rush, you can buy them today in a bookstore for $40. If you
can wait a few days I'd suggest getting them "better together" from Amazon
for $27.95; I think you even get free shipping on orders over $25.
If I recall correctly Selby is a proponent of the Self-Test. Both books
should have a section at the beginning that will assess whether you have the
background to read the book, and if not, they give suggestions on other books
to get as preparation. So, get these two books, take the self-tests, and
then get the other books if need be. Start wherever is appropriate, and then
let me know what your plan is. I may be able to recommend other resources
to you.
} Vocab and written;
} I have know idea here my English down right stinks, never mind identifying
} adjectives etc.. ;-( LOL
Well, the first essential thing you must pick up if you don't already have it
is a sound dictionary. You can pick up a Mirriam-Webster Collegiate
Dictionary in any bookstore. As for vocabulary building, here's two books
you may also be able to find in the bookstore:
"500 Key Words for the SAT, and how to Remember Them Forever" by Gulotta
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0965326330/qid=1078136053/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-7588397-8904931?v=glance&s=books
"Vocabulary Cartoons: Building an Educated Vocabulary with Visual
Mnemonics" by the Burchers
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0965242285/qid=1078136315/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-7588397-8904931?v=glance&s=books
If you like Gulotta, then also pick up his other book
"100 Math Tips for the SAT and How to Master Them Now" by Gulotta
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0965326314/ref=pd_bxgy_text_1/102-7588397-8904931?v=glance&s=books&st=*
and if you like the Burchers get the rest of the Vocabulary Cartoons series.
BTW, just so you know, there is no such thing as a "best book to learn X
from". Every student has a different learning style, innate strengths,
existing background, and current situation. So, the trick is to find authors
you like and then stick with them. You'll learn more from someone you click
with and understand than someone using a style you are unfamiliar with. (The
same is true with teachers and mentors, btw; whether you click with them is
key.) I've made these recommendations based on my best guesses, but let me
know if they aren't working for you; there are many other good books out
there that might be better suited to you.
} HELP!!! LOL whenever you get a chance thanks
So it just occurred to me writing this e-mail that learning the basics of
scholastic pursuit will give you serious dividends as you do your self-study.
I've been in the academic world so long I've forgotten the time when I didn't
know about study habits! Anyway, here are some pages for you that will be
helpful:
http://www.studygs.net/
http://dmoz.org/Reference/Education/How_To_Study/
http://home.plymouth.ac.uk/services/help-advice/guides.htm
Also, I want to reiterate how important attitude and habits are. If you
think about it, a book is a dead thing. Take a dictionary. It's just
sitting there, not helping anyone do anything. What makes a dictionary
useful is the *habit of using it*. When you read anything, always have the
dictionary nearby. The moment you come across any word you don't understand,
look it up. Think about the different definitions. Do a web search on it,
if it intrigues you. And then return to what you were reading before. Do
that *for every single word you don't understand completely*. That goes for
words you've looked up before but have forgotten, too. And it goes for words
that you could sorta figure out by context but don't really know the
definitions to. Initially, you may find that you are spending more time
reading the dictionary than your article / book / novel / whatever. But as
time goes on you'll refer to it less and less.
Now, what's important in this whole spiel is the *process*, not the
dictionary. Owning dictionaries doesn't improve people's vocabulary; *using*
dictionaries does. Moreover, the dictionary isn't essential. For example,
suppose you are talking with someone and they use a word you are unfamiliar
with. Pause the conversation, ask them to define it, and make sure you
understand it before continuing. Do that *every single time*. If you fear
looking like you don't know something, you will continue to not know it. You
must have the attitude that the world is here for you to learn from, and you
must form the habits of constantly doing so, without exception. Books are
just a common resource, but it's the attitude and habit that actually make
them useful.
Once you've got the attitude, then it's really just a matter of coming up
with more ways to expand your habits. What other ways can you increase your
vocabulary? Get a calendar with a word a day. Do public speaking at
Toastmasters (forcing yourself to use the words also helps you learn them).
Read more, and more things that you don't normally read. Heck, start a vocab
game with a friend: every coffee break, each of you tells the other a new
word. If one knows the definition and the other doesn't, buy them a free
coffee. If both know the words or both don't, it's a wash. The
possibilities are endless. Develop the attitude and habits, and the learning
follows.
Now, you happen to know that I have a prodigious vocabulary. How did I get
it? I wasn't born with it or acquire it through arcane mystic rituals.
Every single word I use is one that I've looked up, or asked someone about,
or read about somewhere. *Every single one.* And I am still employing the
habits to this day. Just last night someone used the phrase "Hentai-guy" and
I didn't know what it meant. So I asked immediately and he politely
explained that it meant a lecherous old man or someone who masturbated
frequently. ;-) And then we got into a great conversation about cartoons
(hentai is a style of japanese animation). Having the courage to constantly
publically admit that you don't know something is perhaps one of the best
habits to acquire. In fact, I've gotten huge mileage out of "I don't
understand what you mean, could you please explain it to me?" just by
itself.
Returning to the topic of books, just getting the books above will not make
you learn. Even reading the books above isn't a guarantee. But working
through them, doing all the problems, reading them step by step and fighting
tooth and nail until you understand each step completely, *that's* getting
closer to the learning process. And once you adopt the attitude of working
out every problem you come across, wherever you come across it, then suddenly
the whole world is a learning playground. Moreover, combine that with the
habit of seeking help from mentors when you truly don't understand something,
and from looking at things from different perspectives, and ... well, let's
just say there's a lot of habits involved in this whole learning thing. So
remember, the books are an aid, a tool; it's the attitude and habits that are
essential, and what will get you the most not only from your books but also
the other resources available.
Well, I think that's enough to get you going. Let me know how things are
working out for you. If you need pointers to any other resources, let me
know.
Excelsior!
_____________________________________________________________________________
KIM E LUMBARD Web Page = http://KimLumbard.com/
21502 Camino Trebol E-Mail = [Deleted due to spambots]
Lake Forest, CA 92630 Mobile = +1 (626) 429-4492
or MANIC ZIGZAG
terbium