Ask HN: Do you have a process or a framework to learn specific skills quickly?

#1

Post by hypnotist » Sat, Jul 31, 2021, 11:52 AM UTC

Any suggestions/ frameworks on how to learn specific skill, retain the knowledge and be able to share it(in for ex. written form)

I usually jump in straight away and start learning "on the job" but I realised that I forget too much and i do not have any notes to refer to later on.

Examples of specific skill: - How to write a good cold email - how to learn some snowboarding trick - how to store your bitcoin safely etc.

Re: Ask HN: Do you have a process or a framework to learn specific skills quickly?

#2

Post by ceva » Sat, Jul 31, 2021, 12:13 PM UTC

Well am not sure how helpful this will be, but you would need to develop a framework for yourself. Normally a simple note taking while studying specific topic can help for later to refresh the knowledge.

Re: Ask HN: Do you have a process or a framework to learn specific skills quickly?

#3

Post by konfusinomicon » Sat, Jul 31, 2021, 12:15 PM UTC

check out the Feynman Technique. it works. to strengthen your new found knowledge, teach it to someone else. I personally like to watch a handful of videos on YouTube about a subject I'm trying to learn to get a feel for the vocabulary, then dig in to articles/documentation if applicable

Re: Ask HN: Do you have a process or a framework to learn specific skills quickly?

#4

Post by codechoir » Sat, Jul 31, 2021, 12:16 PM UTC

This is not a framework, but I see tremendous value in going to people who already know the skill first. At least in my experience, there's a tendency for people to start learning on their own before they feel comfortable asking questions.

Often I try to skip this (rather tedious) process and go to someone who has knowledge in the area. Often I don't need an actual 'expert' but someone who's already intermediate. Asking the right questions can speed up the learning process tremendously! In addition, many people are willing to relatively cheaply (think: a meal; cup of coffee; etc.) let you pick their brain.

Re: Ask HN: Do you have a process or a framework to learn specific skills quickly?

#5

Post by exdsq » Sat, Jul 31, 2021, 12:19 PM UTC

Pretend you're teaching it to someone else - try and explain it to a rubber duck every now and then, and if there's a hole go back and plug it. Just be careful it's not a rabbit hole else this wastes time.

Re: Ask HN: Do you have a process or a framework to learn specific skills quickly?

#6

Post by sonabinu » Sat, Jul 31, 2021, 12:19 PM UTC

There’s a class on Coursera by Dr Barbara Oakley https://www.coursera.org/learn/learning-how-to-learn? It gives you a basic model for skill retention. You should modify the style to what works for you. I’ve successfully retained what I’ve revised and practiced

Re: Ask HN: Do you have a process or a framework to learn specific skills quickly?

#7

Post by sokoloff » Sat, Jul 31, 2021, 12:21 PM UTC

Search. Use the first few searches to refine my search terms. Skim a couple results. Pick 1-3 (max). Read (or watch) them. Do it.

The last step is the most critical, of course.

Re: Ask HN: Do you have a process or a framework to learn specific skills quickly?

#8

Post by AndrewDucker » Sat, Jul 31, 2021, 12:23 PM UTC

Try again.

Fail again.

Fail better.

Re: Ask HN: Do you have a process or a framework to learn specific skills quickly?

#9

Post by laichzeit0 » Sat, Jul 31, 2021, 12:31 PM UTC

For someone self-studying mathematics: Do the exercises. Especially the hard ones. Struggle for hours. Don’t worry about solution manuals. It should be painful.

Re: Ask HN: Do you have a process or a framework to learn specific skills quickly?

#10

Post by hkopp » Sat, Jul 31, 2021, 12:34 PM UTC

I started writing notes, so when I need some knowledge again, it is all there. However, now I have the problem of searching and finding in my notes.