Learning by breaking down

Often, we have to go through a learning curve. It could be for a job or a piece of work or as a part of higher studies, we still have to go take both bridges and pitfalls through our learning curves.

This article is consolidation of effective ways to learn which are recommended by experts after studying business shots or academic leaders who are very successful in their fields and apparently have learnt a lot. The fundamental idea to learn something is by breaking them into smaller fragments. It's not the subject that is broken, but the fundamentals under it.

Elon Musk, a successful Entrepreneur recommends learning by picking up right books and surrounding with people who have expertise in the fields. But, how many of us really have so much networks or resources to do it? Thus, first step is to allocate ample amount of time for learning.

Start by questioning 'Why', then the magic begins.

I have seen many engineers who struggle to explain the basic principles behind any concepts, but can do complex math over it. Ability to visualize the concepts and then transform them into forms where it can be easily manipulated, calculated or interpreted are the two important steps. Unfortunately, our education systems train to do the latter, but not the former.

Classic example is Solving Matrices. We study lot of ways to transform and play with matrices, but we fail to understand what is exactly represented by a matrix and why it is represented in that way. There's nothing wrong in not knowing that as some facts have to be digested, but in order to master a concept, we will have to dig deeper, by asking at least 5 five 'whys' or 'whats'. If you are learning a new concept, ask at least 5 'whys/whats'. Bringing the same example again, say you learn a matrix multiplication; ask the following-

1. Why matrix multiplication? (As you learn the formula)
2. What does it mean? (you will find about matrix)
3. Why matrix? (you will find vectors and why it is represented this way)
4. Why vectors? (You will find phase and angles)
5. Why phase and angle?

Do not worry if you haven't studied matrices. I have another example for you. Let's take another classic example of studying Gravity. Newton was sitting under a tree and an apple went. Newton thought why? Then he discovered that there's a force that pulls the apple down and found a mathematical explanation. Later, Einstein wasn't convinced, he asked another 'why'- why there existing a force first of all? He explained it by Space-time warping concept. Modern scientists put another 'why' and have discovered gravitational waves. And note that first its the concept, then its mathematical representation and not the opposite. But, we learn only the latter way. We learn mathematical representation directly, do complex math with it and still fail to understand. Apparently, imagination and questioning why has led to phenomenal discoveries and theorems, but nothing much can happen when done in the opposite way, except building some applications.

Thus, starting with 'Why' intrigues us with lot of questions and explains complex representations.

Searching for answers

Once we break down our questions, we automatically start searching for the answers. Human's mind cannot tolerate mysteries. We start exploring. Thanks to many online tutorials and digital content available in platforms like YouTube which explain concepts better than any professors. Note that, we may not get answers to complex question, but we will definitely get answers to individually broken down questions. Its our part to combine them all and build our understanding as part of learning.

Importantly, taking 'One step a time' is very essential. Break it down to the most fundamental level. By doing so, you find lot of roots. You start with one root at a time, learn it, understand and then come up along the tree. That builds a strong foundation and results are fruitful.

Application is key to mastery:

We all learn a lot everyday. We fail to master because of two main reasons- failing to understand and visualize fundamentals and fail to apply them. Application is the key to mastery. The more you apply, either by building something or teaching them, you learn more. You understand what knowledge you require more in order to perform better and that's the first step towards mastery. Then comes the speed and effectivity, which increase with practice.

Building a tracker using tools like Excel to keep track of your learning helps a lot. Furthermore, written goals, which are in visible proximity to your study or work desk, are proven to be more effective than the goals in the mind. Thus, preparing a daily goal sheet along with its schedule and sticking it in our desks will make us more effective.

Bringing all together :

We all learn everyday. But we fail to understand why. Thus, any learning starts with why, then breaking them down to fundamental levels, and using learning techniques and constant application, we tend be more innovative, independent, applicative and exhibit mastery.

Sairam.