[StevenForth]

My learning style is Abstract, Connected, Historical, Written, Social

This means I need to understand the theory first and work down to practical examples (many people learn the other way around but not me). I need to understand how one set of abstractions or theories connects to others that I may understand better. I like to go back to origins, understand motivations, follow the evolution, and see what paths are thought to be dead ends (like machine learning was thought to be a dead end by many people around 2005). I only really understand things if I write them down and preferably write about them. I learn best when I learn with other people, my wife jokes that when I want to learn something I start a company.

Given my learning style, yes, I need to be learning several things in parallel, helps with the connections. I also tend to read too quickly so having three or so learning themes at any time helps me to slow down and reflect.

I have been tracking my learning in granular detail for about ten years using Excel. I am also tracking it on TeamFit.co Every year I build a learning plan (goals, resources, evidence) and track against that.