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I take notes, as energetically as my interest allows. While I do read them subsequently, I do not really make too much use of them. For me, the act of taking notes strongly helps my mind connect to the information in ways that make me know it better, sooner. I went through a bad patch as the nineties ended and I thought that computer note taking might be a good idea. It produced pretty good notes (I type well) but was much less conducive to learning. In fact, I felt it was distracting and counter-productive. Handwritten notes. Definitely my first line of offense against ignorance. After that, teaching it. If I can find an opportunity to make a presentation. That's great. I will always confirm understanding and level up when I explain what I know in a semi-formal way. Explaining to colleagues and friends is good. I didn't do study groups in college but found analogous social activities very helpful since. After that, doing it. If it's a practical topic, putting the lessons into practice asap is very helpful. Like, I'm sure, many of you, I am a programmer. If I start using a new tool, technique or idea, I will soon have solid understanding. Of course, I also keep going. If I do not keep seeking progress in a topic domain, then any knowledge I have will fade. |