The Science of Self-Learning

Self-learning offers many more benefits than traditional learning provides.

Education is about accreditation – jumping through institutional hoops to earn a piece of paper to prove you have the qualifications to do a job. But the internet enables learning about almost anything as self-education gains popularity. Becoming an “autodidact” – self-educator – requires discipline and strategy to be successful. Too often, people give up because they don’t know where to start or feel overwhelmed. You can overcome these obstacles.

To understand the benefits of self-learning, consider traditional learning’s downsides:

• It is psychologically restrictive – You must always be “on” – devoting all your time to your subject.
• It uses fear as a motivator – Traditional learning teaches that you have no future if you don’t get good grades.
• It limits creativity – There is a “right” and a “wrong” way to tackle a subject.
• It can make you close-minded – Schools promote social hierarchies and conformist thought and behavior.
• It hinders...