Now think again. And ask yourself - "Am I really Independent?"
I am asking you to do this self analysis because often when we think we are independent and do everything in our daily life on our own, we are actually fooling around.
Most of us, do not make their own PowerPoint presentations. Or cannot convert a word document into pdf. Or draft interview questions for research. And so on …
So, now I ask again - "Are you really independent?"
Read further to know what is self-learning and why it is crucial for a researcher.
- Learning can be exciting if you handle it like that. Every night before sleep recall what all things you learnt for the first time today. And you will be amazed that everyday you are learning and getting richer in knowledge than yesterday.
- It is okay to ask help. But if you continue to ask help for the same task then it is a problem. Become an active learner and really observe the steps of getting that XY task finished. And then try doing it yourself without assistance. 8 out of 10 chances you will succeed.
- For technical assistance related to computers and internet, see a few tutorial videos and read. But then get on with making it on your own. You will not only learn a beneficial technical skill but also will be better able to translate the design in your mind into reality much better, than any other person assisting you. I have had times, when I was never able to explain a helper on what kind of slides for PowerPoint presentation I am looking for. And because I was fully dependent on that helper, I had to go ahead with whatever he made for me.
- If typing is your issue, then make it a habit to type 1 hour on your computer regardless of your speed. Do not go the easy way and pay someone else to type your assignments/thesis/dissertation.
- If public speaking is your problem, then join classes that are dedicated to developing such skills and speak in those groups. There are also online courses on this subject. Enroll them and get inspired. One trick you can apply for improving your public speaking is participating in debates and public meetings on a social issue. Standup, hold a mic, and comment or raise a question. No one will ridicule you.
- If speed in learning is your hurdle, then start ahead. If a test is due for another month, start from now and acknowledge the fact that you are a slow learner and need to study from now. Do not compare yourself and do what a fast learner does.
- Test yourself constantly. You may think that you heard your Supervisor and all is clear. I think the moment you will sit down to pen the discussion you had with Supervisor and make a fair draft, you will realise - A. how much you forgot. B. the matter needs to be systematically added into your thesis/dissertation, etc., and C. a lot needs to be done in terms of translating Supervisor's arguments into your thesis chapters.
- If finances permit, then travelling and visiting a country and its people will make you learn about a place, its inhabitants and culture far more better than reading a book on it in a closed room.
I can go on and on about ways in which active learning is necessary and beneficial but I think I have been able to put across my point.
Click to read previous topic - Slow learner makes a better researcher than smart brainer
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