E21: Make the easy things harder (with Madison Kanna)
Nov 8, 2024
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Madison Kanna, a lifelong learner and self-taught programmer, shares her journey of learning in public. She discusses transforming anxiety-driven practices into passion-fueled exploration in coding. The conversation highlights the importance of curiosity, personal interests, and embracing challenges for growth. Madison also touches on the benefits of homeschooling versus traditional education, and the role of music and caffeine in enhancing focus. Ultimately, she emphasizes finding joy in the learning process while navigating the complexities of programming.
Fostering genuine curiosity instead of extrinsic motivations promotes a deeper and more enjoyable engagement with learning in computer science.
Accepting the limits of knowledge and focusing on joy in learning can alleviate burnout and reignite passion for complex subjects like coding.
Balancing professional learning with personal interests allows developers to explore new domains flexibly, enhancing growth and understanding in technology.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Self-Directed Learning
Many individuals struggle with self-directed learning due to the overwhelming depth of knowledge required to master a new skill, such as coding. Initially, the approach may stem from extrinsic motivations like salary increases rather than genuine curiosity, leading to burnout and disengagement. A meaningful shift happens when learners focus on what excites them personally, as this fosters motivation and a genuine desire to explore complex subjects. For example, one individual recounted their experience of rekindling their enthusiasm for coding by pursuing topics they found fascinating instead of what they felt obligated to learn.
Combating Burnout and Anxiety in Learning
Burnout often arises from the pressure to keep up with rapidly evolving fields, such as artificial intelligence, leading to a cycle of anxiety that hinders effective learning. Accepting that it's impossible to know everything allows learners to alleviate some of this pressure, making the process feel less burdensome. By letting go of the fear of missing out and shifting the focus to joy and curiosity in learning, individuals can rediscover the excitement that initially drove their interest. This mental shift can reignite the passion for learning and transform what was once a tedious task into an enjoyable exploration.
Finding Balance Between Professional and Personal Learning
Balancing time spent on work-related learning versus personal interests can be challenging for many developers. While professional demands may necessitate learning specific skills or frameworks, there's an opportunity to pursue interests that fall outside of immediate job requirements, such as low-level programming with languages like C. Allowing for less formal learning pathways encourages individuals to explore new domains passionately, without the constraints of job-related expectations. This flexibility in learning can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of the broader technology landscape.
The Role of Curiosity and Nostalgia in Learning
Curiosity-driven learning is often enhanced by a connection to historical or nostalgic experiences, particularly in fields like programming. This can manifest in individuals revisiting classic technologies or concepts that spark a sense of excitement and wonder. For instance, one person's history with early computer science inspired them to dive deeper into the workings of programming languages, leading to a more profound understanding of modern technologies. Emphasizing these connections can make learning more meaningful and engaging.
Self-Reflection and Personal Learning Strategies
Self-reflection plays a crucial role in developing effective learning strategies and overcoming barriers. Understanding personal motivations and preferences can guide individuals in choosing challenges that are both stimulating and attainable, promoting an enjoyable learning experience. For some, creating an accountability structure through group learning can foster commitment, while others benefit from focusing on intrinsic interests rather than external validation. Ultimately, recognizing and embracing the learning journey, including the ups and downs, helps create a sustainable and fulfilling approach to skill development.
Madison Kanna is a lifelong learner and self-taught programmer who learns in public, and Madison joins Oz and Charlie to share tactics for getting things done (with their learning goals) - and the importance of having fun along the way when learning computer science.
