How I Approach Structured Learning After School: A Journey of Discovery and Collaboration

How I Approach Structured Learning After School: A Journey of Discovery and Collaboration

Structured learning is different from unstructured learning. The key distinction lies in intentionality. In structured learning, there is a clear path and purpose, while unstructured learning is more spontaneous and informal. After school, the transition to structured learning can be challenging. In high school, the options for further education or apprenticeships are clearly laid out. But once we step into the real world, it becomes our responsibility to chart our own learning paths.

For me, structured learning consists of three distinct phases: discovery, sense-making, and experimentation. The discovery phase involves being actively engaged in life, constantly seeking new ideas and experiences. This could be through work, hobbies, or consuming various forms of media. The goal is to generate a backlog of topics that I can delve into, each tied to a specific objective. This way, I can identify where and how I can apply the knowledge I gain.

Once I have a list of potential topics, I move into the sense-making phase. This is where I choose a topic from my discovery list and decide to research and explore it further. During this phase, I create artifacts that document my learning journey, such as tweets, articles, or visuals. By sharing my progress publicly, I not only hold myself accountable but also contribute to the collective knowledge of others.

To ensure that I capture and retain as much information as possible, I make use of tools like Glasp to annotate and organize the literature I come across. This allows me to revisit and reference valuable resources whenever needed. Additionally, the public record of the internet serves as a strong accountability incentive. Knowing that my learning journey is documented and accessible to others motivates me to be more thoughtful and thorough in my approach.

An interesting aspect of structured learning is the concept of "nametagging." Nametagging has gained popularity in web3 culture, particularly in DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations), crypto startups, and web3 projects. It involves using emojis or symbols to represent oneself and the community they belong to. The (📜,📜) format, for example, emerged from the OlympusDAO community and has become a symbol of teamwork and collaboration.

Nametagging goes beyond mere identification; it empowers individuals to make others a part of their identity. By adding an emoji or symbol to their name, allies and supporters show their affiliation and support. This fosters a sense of belonging and community, which is essential for collective growth and progress.

To make the most of nametagging, there are a few actionable steps one can take. First, choose an emoji or symbol that represents your identity or the community you belong to. Ensure that it looks consistent across different platforms and devices to maintain brand consistency. Finally, encourage your followers and allies to add the same emoji or symbol to their names, creating a visual representation of the collective identity.

In conclusion, structured learning after school requires a proactive and intentional approach. It involves the discovery of new ideas, sense-making to deepen knowledge, and experimentation to apply what has been learned. By documenting and sharing our learning journey, we not only hold ourselves accountable but also contribute to the collective knowledge of others. Additionally, nametagging in web3 culture exemplifies the power of collaboration and community. By embracing nametagging and fostering a sense of belonging, we can create a supportive environment for continuous learning and growth.

Actionable advice:

1. Create a backlog of topics tied to specific objectives to guide your learning journey.
2. Document your progress and share it publicly to hold yourself accountable and contribute to the collective knowledge.
3. Embrace nametagging and encourage your followers and allies to add symbols or emojis to their names to foster a sense of community and collaboration.