Take It to the Streets

So far, we’ve seen the Dreyfus model and seen what it means to be an expert. I’ve shown you some of the myriad wonders of the brain, including an entire half that’s probably underutilized.

In this chapter, we’ve taken a good look at what learning is—and what it is not. We’ve looked at using SMART objectives and a Pragmatic Investment Plan and some specific techniques including reading techniques, mind maps, and learning by teaching.

But all this learning is only part of the equation; next we need to look at putting learning into action and see the best ways to gain experience. We’ll play with that in the next chapter.

In the meanwhile, it’s time to begin to take it to the streets—to leave the relatively safe cloisters of the cubicle and begin to interact with the world to advance your personal learning.

Next Actions

• Take a new topic, and try to teach it to a co-worker or relative. What did you learn from teaching—and the preparation for teaching?

• If you haven’t been going to a local user group, start going. Java, Ruby, and Linux groups are plentiful, but you might also find groups devoted to Delphi, agile or XP development, OOP, specific vendor products, and more.

• Listen carefully to the speakers. Make a mind map of the topic area. What would you add to it? What would you do differently? Write up a critique for the group based on your mind map.

• Contact the organizers, and offer to speak on your topic for an upcoming meeting.

• If that’s not comfortable for you, then write an article on your topic or blog on it.