Self-study is difficult

I have heard that some people interpret the phrase “self-study is [difficult (e.g. customer, guest, child)” to mean “don’t be self-studying” or “self-study is impossible,” and I have seen a reference to this, so here is a note

• You don’t read what is written as it is written, but distort it with your own interpretation.
  • It is more difficult for such people to learn on their own than it is for those who don’t.
  • It is more difficult to realize alone that you are “distorting and interpreting” than it is to realize it when someone else points it out to you.

@kaityo256: I say “self-study is hard” not because I’m telling you not to self-study, but to neutralize the poison in the “self-study is easy” discourse that sometimes appears on the Internet. I say “it’s hard to study by yourself” not to tell you not to study by yourself, but to neutralize the poison in the “it’s your lack of effort that makes you unable to study by yourself” discourse that sometimes circulates on the Internet.

taketo1024 Someone pointed out to me the other day that when a math expert tells you that it is difficult to study math on your own, it sounds like they are denying that it is impossible for an individual to study math. I have been thinking about that for a while.

I thought this miscommunication might come from the following cognitive asymmetry: (1/7)

taketo1024 When experts say that self-study is difficult, they are humbly saying so based on their own experience and reflection as one of the parties who has studied the field.

However, to non-specialists, it sounds like a rejection, “Those without professional education should not enter this field.

I thought we needed to be aware of this first. (2/7)

taketo1024 On the other hand, I, on the other hand, think it is necessary for experts to inform people about the difficulties and risks of self-study, and that it is worthwhile for individuals to share their thoughts based on their experiences On the other hand, I think it is necessary for experts to inform people about the difficulties and risks of self-study.

I am saying here that “self-study is difficult” is a general statement, not limited to the professional level. In fact, there are many adults who are having a hard time relearning high school math. (3/7)

taketo1024 The difficulty of self-study lies in the fact that one has to provide the necessary elements for learning alone:.

・Selection of appropriate teaching materials ・Set up a study plan ・Regular assessment of understanding ・Non-verbal knowledge/techniques ・Maintaining motivation

The third, “evaluation,” is the most difficult part, with the risk of proceeding without realizing the mistake. (4/7)

taketo1024 The issue to be discussed is not whether self-study is possible or not, but rather the reality that those who are outside the standard learning route have no choice but to study by themselves I think it is not.

In particular, to obtain a professional education in mathematics, it is necessary to enter a university mathematics department, and the environment and opportunities to do so are not equal for all. (5/7)

taketo1024 I think the above is not limited to mathematics, but can be said in other academic fields, and even in sports and the arts. (6/7)

taketo1024 Summary: In discussing self-study, isn’t it constructive to acknowledge that “self-study is difficult” in general terms, and then discuss what individuals or society can do to overcome this difficulty? It would be constructive for experts and non-specialists to exchange opinions on what can be done to overcome such difficulties on an equal footing. (7/7)

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