INTRODUCTION
The objectives of these pages are to convey to readers the usefulness of an alternate and additional mode of learning to complement traditional classroom education. Self-learning is the latest craze impacting and revolutionizing the way students at all levels learn. Through a plethora of online platforms and portals, it's easily accessible to learners at all ages from pre-primary to college and other tertiary level students. It's also appealing to part-time and full-time employees who all have an inborn inclination buoyed by sheer curiosity to learn through this modern day sensation via any self-learning module.
For one to best appreciate and understand the contents herein, there's a generous serving of sweetly decorated and vivid descriptions of real-life examples and detailed insightful scenarios to suit the palates of the widest possible readership. As readers begin to immerse themselves in the narrative they'll also realize there's a fine balance of the pros and cons in the approach and nature of this exciting way of learning. They'll also discover the range of encouraging recommendations made to introduce unprepared or reticent individuals to 'come on board' as well as stating ideas to further enhance the product. Apart from making explicit suggestions as to how self-learners can accelerate their education, the book also advises and gently persuades adult students in particular to think and act outside of the box. It implores them to embrace every aspect of their course, and more if possible to put themselves in an enviable position to advance in their career or profession, or at the very least be flexible.
It is hoped that as some readers turn the pages of this book they too will become convinced to turn a 'new page' too, just as I did. It's never too late to start: you'll be amazed where this will take you.
This publication will also attempt to explore and explain the many aspects of self-learning including its history, conceptualization and the various types of online self-learning modules available in today's world as well as their relevance. It will also highlight the significant importance, advantages, and rewards of this beneficial skill. Challenges, disadvantages, and internal and external factors affecting self-learning will also be featured.
SELF-LEARNING can be defined as simply an inborn talent instinctively driven by curiosity. It's ignited by an insatiable thirst wrapped in one's desire to garner information and process same. As a result, one gains and retains knowledge entirely by one's own efforts. It can be regarded as real learning as students firstly evaluate their own knowledge and then take steps to improve it using hands-on and accomplishable practices.
After deciding on the need for self-learning and assessing one's knowledge, the onus is solely the responsibility of the individual without the input from anyone to find ways and means to self-educate oneself, and by extension, continue to upgrade one's skills and proficiency.
Making sacrifices to further one's cause is an essential part of the menu of self-learning especially when one is very keen on achieving the ultimate prize.
Self-learning is an extraordinary skill which everyone who has the natural inclination to learn should practice in an attempt to attain excellence. It has not however, replaced the routinely conventional way of learning: it's merely an acceptable tool to accommodate those who are interested in appreciating another aspect to learning.
It is hoped that as some readers turn the pages of this book they too will become convinced to turn a 'new page' too, just as I did. It's never too late to start: you'll be amazed where this will take you.
