My study method
Approach
It is well-known with the content on this blog that I am still working toward my CCIE. With that you need a structured approach. This isn’t a walk in the park and understanding the path ahead is important. There is something my old man shared with me and it is known as the ‘Six P’s’. Prior Preparations Prevents Piss Poor Performance.
Blueprint
The blueprint is important to understand. Knowing what to study and what information to get out is very important. With that said I have created a Numbers spreadsheet. This spreadsheet allows me to track what topics I have studied against the blueprint and what assets I used to learn the topic. This keeps a matrix of good information and material for the blueprint.
Process
I currently work in a cyclical fashion which works rather well for me. I have a few steps in my process which this diagram highlights rather well.
Read Theory
Here I take notes from a variety of information sources. I use official Cisco Press text books such as CCIEv5 cert guides, references such as TCP/IP vol1 and 2 and IPv6 for Enterprise. I use RFC documents to gain an understanding on the technical aspects of routing protocols and how things operate.
Take Notes
The written notes I take down may seem quite dated given that recently I have focused on improving output using a variety of technologies. I find that my brain processes learning new information better when I write down the interpretation of text. I don’t mean a verbatim copy but writing it in my own words. These notes form the basis for Flashcards in a later section.
Lab technology / workbook exercise
I have access to an INE subscription and this allows me to get access to technology workbooks and videos. For me, videos do not work as a vehicle for learning as my mind wanders and I get a little distracted. This could be from the fact that in tertiary education I would play video games or ‘study’ with a movie or something playing in another window. As such I put my theory knowledge to the test and validate all workbook scenarios. If I do not know why something has occurred I jot down little notes to loop back around after my theory session to learn more. I don’t leave anything unchallenged.
Create flashcards
Creating flashcards is an important step for me. I feel sometimes as new bits enter my bit bucket others are being discarded. Flashcards and interval learning have helped me maintain information and keep the good bits in. I use MentalCase 2 for iOS and OSX. This allows synch between my devices. It has built-in timers that encourage me to study and I have cards that I view daily.
Revise
All this work and no revision is bad. I need reinforcement to make sure everything sticks. This is where I think about what I have created in labbing and dissecting a technology, my theory notes and flash cards. I work back through the information
Your mileage may vary
We’re all unique individuals and with that point we all have unique learning methods. The way we approach information and consume it is very important and highly personal. I think this is why I didn’t achieve the best in school. It was only recently that I’ve started to mature in the way I capture information and consume it. I hope this helps you think about your process. Whilst this is only a suggestion I do believe your mileage may vary if you follow it exactly.