Self-Guided Education: For You, or Not for You?
Readers love knowing that others have experienced and felt the same things they have. As a reader, I have searched YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest for people who feel the same tug toward self-education that I do. It turns out there are many others who desire to use their free time, or who intentionally create time, to further their education outside of a traditional classroom. So how does one build a self-guided course?
The first step may seem self-explanatory, but brainstorming topics you’re interested in is where you should begin. For many reasons, I wanted to continue my education in literature. You, however, might decide you want to learn more about technology, homesteading, psychology, gardening and herbalism, or carpentry. Self-education isn’t limited to subjects typically taught in classrooms; it also includes practical knowledge that enriches your life. In the spring, I’ll likely step away from my study of the Great Books to dabble in gardening and herbalism. Not only does this physically enrich my life, but it also helps prevent burnout and overwhelm from hyperfixation.
The second step is a bit more involved: research. Use YouTube, ChatGPT, TikTok, and/or your local library to find resources related to your area of interest. For example, I used ChatGPT to scan multiple university websites and identify books on various master’s program reading lists. I then sifted through those recommendations, identified texts I hadn’t read before, and added them to a rough list.
The third step is to focus your ideas and develop a game plan. Take your topic and narrow it. For my Great Books study, I broke the material down by time period, beginning with Ancient Greek and Roman literature. I decided to spend three to four months reading through the selected texts and created a realistic (albeit ambitious) plan of two to three texts per month.
The fourth step is to pair your primary reading with secondary sources. I found several universities that offer free or affordable online courses open to the public. I paired my readings with these courses, as well as with YouTube videos and podcasts by educators I trust to be qualified in their fields. We truly have access to a wealth of information.
The fifth and final step is to wrap everything up neatly in a Google Doc, Word document, or journal so you can track your progress. I keep my syllabus organized in a Google Doc, complete with primary texts, secondary resources, and guiding questions to help me stay focused while reading. (I currently have three guides similar to this available for purchase in my shop!)
And there you have it! If you follow this guide, you’ll end up with a beautifully tailored syllabus full of engaging material to explore. You might also consider finding a friend, family member, or spouse to encourage you, and perhaps listen as you talk through what you’ve learned. Keep a journal, write a paper, create a video journal, or even corner a sibling and teach them what you’ve read. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to celebrate your progress with a sweet treat and enjoy the lifelong journey of learning.
