What should we do to teach ourselves. Here are some suggestions:
- Find someone in that field that you admire and respect (you could say a role model perhaps). Research that person’s work, approach to the subject you are studying, their role models, and if they are still alive perhaps make physical contact by attending their lecture, exhibition, game etc.
- Find another ‘teacher’. There are tons of people who know a lot more about your topic than you do. Look on the internet for groups who share a similar interest in your topic, read blogs, and search for videos on you tube that explain, demonstrate or discuss things related to your topic. Don’t forget there are how-to books for almost everything under the sun.
- Find a senpai . Senpai is a Japanese word that basically means a person who is more senior than you, not necessarily in age, but rather because they joined an organization before you (meaning they have been doing something longer than you have, and that makes them senior to you). Look for someone who has been studying your topic longer than you have and ask them to explain difficult concepts or even to teach you something new.
- Get information about the opposite of what you do in class. For example if you are taking a pottery class which is practical, read about the theory. Maybe read about types of clays, kilns and firing methods, what type of pottery is produced in which countries/regions, and which is considered to be the best, how is pottery used in around the world (eg in Japan it is a big part of tea ceremony) etc. If it is a sport, read about the governing bodies (eg. National Tennis Association) and all the major competitions for that sport, the rules for each competition, prize money, top players etc. On the other hand if you are studying the theory in class find ways to learn the practical side of things. eg If you are taking a language class for example, join an online community where you can practice writing and reading messages in your target language. Make a weekly/monthly lunch date with someone who is fluent in your target language, and ask them to correct your most obvious mistakes. I say obvious mistakes because you don’t want to make the other person to feel like they are working; you want the atmosphere to be fun. Your goal is to use the language in a natural setting, accuracy will come with continued practice.
- Find a way to practice on your own. If you can afford to, try to buy the tools you need to practice at home. You may not be able to afford a grand piano, but maybe you could find a used keyboard type that comes with headphones etc. If it is belly dance, then invest in a few DVDs and any other basics you would need to shake your hips at home. It is also possible to practice the theory at home, review your notes thoroughly, research anything that came up in class that you would like to know more about, create your own notes by adding information that helps you to remember, or add more depth.
- See your topic in action.
(ア) Language learners : go to speech contests, or International conferences/events in your area, travel to where the language is used
(イ) Dance/musical instruments: go to concerts
(ウ) Sports: don’t just watch it on tv, go to see the real matches/competitions
(エ) Art – exhibitions, gallery openings, auctions (don’t bid, just look, don’t cough either it may be mistaken for a bid)
(オ) Alcohol making or tasting – visit a winery/distillery, go to wine/beer festivals etc
(カ) Tea ceremony – go to an actual ocha kai or chaji
7. Host your own. Why not start your own club for patchwork, auto mechanic, real estate investing, guitar, snorkeling or whatever it may be. Why not host an amateur guitar night, or salsa night?
These are a few ideas to get you started and I am sure that you dear readers have more that you can think of. Please don’t hesitate to write a comment and share with me any other ideas you have.
Ganbatte Kudasai
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