Forums IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ PhotoReading, Memory Optimizer PRing Technical Stuff -- newbie

I have to admit that I am brand new (started last week) to PRing. I bought the book only, been through it, and now is tackling a introductory book on eXtensible Markup Language (XML).

I realize that others on this forum say not to start with technical material right off, but that is my immediate need and biographies of GW don't interest me.

I don't see how jumping into Technical information should be any different than other non-fiction, esp. something as lighweight as intro to XML. I chose this because, though I have some general knowledge on XML, I don't have a lot of experience on it, which, I figured, would give me good litmus test of PRing for what I need it for.

Feedback would be great.

You should be okay jumping into technical stuff: I was. My first material to PR was a whole bunch of Java books and tutorials and I'm learning quite fast. I'm surprised! Just stick to it and let go of your previous learning and reading methods, and instead, try to find one that works for you.

The main book I'm reading has review questions and programming assignments at the end of each chapter, so I focus on answering those when activating (I actually activate while trying to answer them). I also focus on each chapter at a time.

The programming questions in particular are great because I start coding and as I try to solve the problem the coding itself flows as I look back and forth through the books trying to come up with a solution. I'm delighted

Good luck!

RunningPete:

That very encouraging and exciting to hear. I picked XML stuff because it was stuff I will need but also as a warmup before I jump into PRing Java as well. The Java book I'm targeting as my goal is the Java Certification Study Guide from Sybex(?).

To RunningPete and any coaches:

What do you use for your preview and prepare steps? I was thinking about using the summary questions and exercises in the XML book. Good idea? Bad idea?

To RunningPete only:

Thanks for the words of encouragement and good luck with your endeavors.

I think the summary and exercises should do great, but the important thing is to find something that works for you. You might also benefit from just looking at the markups that you are about to learn. That should get your mind inquiring about what they mean...

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

PS: The Certification book should be fine, but it might be better to start from a book that assumes no previous experience with the language. Most certification books are geared towards passing the exams mainly. It will be even better if you read more than one at the same time: check http://www.andamooka.com for free downloadable computer books!

Mark, here are some tips:

1. Preview in 8-minute sessions and move through the physical book from cover to cover. Write down all and any key words that catch your attention from chapter titles, bold/italicized print, etc. You'll use that list to formulate your first set of Mind Probing questions.

2. When you Prepare, create a purpose/outcome statement for how you want to be positively contributed to with the information in that book. Visualize the goal you are excited about achieving with acquiring the knowledge in your written materials. And, follow the directions for anchoring the Ideal State For Learning with the tangerine technique.

I recommend using your summary questions and exercises after having a couple of 30-minute Activations sessions. Remember to use your list of trigger words from Preview to formulate your first sets of Mind Probing questions.

The exercises will be great for activating the material, too.

Hope this helps!

Hey Mark, I gave you the wrong URL:
http://www.andamooka.org/