How to Teach Yourself New Subjects Without Formal Classes

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Written By Samuel Oliver Carter

In today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, learning doesn’t have to be confined to traditional classroom settings. Whether you're looking to acquire a new skill, deepen your knowledge in a particular area, or explore a completely unfamiliar subject, self-directed learning can be both empowering and effective. With the right strategies and resources, you can teach yourself anything—no formal classes required. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to teach yourself new subjects efficiently.

1. Set Clear Goals and Define Your Why

The first step in any self-learning journey is to clarify your motivation. Why do you want to learn this new subject? Whether it’s for personal growth, career advancement, or intellectual curiosity, identifying your "why" will keep you focused and motivated.

Once you have a clear purpose, define specific, achievable learning goals. For example, if you want to learn a new language, instead of a vague goal like “learn Spanish,” set a more specific target such as “learn to hold a basic conversation in Spanish within six months.” Clear, measurable goals will help you stay on track and give you something concrete to work toward.

2. Break Down the Subject Into Manageable Chunks

A major advantage of self-learning is the freedom to tailor the process to your own pace. However, this can also be a disadvantage if you don’t have a structured approach. Without a syllabus to follow, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the vastness of a new subject.

To avoid this, break the subject down into smaller, more digestible chunks. For example, if you're learning computer programming, divide your study into topics like syntax, data structures, algorithms, and projects. If you're learning history, break it down by time periods or regions.

By organizing your learning into manageable sections, you can track your progress more easily and build your knowledge step by step.

3. Use a Variety of Learning Resources

One of the greatest advantages of self-learning is the wealth of resources available at your fingertips. The key is knowing how to use them effectively.

Here are some popular resources you can utilize:

Books: Start with introductory books on the subject. A well-chosen textbook can lay a strong foundation. For example, a beginner’s guide to a topic will help you grasp the basics before moving on to more advanced material.
Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy, and Khan Academy offer free and paid courses on a variety of subjects. While these are often structured like formal classes, they offer flexibility to learn at your own pace.
YouTube Tutorials: YouTube is filled with free, high-quality tutorials on almost any subject. Channels dedicated to educational content can provide visual explanations that may make difficult concepts easier to understand.
Forums and Online Communities: Websites like Reddit, Stack Exchange, and specialized online communities often have discussion boards where learners and experts exchange ideas. Engaging with these communities can provide insight and clarification for tricky topics.
Podcasts and Audiobooks: For auditory learners, podcasts and audiobooks can be a great way to absorb information while multitasking, commuting, or exercising.

By diversifying your learning sources, you'll expose yourself to different perspectives and teaching styles, which can enhance your understanding and keep things interesting.

4. Create a Learning Schedule

Without deadlines or a structured class environment, it’s easy to procrastinate when you’re learning on your own. Creating a learning schedule is essential for staying disciplined and motivated.

Start by setting aside a consistent time each day or week for learning. Even dedicating just 30 minutes to an hour each day can yield significant progress over time. Be realistic about your time constraints, and balance your learning schedule with other commitments.

Additionally, include time for review. Reinforcing what you've learned is key to retaining new information and ensuring it sticks long-term. Review previous material weekly to keep concepts fresh in your mind.

5. Practice and Apply What You Learn

Learning isn’t just about memorizing facts—it’s about applying your knowledge. The best way to solidify your understanding is through practice and real-world application.

For instance:

If you're learning a new language, practice speaking with others, write daily journals, or use language exchange apps like Duolingo or HelloTalk.
If you're learning coding, work on small projects or contribute to open-source projects.
If you're learning photography, practice taking photos, experimenting with different techniques, and seeking feedback from online communities.

The more you practice, the more confident and capable you'll become in the subject. It also makes learning more enjoyable and helps you see the tangible results of your efforts.

6. Embrace Active Learning Techniques

Active learning involves engaging with the material rather than passively consuming it. This method helps you retain information more effectively. Here are some active learning techniques to try:

Summarizing and Rewriting Notes: After reading or watching a lesson, take the time to summarize the key points in your own words. This reinforces your understanding and helps you internalize the material.
Teach Someone Else: One of the best ways to solidify your understanding of a subject is to teach it to someone else. If you can explain a concept clearly, you likely have a good grasp on it. If you don’t have anyone to teach, try writing blog posts or making your own explanatory videos.
Self-Testing: Regularly quiz yourself on what you've learned. Flashcards, self-made quizzes, or even discussing the material with a study buddy can be an effective way to test your knowledge and highlight areas that need more focus.

7. Stay Consistent and Be Patient

Self-learning can be a slow process, especially when tackling something complex or unfamiliar. The key to success is consistency. Even when things feel difficult or progress seems slow, stick with it. Make it a habit to learn regularly, and you’ll see improvement over time.

It's important to be patient with yourself as well. Learning a new subject without the structure and accountability of formal classes can feel isolating at times. Celebrate small milestones and acknowledge your achievements along the way to keep yourself motivated.

8. Seek Feedback and Adapt

As you progress, seek feedback on your work and adapt your learning methods if needed. If you're learning a technical skill, ask for critiques from experts or peers. If you’re studying a theoretical subject, engage with others through online communities to get different perspectives on the material.

Sometimes, if something isn’t clicking, it might be a sign to change your approach. If a particular textbook isn’t helping, try switching to another one. If you’re struggling with a specific concept, search for different explanations or videos that might present it in a clearer way.

9. Stay Curious and Keep Exploring

One of the greatest benefits of self-teaching is the freedom to follow your curiosity and explore areas that interest you most. Don’t feel pressured to follow a rigid curriculum or predefined path. If something piques your interest along the way, explore it further.

Continually feed your curiosity and explore related topics. Sometimes, learning about a tangential subject can provide insights that help you understand your main focus more deeply.

Conclusion

Teaching yourself a new subject without formal classes is not only possible—it can be incredibly rewarding. By setting clear goals, breaking down the subject, using diverse resources, practicing regularly, and staying patient and consistent, you can successfully learn on your own. Embrace the process, stay curious, and trust that with dedication, you can master anything you set your mind to.