Learning by doing

People learn in lots of different ways. Some people need to see their lessons, to get a demonstration or a visual cue. Other people need to listen to information, maybe on a podcast or a radio show, or by taking in a lecture or joining a conversation. And then there are those who do best with book learning: reading and writing their way to knowledge. We’re a reading club, so maybe you’re one of those.

I enjoy all these techniques for taking on new ideas, but I’ve found that my preferred style is what they call kinesthetic: learning by doing. Kinesthetic learners might enjoy simulations or practical sessions, getting really hands-on with a thing to understand how it works. That means you take the engine apart and re-assemble it; you write the code and understand what it’s doing through trial and error.

My own version of kinesthetic tradition leans to the cumbersome end of the spectrum: I often start a whole new project that forces me to learn the thing I’m interested in. 

Doing it this way feels a little confrontational, perhaps. It’s certainly a lot of commitment, and I end up giving homework by the ton. But it works. When I wanted to learn how journalism operated, I started writing and pitching as a freelance. When I wanted to expand my understanding of longform storytelling, I started Matter. And when I needed to navigate the terrain of mental health, I worked on Anxy. These weren’t solo journeys, of course, I had partners in crime along the way. But under the work we did together was my own motivation to learn about the thing at the center of the circle.

Kinesthetic learning doesn’t always succeed. I am pretty awful at home improvements, which explains the many holes in the wall and drunken curtain rail in my bedroom. It’s pretty clear that no matter how many times I try, I’m never going to be a DIY god.

But sometimes it’s just fun. I was chatting this week with a friend who’s part of the club (hi, Lindsay!) and told her that one of my motivations for starting Curious came from this selfsame place: I wanted to learn what it takes to write a great non-fiction book. 

I’ve written plenty of stories, and even been pleased with some of them. I’ve edited a lot, and know a little about the art of telling a story in a few thousand words. But a book? That’s another whole universe.

Kinesthetic me could learn how by writing a book, of course, but I am not ready for that yet.

But what if you could talk to authors about their books and learn how they put them together? What if you could make a project that encouraged you to read book carefully and let you talk to the authors about how they did it? Each month I have the privilege not just of reading and sharing great titles, but talking to amazing writers about their work, their ideas, and their process. It’s honestly a dream: all the learning styles in one place.

So that’s the not very secret secret behind why we’re here.

What would you learn if you could? And how?

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We’ll be announcing February’s book of the month tomorrow, February 1! It became an instant classic when it was released last year, so I know you’re going to enjoy it.

Starting in March we’re going to reactivate our live author Q&A sessions, so I’d love to hear from you if you are interested in taking part in the future. It became a little tricky with logistics, but I miss being able to offer those conversations with bright minds to you all. So members: email back if you have particular needs around timing.

That’s it for now. You’ll hear more about our February pick tomorrow.

Onward,

Bobbie