how do you personally study tech books?

[Kaido]

I've decided to get my CCNA (Cisco Certfied Network Associate) because I'm taking an 'advanced' networking class and the teacher will give us an 'A' in the class if we pass the CCNA. I've been trying a few different study methods, like outlining on a whiteboard, flash cards, and record my notes to a tape record.

So far the best way I've found to study is a trick my dad taught me. Take an Exacto knife and cut each chapter of your book out and staple it together. Read each chapter through once and underline or highlight the key things and put a star next to the important things. Carry one chapter around in your pocket and review it whenever you have a free minute. Repitition is the key to remembering things. So read it, then review it that night, then review it the next day, then review it again a couple days later. The act of reading, repeated review, and actually using your hand to highlight stuff helps you remember it.

So how do you guys study technical books? I have a pretty poor memory now I guess; I find that I can understand most tech material pretty easily, but if you asked me two minutes later what I learned I wouldn't be able to answer. I want to learn how to study more effectively.

Also, have any of you gone after a certification, whether it's Cisco, Microsoft, CompTIA, whatever, and how did you study for it?

 

[Goosemaster]

Sorry to inform you dude, but the only effective way to learn the CCNA is to use the equipment.

That said, I learned win2003, gnetoo, and a bunch of other stuff by reading the book and doing every practical excercise.

For Textbooks, I read the chapters all the way through, go back to highlight or mentally hihglight important things, and then go and do the sample problems, followed by the hw.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Goosemaster
Sorry to inform you dude, but the only effective way to learn the CCNA is to use the equipment.

I do. We have a bunch of Cisco equipment in my networking class that I get to use twice a week.

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: Goosemaster
Sorry to inform you dude, but the only effective way to learn the CCNA is to use the equipment.

I do. We have a bunch of Cisco equipment in my networking class that I get to use twice a week.

Then use it more

The Cisco CCNA chapters are fairly easy. What challenges you is knowing what commands to sue when you don;t ahve it in front of you

<--my CCNA strategy.

use the book throughout doing an excercise, and repeat the excercise while using the book less and less, until you no longer need it.

Finally, when yo uare done with a chapter, go back randomly and try to do an excercise without the book.

 

[Toastedlightly]

i'd do it like I did my A+. Just physcially do everything that they do in the book and attempt to do it daily. Read the book, every chapter twice, and take practice exams.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Toastedlightly
i'd do it like I did my A+. Just physcially do everything that they do in the book and attempt to do it daily. Read the book, every chapter twice, and take practice exams.

Yup, have practice exams on the CD that came with the book. I'm just trying to figure out the best way of learning the book material. I think repitition is the key, just actually putting in the time.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Goosemaster

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: Goosemaster
Sorry to inform you dude, but the only effective way to learn the CCNA is to use the equipment.

I do. We have a bunch of Cisco equipment in my networking class that I get to use twice a week.

Then use it more

The Cisco CCNA chapters are fairly easy. What challenges you is knowing what commands to sue when you don;t ahve it in front of you

<--my CCNA strategy.

use the book throughout doing an excercise, and repeat the excercise while using the book less and less, until you no longer need it.

Finally, when yo uare done with a chapter, go back randomly and try to do an excercise without the book.

That's a good idea. Here's our textbook. I've never taken a professional-level certification before and I want to make sure I do it right