Creating Your Self-Directed Learning Evidence Table

I developed an exercise called the “Self-Directed Learning Evidence Table” designed to help you transform everything into meaningful learning.

You will construct a straightforward and functional table where you can log your self-directed learning activities and extract lessons or inspiration from them:

I encourage my students to seek knowledge beyond traditional classroom settings and textbooks. I want them to learn from various sources including television, radio, the Internet, films, literature, articles, social media, and more. This is the motivation behind this exercise.

I also encourage them to listen to episodes of “Desert Island Discs” weekly and select episodes that resonate with them:

• BBC Radio 4 - Desert Island Discs - Available now
  • Available episodes of Desert Island Discs: www.bbc.co.uk

Additionally, I want them to watch TED talks related to their interests:

• TED: Ideas worth spreading
  • TED Talks are influential videos from expert speakers on education, business, science, technology, and creativity: www.ted.com

Numerous other ways exist to find inspiration and learn, such as:

• Reading biographies of Time 100 People annually,
• Gleaning insights from various experiences, professions, and backgrounds,
• Learning from literature, theatre, sports, video games, films, television shows, music, and stand-up comedy,
• Reflecting on interests and hobbies that could provide inspiration (e.g., foreign languages, graffiti, sailing, Tai Chi, dance, hiking),
• Exploring topics you are passionate about, like chocolate, coffee, pets, or crime novels.

Turning Every Experience into a Learning Opportunity

For instance, I once spent an entire week binge-watching shows, which felt somewhat unproductive. Instead, I transformed that experience into an article:

• I wasted my entire week through binge-watching
  • Here is what I learned from my watching spree: medium.com

I have also viewed numerous documentaries and series that inspired me, which I then summarized in blog posts:

• An Instant Classic: “My Octopus Teacher”
  • This documentary will change your life: medium.com
• A Masterpiece: We are not Princesses
  • Review of a heartbreaking documentary: medium.com
• Do not miss this creativity masterclass series on Netflix
  • “Abstract: The Art of Design” Season 1 full episodes are uploaded on YouTube: medium.com

Which shows, series, or documentaries have inspired you? Write a brief review and blog post capturing your thoughts.

I also share insights from books I find enlightening and relevant:

• Here are My Top 3 Books on Artificial Intelligence
  • Singularity is about to arrive and we are not ready: medium.com
• Here are My Top 3 Books on Starting Your Own Business
  • These best-sellers will provide you inspiration and tools for your entrepreneurial journey: medium.com
• Here are My Top 3 Leadership Memoirs
  • These biographies by leaders from Nike, Disney, and Pixar offer fascinating insights into leadership: medium.com

Which books have inspired you or broadened your perspective? Consider writing short reviews and blog posts based on your insights.

As a next step, create your own learning evidence table to document your learning experiences, lessons, and insights in one consolidated space.

Sample Learning Evidence Table

Below is a sample table I created for my students.

First, I reviewed two episodes of Desert Island Discs that I listened to: Dame Zaha Hadid and Cath Kidston.

Next, I reviewed two TED talks that I enjoyed: Benjamin Zander and Elizabeth Gilbert:

Then, I summarized my learning from two books I appreciated: “Give and Take” by Adam Grant, and “Watching the English” by Kate Fox:

Finally, I included a movie and a TV series that I enjoyed: “The Martian” and “Downton Abbey”:

As demonstrated, everything around us can serve as a source of learning. We can draw inspiration from various mediums—be it art, a YouTube video, a performance, a comic, a music album, or a narrative.

Learning is Ubiquitous

Learning happens constantly. However, we often fail to systematically document our thoughts and insights. Without reflection and writing, our inspiration can be as transient as a butterfly, leading us to forget valuable ideas and insights. The Self-Directed Learning Evidence Table aids in capturing these thoughts and insights as they arise.

This evidence table also encourages you to view everything as a chance for learning. Your life is rich and diverse, encompassing various domains, relationships, networks, and projects. Imagine if you could capture more of your observations, ideas, insights, and patterns. While keeping a diary is one approach, you can also adopt a more structured method by utilizing a self-directed learning evidence table.

Fahri Karakas is the author of the Self-making Studio. You can explore more here.