I get overwhelmed while self studying courses. What can I do when I can't sit in classes anymore? I am learning a new numerical modeling technique (molecular dynamics) that requires learning graduate level maths and physics concepts. I am learning from youTube videos and books. However, I am getting all overwhelmed and am retaining nothing.
I am feeling disappointed because I am not able to grasp the subject that is very important for my postdoc success. My entire postdoc contract is based on the assumption that I can learn this in 6 months and produce results in the next 6 months.
I cannot sit through classes as postdocs are not allowed to do so in my university. I have access to online materials only.
I am feeling super stressed out and overwhelmed. Any advice?
Reading and watching videos is not a substitute for learning. Treat the material like you would if you were in a class. Find exercises that you can do to assure that you have &quot;mastered&quot; the material. Take notes. Make checkpoints at which you can assess your progress. You learn from reinforcement and feedback. The latter is hard in online learning. Find someone who can give you some feedback and answer questions. Find a working group if possible and learn it as a group, reinforcing one another.
I wonder, also, whether you can informally sit in on a course while not taking it. A friendly professor might permit it and even let you take exams informally. I've done this as a professor, actually, when wanting to learn the basics of a new field.