I started digging around on Google and YouTube to find what are considered to be the "best" study methods. I also read "How People Learn". What I learned from my somewhat superficial efforts was that practice tests and flash cards are found to be two of the most effective study methods. I've used practice tests when preparing for the CCNP TSHOOT exam, but I found that I was memorizing multiple choice answers instead of learning the technology. I also found a number of videos about the SQRRR method, which I also learned in junior high school, but never implemented.
The SQRRR method is:
- Scan - quickly skim through the chapter
- Question - create questions about what you skimmed
- Read - actually read the chapter
- Recite - put the chapter's contents into your own words
- Review - use the questions from step 2 as a practice test
For the CCNA Wireless exam, I found myself reading the same two books (the Official Certification Guide and the Quick Reference), but not really memorizing specifics. My study was very superficial. It was at that point that I figured I better give flash cards a try.
I've also found that I like the combination of a book (or two), a video course and then using flash cards. I'll be taking a boot camp for the first time as well and I've been watching some YouTube videos to supplement the book study.
I cracked open the Official Certification Guide ebook along with a Google Doc. As I read the chapter, I created a question and then the answer. I continued this though each chapter until I reached the end of the book. I also liked the ability to take screenshots of diagrams as I went. This took me a little over four weeks to complete the Official Certification Guide.
Next, I copied each question and answer into Anki. Anki is an absolutely fantastic flash card program and I highly recommend it. Since I use Arch Linux on my home PC, I used the Linux client on my desktop to copy and paste each set of questions and answers. I also labeled each card to the chapter (using 01 for Chapter 1, 02 for Chapter 2, etc.) so I can choose to study a specific chapter. Anki also supports adding media files, so I added pictures when appropriate.
To me, the best part about Anki is the AnkiDroid client for my Android phone and Kindle tablet. This allows me to study a few cards when I'm out and about. For example, I was traveling with some co-workers to a building about 45 minutes away from our office building. Since someone else was driving, I was able to knock out a study session while we were commuting.
Flash cards are great for the theory portion of Cisco exams and some configuration topics.
One item that is missing a way to add hands-on configuration lab work into this process. Since I get the opportunity to work with the wireless gear at work, I don't have a home wireless lab. But, for the CCIE, I'm going to take a serious look at VIRL. I'll have to figure out a methodology to work through the configuration portion of Cisco study.
A quick synopsis of my current process:
- Acquire the needed ebooks
- Find additional videos of the subject for supplemental learning
- Create questions and answers per chapter
- After finishing the book, copy the questions and answers into Anki
- Create a daily habit of going through the assigned flash cards
- Practice the configurations on available hardware or virtual hardware (such as GNS3 or VIRL)
Since using these flashcards over the last month, I'm feeling really confident about passing the CCNA Wireless exam and I now have a solid methodology for tackling the CCIE. I'll also find a way to incorporate Anki into my Python, regular expression and upcoming SDN course.
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