ReTestBash 2023 Challenges on Learning

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ReTestBash UK 2023 is fast approaching! In the lead-up, our exploration journey brings forth another profound aspect that plays a quintessential role in every tester’s life - learning .

Drawing insights from the insightful session by @baysha at TestBash UK, we present you five challenges to redefine your learning paradigms.

Let’s immerse, ponder, and pave the path for efficient learning in our ever-evolving field.

:books: Five Learning Challenges for the Week :

Engage in as many as you’d like, and share your discoveries in response to this post.

  1. Rewatch and Reflect:
  • Brain-Boosting Learning: Revisit “Boost Your Brain: Strategies for Effective and Persistent Learning” with Eva Podbrdská. Discuss the disconnect between traditional learning methods and their actual efficacy. Reflect on personal learning strategies and consider potential enhancements based on Eva’s insights.
  1. Poll:

After absorbing Eva Podbrdská’s talk,

Which learning strategies resonate most with you?

  • Self-testing for mastery.
  • Introducing practice difficulties.
  • Delayed re-study for retention.
  • Interleaving various topics or skills.
  • Using tools for structured learning.
0 voters
  1. Reflections on Learning in Your Career:
  • How do you currently approach learning new tools or concepts in software testing?
  • Have there been times when traditional learning methods failed you?
  • How might you reimagine your learning strategy based on Eva’s recommendations?
  1. Team Activities :
  • Learning Audit: Analyze and document your team’s current learning practices. Identify areas of improvement and discuss potential strategies from Eva’s talk that could be adopted.
  • Tool Exploration: Eva mentioned using specific tools to enhance her learning. Explore and trial one such tool as a team. Discuss its efficacy and potential integration into your daily learning regime.
  1. Deep Dive Challenge :

Learning Deep Dive Challenge: Online Active Learning

The “Passive Learning and the Illusion of Familiarity” activity, curated by Eva Podbrdská, illuminated the pitfalls of passive learning and the deceptive feeling of familiarity. As we increasingly navigate a digital world, how can we overcome the inherent passivity of online learning? Let’s adapt and apply the lessons we gleaned to the unique challenges of learning online.

Objective: Undertake a structured online learning exercise, utilising active engagement techniques. Focus on a non-technical subject of your choice, and share your experiences and insights with the community. Can we enhance online forum-based learning from passive browsing to active engagement?

Instructions:

1. Choosing Your Subject (5 minutes)

  • Pick a non-technical subject you wish to learn about, ensuring it’s one you can access ample online information on (e.g., history of a country, basics of a new language, an art movement, etc.).
  • As a starting point, in reply to this post, begin crafting a forum post sharing your chosen topic with the community.

2. Initial Familiarity Assessment (5 minutes)

  • Spend a few minutes reading online resources or forum threads about your chosen subject passively without any structured note-taking.
  • Add a brief summary of what you’ve grasped from this assessment to your post. This acts as a baseline for the exercise.

3. Active Learning Techniques (15 minutes)

  • Now, revisit the same resources or threads, but this time use active learning techniques like:
    • Summarising information in your own words
    • Asking yourself questions and attempting to answer them.
    • Engaging in forum discussions, asking questions, or debating points.
    • Drawing diagrams or flowcharts based on what you read.
  • Add your methods and techniques to your Club forum post, detailing which ones you found most effective.

4. Reassessment & Insights (10 minutes)

  • After applying active learning techniques, summarise your newfound knowledge on your club forum post.
  • Compare this with your initial familiarity assessment and summarise if there is a difference in depth and clarity.
  • Post your Club forum post to share your experience with the community!

5. Engage with the Community (15 minutes)

  • Read through others’ experiences and contribute to the discussion. Engage in active discussions, asking questions or offering insights.

Wrap-Up:

Online environments often lend themselves to passive scrolling and minimal engagement. Through this challenge, we’ve strived to transform that passivity into active, purposeful learning. Reflect on how these techniques might influence your future online learning endeavours.

Key Takeaways:

  • Recognise the challenges of passive learning in an online forum context.
  • The importance of active engagement even in a predominantly reading-based learning environment.
  • Strategies to optimise forum-based learning by fostering deeper interactions.

Why Take Part?

  • Expand Horizons: Dive into these learning challenges to enhance your ability to grasp new concepts swiftly and effectively.
  • Interact with Thought Leaders: Get ready for ReTestBash UK’s vibrant discussions, and benefit from interactions with pioneers like Eva Podbrdská who will take part in an ask me anything session at ReTestBash .
  • Steer Dialogues: Your inputs will shape event conversations, enabling you to raise queries and actively contribute to debates.
  • Enhance Professional Growth: Mastery in learning directly impacts your career trajectory. Equip yourself with superior strategies.
  • Prepare for ReTestBash UK: Get abreast with the latest techniques and best practices in the realm of learning, ensuring a rewarding event experience.

Join us on the 2nd of November for ReTestBash UK and harness the power of effective learning in testing!

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