[What advice would you give to a Computer Science major student that you wish you were given when you started learning Computer Science?](https://www.quora.com/What-advice-would-you-give-to-a-Computer-Science-major-student-that-you-wish-you-were-given-when-you-started-learning-Computer-Science/answer/Nikhil-Garg?ch=10&oid=1292239&share=b26792fb&srid=htUgsc&target_type=answer)

# Renaissance Learning
Metaphors and analogies aren't just for art and literature. One of the best things you can do to not only remember but more easily understand concepts in many different fields is to create a metaphor or analogy for them. Often the more visual, the better. 

We've learned from Nobel Prize Winner Santiago Ramón y Cajal that if you change your thoughts, you can really truly change your life. It seems people can enhance the development of their neuronal circuits by practicing thoughts that use those neurons. Like Santiago Ramon y Cajal, you can take pride in aiming for success because of the very things that make other people say you can't do it. 

![](https://teachmeanatomy.info/wp-content/uploads/Structure-of-a-Neurone.jpg)

Keep in mind that when you whiz through a homework or test question, and you don't go back to check your work, you're acting a little like a person who's refusing to use parts of your brain. You're not stopping to take a mental breath, and then revisit what you've done with the bigger picture in mind, to see whether it makes sense. 

![](https://learningdriven.fun/assets/images/focused_diffused.png)

Overconfidence in your results can result from using only one mode of thinking. By making it a point to do some of your studying with friends, you can more easily catch where your thinking has gone astray. 

Taking a test is serious business. Just as fighter pilots and doctors go through checklists before takeoff and surgery, going through your own test preparation checklist can vastly improve your chances of success. 

Counterintuitive strategies, such as the hard start jump to easy technique, can give your brain a chance to reflect on harder challenges, even as you are focusing on other, more straightforward problems. 

Apply this checklist everyday before an exam:
- [ ]  **Did you make a serious effort to understand the text?** (Just hunting for relevant worked-out examples doesn't count.)
- [ ]  **Did you work with classmates on homework problems**, or at least check your solutions with others?
- [ ]  **Did you attempt to outline every homework problem solution** before working with classmates?
- [ ]  **Did you participate actively in homework group discussions** (contributing ideas, asking questions)?
- [ ]  **Did you consult with the instructor or teaching assistants** when you were having trouble with something?
- [ ]  **Did you understand ALL of your homework problem solutions** when they were handed in?
- [ ]  **Did you ask in class for explanations of homework problem solutions that weren't clear to you?**
- [ ]  If you had **a study guide**, did you carefully go through it before the test and convince yourself that you could do everything on it?
- [ ]  **Did you attempt to outline lots of problem solutions quickly**, without spending time on the algebra and calculations?
- [ ]  **Did you go over the study guide and problems with classmates and quiz one another?**
- [ ]  **If there was a review session before the test, did you attend it and ask questions about anything you weren''t sure about?**
- [ ]  **Did you get a reasonable night's sleep before the test?** (If your answer is no, your answers to 1-11 may not matter.)

Here are some last test-taking pointers. 
* The body puts out chemicals when it's under stress. How you interpret your body's reaction to those chemicals makes all the difference. If you shift your thinking from, this test has made me afraid, to, this test has got me excited to do my best, it helps improve your performance. 
* If you're panicked on a test, momentarily turn your attention to your breathing. Relax your stomach. Place your hand on it, and slowly draw a deep breath.

![](https://s36370.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/What-Belly-Breathing-Looks-Like.png)

# How I can apply my findings to learning Computer Science?
Always double check after going through a homework assignment or a test question. For homework assignments, spend some time in diffused mode before visiting to look at it with fresh eyes. Group study is also a great way to avoid overconfidence by quizzing each other.

The hard-start jump-to-easy technique is actually useful, especially applied for my final exam in Design & Analysis of Algorithms. I can also apply the technique to assignments and research tasks, where I pick the most difficult part to tackle for 1 pomodoro, then step back so the subconscious can process it later. Mood shifts and controlled breathing is also beneficial for exams.

After the announcement of an exam, I should review this checklist everyday until they're all checked out before the due date.

# Final note
This is the fourth out of 4 parts, each comes out a day apart. Please remind me to stick to my own advices here. Thank you so much for reading!

How I study Computer Science (Learning how to Learn) - Part 4 (Renaissance Learning)

[What advice would you give to a Computer Science major student that you wish you were given when you started learning Computer Science?](https://www.quora.com/What-advice-would-you-give-to-a-Computer-Science-major-student-that-you-wish-you-were-given-when-you-started-learning-Computer-Science/answer/Nikhil-Garg?ch=10&oid=1292239&share=b26792fb&srid=htUgsc&target_type=answer)

# Procrastination
* Keep a planner journal so you can easily track when you reach your goals and observe what does and doesn't work. 
    * Commit yourself to certain routines and tasks each day. 
    * Write your plan tasks out the night before so your brain has time to dwell on your goals and help ensure success. 
    * Arrange your work into a series of small challenges. 
* Always make sure you and your zombies get lots of rewards. Take a few minutes to savor the feelings of happiness and triumph, which also gives your brain a chance to temporarily change modes. 
* Deliberately delay rewards until you finish the task. 
* Watch for procrastination cues. 
* Try putting yourself in new surroundings with few procrastination cues such as the quiet section of the library. 
* Gain trust in your new system. You want to work hard during times of focused concentration and also to trust your system enough so that when it comes time to relax, you actually relax without feelings of guilt or worry. 
* Have backup plans for when you still procrastinate. No one is perfect after all. 
* Eat your frogs first every day.

# Memory
Learning to use your memory in a more disciplined yet creative manner, helps you learn to focus your attention even as you create wild diffuse connections that build stronger memories.

We discussed two main memory systems involved in your ability to chunk concepts. 
* The first is long term memory which is like a storage warehouse. 
    * You need to practice and repeat in order to help store items in long-term memory so you can retrieve them more easily. 
    * Practicing and repeating all in one day is a bad idea, you want to extend your practice to several days. 
    * This is why tackling procrastination is important, it helps you build better memories because you start earlier. 

![](https://imgur.com/NUpLovz.png)

* The second, is working memory which is like a whole blackboard they quickly fades. 
    * You can only hold about four items in your working memory. 
    * When you master a technique or concept in some sense, it compacts the ideas so they can occupy less space in your working memory when you do bring them to mind. 
    * This frees your mental thinking space so that they can more easily grapple with other ideas. 

![](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1587293852726-70cdb56c2866)

We have outstanding visual and spatial memory systems. If you tap into those systems it will help improve your memory. 
* To begin tapping into your visual memory system, try making a very memorable visual image representing one key item you want to remember. 
* Beyond merely seeing, try to feel, to hear and even to smell something you're trying to remember. 
* The funnier and more evocative the images the better. 
* As always, repetition over several days is really helpful. 

![](https://www.betterup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image2-2.png?width=1999&name=image2-2.png)

Another key to memorization is to create meaningful groups that simplify the material. 
* Try associating numbers with years or with systems you're familiar with like running times. Many disciplines use memorable sentences. 
* The memory palace technique, placing memorable images in a scene that's familiar to you allows you to dip into the strength of your visual memory system, providing a particularly powerful way of grouping things you want to remember. 
* By making meaningful groups and abbreviations, you can simplify and chunk what you're trying to learn so you can more easily store it in memory. 

![](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/1f/Build-a-Memory-Palace-Step-5-Version-7.jpg/v4-460px-Build-a-Memory-Palace-Step-5-Version-7.jpg.webp)

By memorizing material you understand, you can internalize the material in a profound way. You're reinforcing the mental library you need to become a genuine master of the material.

**References:**
* [The magical number 4 in short-term memory: A reconsideration of mental storage capacity](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/behavioral-and-brain-sciences/article/magical-number-4-in-shortterm-memory-a-reconsideration-of-mental-storage-capacity/44023F1147D4A1D44BDC0AD226838496)
* [Human memory: A proposed system and its control processes - Atkinson-Shiffrin memory model](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fs0079-7421%2808%2960422-3)
* [Strategies for learning proper names: Expanding retrieval practice, meaning and imagery](http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/acp.1115)

# How I can apply my findings to learning Computer Science?
I've been Bullet Journalling for more than 5 years and I'm constantly refining my system according to my work. I'm quite bad at arranging my work into a series of small challenges, but I try planning as I go. 

![](https://imgur.com/Vw4tWFY.png)

There's more willpower to work with for the first task of the day, so I need to commit to eating the frog first thing in the morning.

My procrastination cues include swapping to social media tabs, YouTube binging at night, randomly searching for information on a different task, contemplating on task priority (whether to do a time sensitive task or a highly motivating task). Whenever I notice these acts, the first 3 cues tell me that the task I need to do is paralyzing or uninteresting.
* If I haven't started the task, I can spend 1 pomodoro to sketch out smaller tasks; since planning takes less willpower
* If the current task is uninteresting, I can delegate or discuss the task with a partner so drive social engagement. If this is a personal task, I should reconsider whether this is important for me.
* The last cue may come from decision paralysis. If both items are on the same tier on the Eisenhower matrix, "eat the frog" for at least 1 pom, and then you can continue or switch to the more exciting task.

I also need to start tasks earlier, especially for exam prep to build up retention before the exams. 

I never needed to use memory techniques, but I should start using them during learning to memorize material I understand to internalize the material in a profound way. This is especially useful for research.

I want to understand LCA - Lowest Common Ancestor, I will look for visualizations of the techniques used ([Binary lifting](https://vnoi.info/wiki/algo/data-structures/lca-binlift.md)) and practice the exercise problems to double down my understanding. As well as extra problems to practice "transfer" and combine chunks together in different settings.

I might experiment with memory palaces in the future, especially when taking Operating Systems next semesters. For now, I'll stick to spaced repetition for any memorization.

# Final note
This is the third out of 4 parts, each comes out a day apart. Please remind me to stick to my own advices here. Thank you so much for reading!

How I study Computer Science (Learning how to Learn) - Part 3 (Procrastination & Memory)

[What advice would you give to a Computer Science major student that you wish you were given when you started learning Computer Science?](https://www.quora.com/What-advice-would-you-give-to-a-Computer-Science-major-student-that-you-wish-you-were-given-when-you-started-learning-Computer-Science/answer/Nikhil-Garg?ch=10&oid=1292239&share=b26792fb&srid=htUgsc&target_type=answer)

# Chunking
## How to form a chunk 
Chunks are pieces of information, neuroscientifically speaking, that are bound together through use and often through meaning. You can think of a chunk as a scintillating network of neurons that compactly synthesizes key ideas or actions. 

Chunks can get bigger and more complex. But at the same time, they're a single easy to access item that you can fit like a ribbon into the slot on your working memory. Chunks are best built with focused, undivided attention, understanding of the basic idea. And practice to help deepen your patterns and to help you gain big picture context.

It's basically parts of a chapter cut into smaller topics for navigation, but also for chunking.

![](https://imgur.com/20gp9zA.png)

**References:**
* [How does chunking help working memory?](https://doi.org/10.1037%2Fxlm0000578)

## Simple Recall
Simple recall, trying to remember the key points without looking at the page, is one of the best ways to help the chunking process along. It seems to help build neural hooks. They help you better understand the material. 

![](https://imgur.com/sOJzPU2.png)

Also try recalling material in places that are different from where you originally learned the material, so it becomes more deeply ingrained and accessible, regardless of what room you're in. This can be very helpful for tests.

**References:**
* [A Brief History of Memory Research. The Oxford Handbook of Memory](https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2000-00111-001)

## Transfer 
Transfer is the idea that a chunk you've mastered in one area can often help you much more easily learn chunks of information in different areas that can share surprising commonalities. 

Interleave your learning by practicing your choice of different concepts, approach, and techniques all in one session. Chunks are very important, but they don't necessarily build flexibility, which is also important in becoming an expert with the material you're learning.

![](https://computingstudy.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/venncs.gif)

**References:**
* [Transfer of Learning, Cognitive Psychology of](https://doi.org/10.1016/B0-08-043076-7/01481-9)

## Illusions of competence
Learn to recognize when you're fooling yourself about whether you're actually learning the material. 
* Test yourself frequently. Using little mini-tests to see whether you're actually learning the material, or whether you've been fooling yourself, thinking you're learning when you're actually not. Recall is actually a form of mini-testing. 
* Try to avoid depending too much on highlighting, which can fool you into thinking that the material is going into your brain when it actually isn't. 
* Mistakes are a good thing to make when you're learning. They allow you to catch illusions of competence.
* Avoid practicing only the easy stuff, which can bring the illusion that you've mastered the material. Deliberately practice what you find more difficult to gain full mastery of the material.

![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/43/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_Effect2.svg/800px-Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_Effect2.svg.png)

**References:**
* [Chapter Five - The Dunning-Kruger Effect: On Being Ignorant of One's Own Ignorance](https://doi.org/10.1016%2FB978-0-12-385522-0.00005-6)

## Einstellung
Einstellung is when your initial thought, an idea you've already had in mind, or a neural pattern you've already developed well and strengthened, prevents a better idea or solution from being found. Or keeps you from being flexible enough to accept new, better, or more appropriate solutions. 

The Law of Serendipity is helpful. Lady Luck favors the one who tries. Just pick one tiny thing out to learn, then another. Just keep trying and you'll be pleasantly surprised at the results.

![](https://orchard-prod.azurewebsites.net/media/Stories/Stu_Einstellung/Einstellung_Effect.png)

**References:**
* [Mechanization in problem solving: The effect of Einstellung](https://doi.org/10.1037%2Fh0093502)
* [The effect of Einstellung on compositional processes](https://web.archive.org/web/20160508163029/http://act-r.psy.cmu.edu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/671p2444.pdf)

# How I can apply my findings to learning Computer Science?
I can use chunking to design my own curriculum for learning a new subject. I learned Linear Algebra for APCS, yet I'm unsatisfied by the depth of the course. So I aim to dive deeper myself to apply myself in Optimization and Machine Learning.

For that I'll be studying "Linear Algebra and Optimization for Machine Learning" by Charu C. Aggarwal.

I'll use the book's Table of Contents for chunking, and divide its 11 chapters for read every week. It's best to have a deadline to keep yourself accountable, even for personal learning - so I plan on finishing the book in 3 months.

I'll setup 2 midterms and a final exam, one at the end of each month. To get the exams, I'll find a university curriculum that follows the same book and use their exams. Or I'll ask a friend to randomly pick a number of exercises from each chapter to make a problem set. It's also likely that I won't finish every problem in the book so there's a good chance I may or may not have encountered the problem before the exam.

During this time, I'll be working on research workshops and related Machine Learning work. This gives me a hands-on opportunity to apply what I learned while studying. 

Do ask after April 2024 if I do finish studying the book :despairFade:

# Final note
This is the second out of 4 parts, each comes out a day apart. Please remind me to stick to my own advices here. Thank you so much for reading!

How I study Computer Science (Learning how to Learn) - Part 2 (Chunking)

[What advice would you give to a Computer Science major student that you wish you were given when you started learning Computer Science?](https://www.quora.com/What-advice-would-you-give-to-a-Computer-Science-major-student-that-you-wish-you-were-given-when-you-started-learning-Computer-Science/answer/Nikhil-Garg?ch=10&oid=1292239&share=b26792fb&srid=htUgsc&target_type=answer)

# What is Learning?
## Focused vs Diffused mode
Focused mode helps you think about things you are somewhat familiar with. Focused thinking is dependent on established neural pathways and existing thought patterns
    
Diffuse thinking allows the subconscious to make unexpected connections between disparate ideas. Diffuse thinking, as it turns out, is representative of the brain's many neural resting states. We all access this mode quite naturally when we do things like go for a walk or take a shower or even just drift off to sleep. 

When we find ourselves stuck on a problem, let things settle back and take a bit more time - more neural processing can take place, often below conscious awareness in the diffuse mode. to build the new neural structures that allow us to learn something new

We use a pinball analogy to compare the two modes. Analogies are also a great way to use diffused mode to better understand a concept by using something else to convey an idea.

![](https://learningdriven.fun/assets/images/focused_diffused.png)

**References:**
* [Focused and Diffuse: Two Modes of Thinking](https://fs.blog/focused-diffuse-thinking/)
* [Automatic and voluntary focusing of attention](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Carlo-Umilta/publication/12326284_Automatic_and_voluntary_focusing_of_attention/links/0deec524a96bbe7f6e000000/Automatic-and-voluntary-focusing-of-attention.pdf)

## Procrastination
It often takes time for neural processing to take place, and time, as well, to build the new neural structures that allow us to learn something new. This is why tackling procrastination is so very important. 

The easiest way to tackle procrastination is to use the Pomodoro technique - 25 minute stretch of focuses concentration followed by a bit of mental relaxation.

![](https://images.prismic.io/sketchplanations/62e61034-b66a-4ede-a5db-a5cbc39d55e7_SP+587+-+The+Pomodoro+technique.jpg?auto=compress,format)

My favorite way to apply the Pomodoro technique is with the Forest app by Seekrtech. It lets you earn coins through locking your device for a selected amount of time. Every session gifts you trees to plant on a digital forest, and you can use the coins to buy new trees. You can even plant real life trees for every 1000 coins (but the app only lets you plant 5 of them, as of now). Here is a picture of my forest for September 2023:

![](https://imgur.com/sH0uRYF.png)

**References:**
* [Cirillo, Francesco. The Pomodoro Technique](https://francescocirillo.com/products/the-pomodoro-technique)
* [Forest App](https://www.forestapp.cc/)

## Memory
It's through practice and repetition that we can help enhance and strengthen the neural structures we're building as we're learning something new. Practice and repetition is particularly important for more abstract topics. 
* There are four slots in our working memory. Things can fall out of those slots unless we keep repeating them to hold them in mind. In that sense working memory is like a not very good blackboard. 

![](https://imgur.com/NUpLovz.png)

* Long term memory, on the other hand, is like a storage warehouse. If you practiced and repeated something well enough to get it into long-term memory, you can usually call it up later if you need, although you may need an occasional bit of repetition to freshen the memory up. 

![](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1587293852726-70cdb56c2866)

It's never a good idea to cram your learning by repeating things many times all in one day. Because that's like trying to build muscle by lifting weights all in one day there's no time for solid structures to grow.

**References:**
* [The magical number 4 in short-term memory: A reconsideration of mental storage capacity](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/behavioral-and-brain-sciences/article/magical-number-4-in-shortterm-memory-a-reconsideration-of-mental-storage-capacity/44023F1147D4A1D44BDC0AD226838496)
* [Human memory: A proposed system and its control processes - Atkinson-Shiffrin memory model](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fs0079-7421%2808%2960422-3)

## Sleep
Sleep is important for washing away the toxins that develop during our days activities. 
* Avoid taking tests or doing anything difficult with little sleep the night before
* Trying to think with poison on the brain

**References:**
* [Sleep stage II contributes to the consolidation of declarative memories](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2012.06.008)

## Exercise
Exercise is surprisingly valuable in helping both improve our memory and our ability to learn. It can also activate the diffused mode after being stuck on a problem.

**References:**
* [Exercise influences episodic memory via changes in hippocampal neurocircuitry and long-term potentiation](https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.14728)

# How I can apply my findings to learning Computer Science?
Before every work day, I write down a to-do list of at least 3 items, and at most 6. Each item is assigned an estimated number of pomodoros it'll take to complete, based on previous experience. Otherwise, the default asignmment is 4 "poms".

![](https://imgur.com/Vw4tWFY.png)

My challenge with applying the Pomodoro Technique is I don't actually take a break between pomodoros. To quote Barbara Oakley:
> The problem is that activities which encourage diffuse thinking can make us feel lazy and guilty. Instead, we often opt for mediocre substitutes, like social media, which give our mind a break without really allowing for true mind-wandering.

Therefore, I will commit to the breaks by wandering around, getting water, or with breathing exercises. The breaks should be treated as part of the productive process, not the opposite. In return, I am constantly engaging my diffused mode thinking before returning to problem solving.

I also start tasks later than I should (somewhere during the middle of the given duration, or even days or hours before the deadline). The best way to prevent this is immediately start after given a task. If not possible, I should just think about what I would do and let it be the first thing I do whenever available. 

Given a sceneration, I'd be tasked on a research topic before commuting home. I'll immediately start finding a literature survey on a topic, or find recent papers on it. After coming home, I'll note down the dataset, algorithms and preprocessing used on a Google Sheet. Later that night, I can continue a different time-sensitive task, but the research task is already ongoing and I don't have to deal with workload paralysis.

![](https://imgur.com/zEJn4l2.png)

As a Computer Science student, I don't rely on memory on recall as much as analytical skills. Just like Mathematics, the skills are ingrained the more you do it, and the definitions and theorems just make sense to reiterate in your own words. Until I started taking Theory of Computation and Design & Analysis of Algorithms, I realize maybe proofs do need to be memorized. I realized that the fastest way to learn maths is that you don't waste time until you "understand", you get used to it. 

Getting used to classical problems such as applying Network Flow into Bipartite Graph Matching comes in clutch, when applying to variations such as constraints and assignment problems. Same goes for proving decidability and getting used to the Halting problem and its variations. 

***JUST GET USED TO IT!!!***

I only started sleeping enough a week before my Theory of Computation exam, and it was the first time in a while since I felt mental clarity. I didn't realize I couldn't hear my own thoughts until 4 days after I slept more than 7 hours. I also incorporated power naps (drinking caffeine before a 20-minute nap).

Back in Vietnam, I try incorporating exercise by walking between home and university. After coming to Singapore, I practically walk everywhere since there's only public transportation. My current pace is fine, but I think I should try working out or try rock climbing out of a friend's recommendation.

# Final note
This is the first out of 4 parts, each comes out a day apart. Please remind me to stick to my own advices here. Thank you so much for reading!

How I study Computer Science (Learning how to Learn) - Part 1 (What is Learning?)


# Describe your current learning career and potential trajectory
I'm currently a university junior in Vietnam who enjoys mathematics and is aiming for a degree in Computer Science.

# Briefly describe the learning aim that is of importance to you.
I'm currently a bachelor's student in Computer Science; but as of writing, I'm on an exchange program to NUS for a Master's scholarship. I'm studying Introduction to Information Security, Computer Vision, Design & Analysis of Algorithms and Theory of Computation. 

All of these are of importance to me because my passion lies in Software Engineering and Data Science, specifically in MLOps, Computer Vision and Information Retrieval. This involves alot of knowledge on higher mathematics (Linear Algebra, Discrete Maths, Statistics, Multivariable Calculus, Probability), algorithms (Data Structures & Algorithms, Optimization and Parallelization), and systems (Graphics, Database Systems, Networking, Information Security, Operating Systems and Compiler Design). 

I want to be able to build meaningful systems and come up with mathematical models on multimedia problems.

# What is your biggest mental challenge in achieving your learning aim?
My biggest mental challenge would be workload paralysis and being a perfectionist. I fear that I'm already late on my deadlines yet also the scope is also within my abilities, so I end up not working on it. 

I might not have a good estimation on how long a task should be, so I tend to break my strict schedules. Something specific to research work is that if I do not work on something consistently, I will fall into workload paralysis and procrastinate.

# Outline existing research or learning techniques that are relevant to your challenges.
[The Psychology of Workload Paralysis & How to Beat It](https://www.runn.io/blog/workload-paralysis) touches on workload paralysis which is caused by poor health - lack of sleep (hugely mentioned on the course), poor diet, insufficient exercise - and heavy workload. We can combat workload paralysis by prioritizing, break projects into smaller milestones, get rid of distractions, start projects right after assignment instead of before the deadline, and work on anxiety issues such as meditation, enough sleep, and a support group.

[What makes a productive Ph.D. student?](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048733322000853) investigates how social environment affects a PhD student's academic productivity - which promotes having a support group of less freshman students and at least 1 female academic peer.

[How do I estimate accurately the amount of time for a task in planning?](https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-estimate-accurately-the-amount-of-time-for-a-task-in-planning) provides techniques on how to estimate how long a task should take by breaking down tasks, consider past experiences, get input from others, use a task management tool, factor in contingencies, be realistic, review and adjust, and learn from your mistakes.

# Apply your knowledge of research findings or learning techniques to overcome your challenges.
I will sleep earlier and get more than 6 hours of sleep, as well as promoting exercise throughout the day. I must closely use the Pomodoro technique and prohibit high-stimulating breaks to not exhaust myself. I'm currently using Notion to manage my tasks; I just need to be smarter in estimating and dividing my tasks to be more manageable. 

(p.s.: i really need to start designing my own thumbnails)

Reflect Essay about a Learning challenge

Learning Generative Art - Autonomous Inc

I really love Austin Z. Henley's blog posts, especially his two blogs [Programming as play](https://austinhenley.com/blog/programmingasplay.html) and [Lessons from my PhD](https://austinhenley.com/blog/lessonsfrommyphd.html). Both of them granted me new perspectives to what it means to be a Computer Scientist in the long run, and just have fun in any field that involves the Design thinking process. 

Hell! I even just found out that Austin Z. Henley just published [CoWrangler: Recommender System for Data-Wrangling Scripts](https://austinhenley.com/publications.html) and immediately released it as a VSCode extension (khủng). Would really love to bring my research ideas into actual practice (if i can do one of two fluently yet :despairfade:). 

Austin Z. Henley works on AI + developer tools at Microsoft as a PM on the PROSE research team. Previously, he had been a professor at the University of Tennessee where he led a research group working on the usability of developer tools.

I first accidentally stumbled onto [Programming as play](https://austinhenley.com/blog/programmingasplay.html) as a [daily.dev](https://daily.dev/) page. Absolutely fell in love with his field of work and his insights ever since.

Here are some notes from both pages:

For [Programming as play](https://austinhenley.com/blog/programmingasplay.html):
> But I find it so freeing when there is no expectation to accomplish an objective or for the outcome to even be usable. I just want to enjoy the creative process of building something and possibly show it to others. Many people seem to think of programming as purely pragmatic. Something you do only for work or to get a task done.
>
> I want to change the notion that programming has to be a serious endeavor.

> There were 7 themes of programming as play identified from the analysis: artistry, catalyst, fun, playgrounds, spontaneity, tinkering, and anti-work.

For [Lessons from my PhD](https://austinhenley.com/blog/lessonsfrommyphd.html):
### Lead for be led
> If you show up to a meeting/internship/job expecting to be told what to do, then chances are someone will tell you something to do. It might not be the best thing for you to be doing though.
>
> Alternatively, if you show up to a meeting/internship/job with a convincing game plan, then chances are people will get out of your way so you can go do it. Sometimes they will even surprise you with the ways they can support you with it.
>
> Don't expect people in these situations to ask you what you want to work on. You should already be telling them.

### Topic sentences
> Write the first sentence of every paragraph you intend on having. Keep them simple for now. You can improve the prose later. That is it. Don't write the paragraph bodies yet!
>
> Now read the topic sentences.
>
> Do those sentences convey what you wanted? Do they flow together? Are you missing any major details? I often have to iterate on these a few times.

> **Another great benefit**: If you ever need to write a summary or abstract of something you have written using this process, you get the initial draft for free: copy and paste all of the topic sentences. Voila. For example, the topic sentences from a paper's Introduction makes a great starting point for the abstract!

### Get excited
> Any job has parts that we don't enjoy doing. But if you don't find a way to get yourself excited, then it is going to be painful and you probably won't do very well.
>
> This saved me when I had nothing but weeks and weeks of qualitative coding and data analysis ahead of me.
> 
> I still have to remind myself of this on a regular basis when I'm dealing with a mountain of administrivia. There really isn't a secret to it. Take a swig of coffee and get yourself psyched up.

### Unmotivated details
> I picked up a pet peeve from my advisor: unmotivated details.
>
> _Why are you telling me this?_
>
> These unmotivated details are everywhere! Papers, presentations, blogs, meetings, emails, etc.
>
> Before you explain something, you probably need to motivate it. Why should this person care about what I'm going to tell them? It often only takes a few words to do so.

Basically the Three Golden Circles - Why, How, What.

### Slides versus speaker

> There are two main modes of presenting: the speaker leads and the slides assist OR the slide leads and the speaker assists.
>
> **Speaker leads:** You want the attention to be on what you are saying. The slide exists to assist your message by showing a short form of what you are saying aloud. The slide should be very simple.
>
> **Slide leads:** You have a figure or table that you want the audience to understand. The speaker is there to help guide their attention.

> Another big tip: Prime the audience for what slide comes next. Do this by having a verbal segue for every slide.
>
> For example, you are on a slide showing comments from users about your product. You transition by saying, "after receiving this feedback from users, we explored potential solutions...", then click, you show the next slide with your solutions.

### Managers as input/output machines

> These meetings are for getting feedback.
>
> In the words of my PhD advisor: "advisors are input/output machines". You put into it your update and you get back feedback. The meeting is for your benefit.
>
> However, you have to show up with something in order to get feedback. If all you say is "I'm still looking into that one thing" or "I'm stuck", then there is little to go off of. Sometimes that happens though. But if you want help from your advisor/manager, you have to show up with something. This is virtually always possible to do, even if you think you didn't make progress, though it does take a bit effort to get organized.

Ah and I am guilty of this one literally right now :despairFade:

> A few suggestions for running update meetings with your advisor/manager:
>
> * Assume they forgot everything that was said last meeting.
> * Show up with things to talk about and a goal.
> * In 3-4 sentences, refresh everyone's memory about the last meeting and what you were supposed to accomplish since then.
> * In 4-6 sentences, summarize what you did, what worked, what didn't work, and what you think you should do next. Think of this as bullet points.
> * Avoid diving into details until you know everyone is on the same page and caught up.
> * If possible, show up with something tangible, like a visual aid, a demo, a draft, or at least some notes.

### Daily progress tracking

> Each day, I wrote down a few bullet points of what I did. I probably spent less than 2 minutes on it. I found that tracking my daily progress has a number of benefits:
> 
> * The next day, I can quickly resume working by looking at what I wrote yesterday.
> * When I feel like I am stuck, it is motivating to look back and see the progress.
> * It catalogs all of my efforts (what worked and what didn't).
> * At the end of the week, I can summarize the daily bullet points to update my advisor/mentor/manager/team/lab.
> * At the end of the month, I can summarize the weekly bullet points to track my progress towards bigger goals.
> * It makes it easy to update my resume/CV and to fill out performance reviews.

Need to get back to Bullet Journalling for this one.



Austin Z. Henley

# Some context
For last week's class on memory discs and hardware, I've written a blog on just that. 
<br/>

[Các loại bộ nhớ](https://steamforvietnam.org/blog/cac-loai-bo-nho)
![](https://steamvn-blog.sfo2.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/2023/05/Blog-6-768x384.png)

My original plan was to incorporate Redstone logic gates to make the logic gate demonstrations more fun, but there were obvious time constraints and exams were approaching as well. Thank you prof Dinh Dien for lecturing CS201 and ECE341 back in HCMUS.

I wrote a blog for STEAM For Vietnam (20-5-2023)

# Hello world!
* Start on Statistics
* Agent-based modelling with Netlogo
* Light review on Quine-McKlusky Method
* 37% Rule
* A few CSES problems on DP

Some things I find interesting this week (6-2-2023)

Đây là submission của mình cho tập chí VNOI nhưng không được nhận, nên mình chỉ đăng lại trên đây.

Trong việc luyện tập CP, một trong những vấn đề phổ biến là làm sao để cấu trúc việc luyện tập, làm sao để tạo thói quen làm bài, làm sao để rút ra những bài học từ những bài đã giải. Trong bài blog này, mình muốn chia sẽ cách mình sử dụng Notion trong việc học Giải thuật và thoát khỏi "elo hell" để cuối cùng đặt "đai xanh lam". Mình chưa có nhiều kinh nghiệm về CP nhưng mình hi vọng bài blog này sẽ một phần giúp các bạn trên hành trình Giải thuật!

![](https://i.imgur.com/MEwbwdk.png)
*Account Claude1 cũ của mình từ cuối lớp 12 đến cuối năm 1*

![](https://i.imgur.com/2PzUFEy.png)
*Account yanglake hiện tại của mình từ cuối năm 1 đến hiện tại*


## Notion là gì?
![](https://i.imgur.com/dcexYz7.png)

Notion dành cho ghi chú, tasks, wiki và cơ sở dữ liệu. Ứng dụng kết hợp các ứng dụng công việc hàng ngày thành một. Nó phục vụ như một không gian làm việc tất cả trong một để ghi chú, quản lý tác vụ và quản lý dự án. Ứng dụng có thể được truy cập thông qua hầu hết các trình duyệt web. 
Notion Labs Inc được thành lập vào 2016 bởi Ivan Zhao, Chris Prucha, Jessica Lam, Simon Last and Toby Schachman. Đến nay, Notion được sử dụng rộng rãi và đang là một trong những ứng dụng phổ biến nhất của giới trẻ để quản lí học tập.

## Cách sử dụng Notion cơ bản
### Markdown
Trích từ The Markdown Guide:
> Markdown là ngôn ngữ đánh dấu mà bạn có thể sử dụng để thêm các thành phần định dạng vào tài liệu văn bản thuần túy. Được tạo bởi John Gruber vào năm 2004, Markdown hiện là một trong những ngôn ngữ đánh dấu phổ biến nhất thế giới.
> Sử dụng Markdown khác với sử dụng trình chỉnh sửa WYSIWYG. Trong một ứng dụng như Microsoft Word, bạn bấm vào các nút để định dạng từ và cụm từ và các thay đổi sẽ hiển thị ngay lập tức. Markdown không phải như vậy. Khi bạn tạo tệp có định dạng Markdown, bạn thêm cú pháp Markdown vào văn bản để cho biết những từ và cụm từ nào sẽ trông khác.

Các bạn có thể tìm hiểu thêm về Markdown trên [The Markdown Guide](https://www.markdownguide.org/).

### Blocks
Mọi thứ trong trang Notion đều là một block. Và sau khi bạn quen với việc sử dụng các khối, việc xây dựng và tùy chỉnh các trang trở nên dễ dàng hơn vì bạn có một bộ tùy chọn hoàn toàn mới trong tầm tay. Khi bạn đã tạo các blocks, việc sắp xếp chúng trên một trang đơn giản như kéo và thả — không cần viết code để tạo quy trình công việc tùy chỉnh.

Văn bản, hình ảnh, âm thanh, PDF — tất cả đều là các block mà bạn có thể chèn vào các trang. Nhập `/` để nhanh chóng thêm nội dung vào bất kỳ trang nào.

Một số loại blocks cơ bản bao gồm:
* Basic blocks (text, headings, bullets, numbered lists)
* Inline blocks (mention tags, dates)
* Media (images, video, code, audio)
* Embeds (Google Drive, Youtube, PDF, GitHub, ...)
* Database (tables, boards, lists)
* Advanced blocks (table of contents, maths equations/KaTeX, templates)

### Database
Khối database giúp bạn cấu trúc thông tin theo nhiều cách khác nhau. Với lựa chọn sáu dạng xem cơ sở dữ liệu, bạn kiểm soát cách hiển thị nội dung - cho phép bạn sắp xếp, phân loại, gắn nhãn, lọc, tìm kiếm, xem và sử dụng Notion để hoàn thành công việc của mình.

Có ba điều phân biệt cơ sở dữ liệu Notion với bảng tính và cơ sở dữ liệu mà bạn có thể xây dựng bằng phần mềm khác:
* Mỗi mục là trang có thể chỉnh sửa riêng của nó: Mỗi mục bạn nhập vào cơ sở dữ liệu của mình có thể được mở dưới dạng trang Notion của riêng nó, nơi bạn có thể tạo lớp trong bất kỳ thông tin nào bạn muốn. 
* Thuộc tính có thể tùy chỉnh: Thêm thuộc tính để bối cảnh hóa, gắn nhãn và bổ sung bất kỳ mục cơ sở dữ liệu nào có thêm thông tin, như ngày, người, văn bản, liên kết, v.v.
* Bạn có thể chuyển đổi giữa nhiều bố cục: Dữ liệu của bạn không bị kẹt trong một bảng. Xem chính xác cùng một cơ sở dữ liệu dưới dạng bảng, danh sách, lịch, thư viện và dòng thời gian — bất cứ điều gì làm cho thông tin trở nên hữu ích nhất.

Các bạn có thể tham khảo cách sử dụng khối database chi tiết trên documentation của Notion tại đây: [https://www.notion.so/help/intro-to-databases](https://www.notion.so/help/intro-to-databases)

## Cách mình sử dụng Notion để luyện tập
Mình sử dụng Notion để lưu lại các bải đã giải trên các nền tảng, và kèm theo lời giải và observation mình thu được từ dạng đó. Để truy xuất các bài ấy, mình sẽ lưu các bài ấy dưới dạng cơ sở dữ liệu trên Notion.
Cho mỗi bài, mình sẽ lưu các đặc tính sau:
* Thời gian hoàn thành lần đầu
* Tên bài
* URL/Đề bài
* Tags/Các chủ đề liên quan về bài
* Observation/Cách giải
* Lần giải gần nhất

![](https://i.imgur.com/MV9XWqN.png)


Để luyện tập các chủ đề mới hoặc các observations mới, mình sẽ thêm 1 đặc tính `Lần giải tiếp theo`. Bạn có thể sử dụng chức năng `sort` của cơ sở dữ liệu Notion để tìm các bài cần giải lại của ngày đó. 

![](https://i.imgur.com/G11AQ7y.png)


Để làm cho công đoạn nhập liệu nhanh hơn, mình tạo thêm 1 instance của database ở trang chính của Notion của mình, kèm theo 1 đặc tính checkbox để xoá khỏi instance ở trang chính sau khi nhập liệu xong. 

Mình sẽ lấy ví dụ về cách mình ôn tập 1 bài:

![](https://i.imgur.com/6LnWNHn.png)

Đây là bài F của Codeforces Round #835 (Div. 4). Vì mình không giải kịp bài nào trong contest nên mình đã upsolved nó và lưu lại trên cơ sở dữ liệu - vì insight mới mình học được từ bài này. Ở giải đoạn nhập liệu, mình sẽ điền
* Date: November 22, 2022
* Name: Quests
* URL: [https://codeforces.com/contest/1760/problem/F](https://codeforces.com/contest/1760/problem/F)
* Tags: binary search, greedy, sortings
* Observation: 
    `Classical bin search game, for a given k, the optimal way to play a game is:
for i from 0 → d:
    id = i % (k+1)
    if (i < n) sum += v[i]
if satisfied amount of coins, increase k, or if not enough, decrease k`
* Revisit?: `false`
* Last visited: `@today` (Notion sẽ tự hiểu là Nov 22, 2022)

Sau khi mình hoàn thành nhập liệu thì mình có thể check phần `Revisit?` thành true để ẩn khỏi dashboard. Khi revisit trên cơ sở dữ liệu chính thì nó sẽ được hiển thị trên đó. 

Các bạn còn có thể tự động tạo chức năng giải lại bài hoặc thêm thủ công ngày giải lại bài. Mình thưởng sẽ tự đặt thủ công vì mình muốn tự đánh giá khả năng mình đến với observation của bài có đủ nhạy chưa. Nếu như mình đã giải lại được sau 1 tuần thì mình sẽ đặt ngày revisit là 2 tuần sau; và 4 tuần sau nếu sau 2 tuần vẫn giải được, ...

Để sort các bài trong cơ sở dữ liệu theo thời gian giải lại bài, các bạn nhấn vào nút `sort`:

![](https://i.imgur.com/EJu7Wcq.png)

Sau đó chọn sắp xếp thời gian giải lại bài theo thứ tự tăng dần, kèm theo đặc tính `Revisit?`

![](https://i.imgur.com/hH4y9KS.png)

## Tổng kết
Notion là một công cụ mạnh mẽ và hữu ích trong việc ghi chú và quản lý công việc. Notion sử dụng Markdown và các chức năng khác như blocks và cơ sở dữ liệu để nắm bắt thông tin dễ dàng và hiệu quả hơn. Học sinh, sinh viên nói riêng và bất cứ ai muốn học Giải thuật nói chung, có thể sử dụng Notion để cấu trúc việc học của mình và tạo được thói quen giải bài tập thường xuyên hơn.

Mình xin phép gửi Notion template cho system của mình: [https://yangtuananh.notion.site/CP-Database-Template-db487a9e632749a2b1a6ceb4bc50072b](https://yangtuananh.notion.site/CP-Database-Template-db487a9e632749a2b1a6ceb4bc50072b)

Nếu các bạn còn thắc mắc nào thì hãy liên hệ mình qua email tại [yangtuananh2003@gmail.com](mailto:yangtuananh2003@gmail.com).

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