A lot of people think that you need to go to class or school in order to study economics. However, this is not the case – you can self-study economics without any formal qualifications. In this article, we will show you how to self-study economics effectively so that you can deepen your understanding of the subject.
Tips on how to self study economics
1. Be determination
When you self-study economics, you must be determined. There can be instances when you become frustrated since it is not always easy. But if you persevere and persist through the challenging times, you will be able to learn a lot and develop into an authority in the subject.
2. Find an online course
If you really want to self-study economics, you need to find a good online course. This will give you the basic concepts and theories that you need to understand the subject. Once you have a solid foundation, you can start reading articles and watching videos about specific economic topics that interest you.
You can also join online forums and discussion groups to discuss economic issues with other students and professionals.
There are numerous course options associated with open online courses for anyone interested in learning more about economic concepts such as macro and micro economics, behavioral economics in action, the economics of energy transition, environmental and natural resource economics, and many others.
3. Read economics books
Get some books that can assist you on this journey. With lots of good economic books out there, you can get as many as you want where you can learn some concepts and also engage yourself with reading. And if you are an audio learner, there are many fantastic audiobooks that can facilitate your learning and give you a better experience with the study.
4. Share concepts with economics professionals
Sharing concepts and discussing them with professionals who have better knowledge and experience on the subjects allows you to get their ideas on some areas and clear your area of uncertainty by asking questions based on your areas of weakness about certain concepts and topics. Don’t forget to share your ideas when discussing these various concepts.
Also, you stand a better chance of securing a job with these industry professionals.
5. Create a study schedule
One of the most important things you can do when self-studying economics is to create and stick to a study schedule. This will help you make the most of your time and ensure you cover all the material you need. Start by making a list of all the topics you need to study. Then, break these down into smaller goals you can achieve in a day or week.
Finally, create a schedule that outlines when you will work on each goal. Make sure to include breaks and free time in your schedule so you don’t get overwhelmed or burnt out.
6. Take practice quizzes and exams
One of the best ways to self-study economics is to take practice quizzes and exams. This will help you gauge your understanding of the material and identify any areas where you need further review. Additionally, taking practice quizzes and exams can help you get used to the format of questions you will be asked on exams.
7. Participate in study groups
If you want to make the most of your self-study time, consider joining or forming a study group. Having other students to discuss the material with can help you better understand concepts and remember what you’ve learned. It can also be motivating to study with others and hold each other accountable.
8. Review your notes regularly
If you want to self-study economics effectively, you need to review your notes on a regular basis. This will help solidify the concepts in your mind and allow you to retain the information better. Try to review your notes at least once a week, and more often if possible. You can also try using different review methods, such as flashcards or practice quizzes.
9. Get a tutor
There are several ways to get help when self-studying economics. One option is to find a tutor. A tutor can help you understand the material, work through practice problems, and offer guidance and feedback. You can find tutors online or through local resources. Another great way to get help when self-studying economics is to join an online study group.
There are many groups available that can provide support, answer questions, and offer encouragement. You can also find study groups through local resources.
10. Join learning communities
Ensure to join some of these learning communities to help increase your network, get enough ideas on the subject, and endeavor to share your knowledge to receive the necessary corrections in good faith. Some of these learning communities include the National Economic Association, Society for the advancement of economic theory, World economics association, and even the American economic association.
11. Engage in personal study
When carrying out your personal study using the books you have gathered so far, ensure to engage in the following to give you a better understanding of your subject of study, which in this case is economics.
12. Take note
Note-taking helps with online, offline, and personal study. With the vast concepts you’ll learn as you self-study, it’s important to take notes whenever you have an opportunity to learn so you can remember important concepts you’ve covered so far. Also, you can easily refer to your notes instead of searching each material or video that has helped you during your studies in searching for particular detailed information if you take note of it.
13. Ask questions after every study moment
Don’t develop the habit of piling up questions or filling your mind with doubts every time you engage in study; these will make you gradually lose interest in personal study. Always ask questions after each successfully completed concept; this will help you increase your understanding about each of these topics and discoursing with professionals is highly beneficial to your learning, by letting them chip in their explanation differently and simply just to help you understand better.
14. Develop your math skill
Math is an important aspect of economics, and if your foundation is not good as you want it to be, get someone to put you through it, this will facilitate your study of the subject. Also, critical thinking and good decision-making skills are an added advantage if you got them. These will contribute to increasing your economic skills, which will put you in a better position in the labor market after your study period.
Conclusion
Self-studying economics can be a great way to improve your understanding of the subject. By following the tips above, you can make sure that you get the most out of your self-study time. Make a plan, find good resources, and be willing to put in the work, and you’ll be on your way to becoming an economics expert in no time.