Book Recommendation: Secrets of a Buccaneer-Scholar

Secrets of a Buccaneer-Scholar is part auto-biography and part blueprint for an alternative method of learning that does not fit into the memorization, recitation system that is mostly what the American educational system practices

As Mark Twain once wrote:

I've never let my school interfere with my education.

So it was with James Marcus Bach, a high- school dropout.  James discusses his history and the methods he used to educate himself in the computer sciences.  James became an industry-recognized software testing expert and according to his blog, now “teaches, speaks, and writes about thinking and learning.”

In the book, James introduces you to his SACKED SCOWS process for learning:

1. Scouting Obsessively
2. Authentic Problems
3. Cognitive Savvy
4. Knowledge Attracts Knowledge
5. Experimentation
6. Disposable Time
7. Stories
8. Contrasting Ideas
9. Other Minds
10. Words and Pictures
11. Systems Thinking

As well as other non-conventional learning techniques.

In reading the book, I found many similarities in the way James educated himself and my own experiences.  Is this book for everyone?  Probably not.  But, I think it will appeal to people who do not learn in the “typical” manner provided by our educational system. 

Even if you don’t find the entire book valuable, there are some very interesting techniques found within that may cause a light bulb to appear over your head and make you say, “Now that makes sense to me.”

Anyway, at less than 200 pages, it’s a fairly quick read and should be well worth your time investment.

Additional Info

http://www.buccaneerscholar.com/

http://twitter.com/jamesmarcusbach