Selfstudy is a compound word made up of two roots: self, meaning "one's own person or individuality," and study, meaning "the devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge." The word is pronounced /sɛlfˈstʌdi/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The 'e' in 'self' is pronounced as the short 'e' sound, while the 'u' in 'study' is pronounced as the short 'u' sound. The stress is on the first syllable, self. Selfstudy refers to the act of studying on one's own, without the help of a teacher or tutor.
Self-study refers to the act or process of learning or acquiring knowledge independently, usually without the guidance of a formal instructor or educational institution. It is a method of studying where an individual takes responsibility for their own learning, setting their own goals, and developing their own study routine.
In self-study, the learner takes the initiative to seek out educational resources and materials such as textbooks, online courses, videos, or articles to enhance their understanding of a subject or skill. This approach allows individuals to learn at their own pace, focusing on areas they find most challenging or interesting.
Self-study encourages a sense of autonomy and self-discipline, as learners must motivate themselves to stay organized and dedicated to their studies. It fosters independent thinking and problem-solving skills since individuals must find solutions to obstacles they encounter during their learning process.
Self-study can be advantageous in various contexts, including academic, professional, or personal growth. It allows individuals to explore subjects or areas of interest beyond what is covered in structured educational settings. It provides flexibility, enabling learners to adapt their study routine to their own schedule and preferences.
While self-study provides numerous benefits, it may require extra effort and dedication from individuals, as they must take full responsibility for their learning journey. However, with the vast array of resources available today, self-study has become increasingly accessible and appealing to those seeking to expand their knowledge and skills independently.
The word "self-study" is made up of two components: "self" and "study".
The term "self" comes from the Old English word "sylf" which means "self, one's own person" or "oneself". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic language where it has similar forms across various Germanic languages, such as "selb" in Old High German and "sjalfr" in Old Norse.
The word "study" comes from the Old French word "estudie" or "estude" which means "to study or devote oneself to learning". It originated from the Latin word "studium" which has the same meaning. "Studium" ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *"stewd-" which means "to push, hit, beat", indicating the idea of focused effort or application.