I’ve found that I’m able to absorb math and programming resources well, but I approach each slightly differently. With math, I pick up a textbook and read thro

I’ve found that I’m able to absorb math and programming resources well, but I approach each slightly differently. With math, I pick up a textbook and read through the exposition, trying to work each sample problem based on the explanation before I read the author’s solution, then compare my solution with his. Then, of course, I work as many sample exercises as I can. With programming, on the other hand, most of the materials don’t (unfortunately) include sample exercises, so I at least type in each sample program by hand rather than cutting and pasting them. Then, when I run it, I try to modify different parts to make sure I really understand what they do - that is, I try to predict what making each change will do before I do it, and then verify whether or not I was right.