Languages and Fundamentals

Education Plan 2013-2015

LANGUAGES: DIGITAL AND SPOKEN

German, web design, and web development are the key language goals of 2013
German: Enroll in a German course Work from home using acquired tools Focus on grammar and the most common spoken words Practice Web Development: Python via Code Academy, Python the Hard Way, and Thinking Like a Programmer HTML, CSS, Javascript, via code academy Help from co-workers in tech teams Practice
Supplemental: Review German progress after 3 mo. Stop at the 100 spoken common words if not making significant progress by spring and switch to the 100 most common French and Spanish words. Only code to a prototyping level.

MENTAL MODELS & FRAMEWORKS

Learning in 2013-2015 will focus on revisiting the fundamentals of critical subjects. The goal is to reinforce our critical thinking and problem solving foundation. Limited Time

Economics

Psychology Logic & Reasoning Algebra Scientific Method

History

Probability & Statistics

Key Questions & Review Items

Economics: Determinates of demand Determinates of supply Elasticity Profit maximization (MR=MC) Marginal analysis Equilibrium Porters Five Forces Effect of market interference Valuation Aggregate supply Aggregate demand Monetary policy basics and tools Fiscal policy basics and tools Economic indicators Financial reporting and analysis

Psychology: The strengths of the mind The weaknesses of the mind Common bias Group decision making Individual decision making Emotional need Emotional intelligence Basics of the brain Chemicals effects on the brain

Key Questions & Review Items

History: How to read a book How to do research How to interpret How to critique How to communicate facts and perspective in writing How to conclude

Logic & Reasoning: Deductive reasoning & syllogism Inductive reasoning Backward induction (context: political strategy) Eight elements of thought Nine intellectual standards Pragmatism review Epicureanism review Cyrenacism review Ethics review

Key Questions & Review Items Probability and Statistics: Summary statistics Inference and hypothesis testing Gambling odds Simple and multiple regression Basic probability rules Algebra: Simplification Solving for unknowns Limits Rate of change

Appendix: Reading, Frameworks, and Analysis

The fundamental learning described in the previous slides must be routinely put into action to hone our reasoning and analytical skills. Three areas where we can implement our learning are: Country, Industry, & Company Analysis Analysis of articles and papers (reasoning assessments) Forecasting and Post-Mortem Analysis Prototyping and Planning