How Agile can help on a continuous learning journey

Since I began coding and then enrolled in related studies, I have been receiving a lot of questions about how do I find time for this! As some can imagine, time is precious for a working parent who is also curious and invested in personal and professional development. I can confirm time is not only precious, but it is also limited! Hence, it matters what one does with the limited time one has, and what support networks one has to be able to excel, focus and remain motivated. And, what approaches one is aware of and is using to progress towards a goal. In this article, I share how I have been managing my learning activities over the last few months whilst applying Agile, Kanban, and Scrum.

Agile Manifesto

If you have never heard of the Agile Manifesto, it is worth looking into it. It is short but powerful. It might have originated from the development of software but it has not stopped me to apply it whilst learning and studying software development. Out of four values mentioned in the manifesto, I have most often applied Individuals and interactions over processes and tools and Responding to Change over Following a Plan.

Individuals and interactions over processes and tools

Even with the most advanced communication tools that are nowadays used in a day to day interactions, I find that nothing can replace a face-to-face, or in rh3ote settings, video conversation between two or more people. Especially, when it comes to online studies and trying to ask questions or explain various study concepts to each other. It might be faster to ‘type it – send it’. But no laughing h3oji or a screenshot can replace the actual discussion, the real h3otions, and the connection that these conversations create between individuals. We are all different and have different learning styles. Whilst some can understand a concept after reading it or visualizing it. I have observed that for some it helps to understand it better when discussing it. It certainly helped me in being aware of others’ learning styles and tailoring interaction based on that. In my experience, there can be a set process, a resource, a book. But even the well-described process, the search engine, or a well-written book might not have the answers one is looking for. That’s where actual conversations are beneficial in sharing the knowledge between individuals.

Responding to Change over Following a Plan

Planning is essential! It gives a roadmap of what is required to be achieved to reach a certain goal, complete an individual deliverable, and/or finish a project. I use a Kanban board to plan and manage the learning topics, ideas, and projects. The board consists of a Backlog section and Planned, To Do, and Done sections. It also includes a section for References and Links to relevant resources related to certain topics, and I have added some quotes that mean something to me and help me to remain motivated. Whilst the Kanban board aids with transparency and helps me to visualize the study wish list, goals, planned activities and their progress, I find that it is important to be flexible and open-minded to any changes. I tend to inspect the plan regularly and adapt it, if needed, to suit any changing circumstances.

Scrum in Action

As a certified Scrum Master, I am passionate about this framework and have integrated it as best as possible to suit my learning journey.
I use weekly sprints. It all begins with the goal in mind and the planning of what is needed to achieve that goal. I review the Backlog, Planned, To-Do, and Done sections of the Kanban board once a week and identify what needs to be broken down into smaller tasks and what needs to be prioritized for the upcoming week. Then, I review the board daily whilst also working towards my deliverables. If something has been completed, it gets moved to the Done section. If I see that the To-Do section is available for more tasks, I add more from the Planned section. At the end of the week, I review everything that has been planned for that week versus what has been achieved. Then, I also take time to Retrospect on what has worked and what could have been done better. This includes retrospection on the planning, the deliverables, the learning, and personal skills development. After that, I review and update the Kanban Board for the week ahead and the loop continues.

Values

My commitment to being Agile and using the Scrum framework is hugely driven by their values and how these help me to continue developing both personally and professionally.
Two of those values that certainly have helped in the last few months are Openness and Courage. Being open and transparent not only about the achievements but also about any challenges. And, having the courage to speak up if something is not clear and ask for help if needed. Courage to do the right thing and courage to fail, admit the failure, and then continue learning, then starting all over again.
If you want to know more about Agile and Scrum, here is a quick guide: About Agile and Scrum
I hope this short article helps someone who is planning to or is currently studying or learning something new. And, that it gives some insights into how I apply Agile, Kanban and Scrum on my learning journey.