Do you find you learn faster, and better, by hands on trial and error, rather than trying to follow a manual?

I got my Epson professional scanner set up to digitally develop negatives going back to the late 70s. I watched half of a youtube video, and then just took it from there, on my own. The first attempt (while following the video) it just took a scan of the inside of the scanner! That’s when I gave up and struck out on my own. I’m actually making some headway now. I seem to learn best when I teach myself.