Amanda, an intern at Redocly with no prior technical experience, is being trained to learn the basics of OpenAPI quickly, with the aim of understanding APIs within a day or two. The approach involves practical, hands-on exercises aligned with the philosophy that doing enhances understanding, as demonstrated through the use of tools like curl for sending API requests and the creation of an OpenAPI file using note cards to understand its structure. The process includes learning to describe API operations, understanding the relationships between various OpenAPI components, and using JSON Schema for defining data structures. The tutorial emphasizes experiential learning by encouraging Amanda to engage with exercises, such as creating and modifying a YAML file to document API operations, and understanding security schemes and request/response structures. The goal is to enable Amanda to become a productive member of an API team by explaining the use of OpenAPI to generate code samples, conduct testing, and create mock servers, with the understanding that mastering OpenAPI involves continual learning and practical application.