I think formal / semi-formal training is the best way to start. You can do a lot of things wrong and sometimes get the right answer. Learning the 'right' way will dramatically accelerate your learning as well as making you more consistent. Practicing on your own can be a frustrating experience if you have troubles with consistency, but don't know why. Reading / book-learning (coupled with practice) would be my second choice.
If you have a gun club nearby, see if you can find someone willing to teach you. (Make sure they can 'perform' first!) Shooters (Powderburner and airgun) love to teach others, so it shouldn't be hard. If you have, or can borrow a .22 rifle the Appleseed program
https://appleseedinfo.org/ makes for a fun day and some good instruction in the basics. Everything taught applies to airguns, but you won't be able to participate with an air rifle.
GsT