You can learn and practice a concept in two ways:
Option 1: You can learn the entire theory on a particular subject and then look for ways to apply those concepts. So, you read up how an entire algorithm works, the maths behind it, its assumptions, limitations and then you apply it. Robust but time taking approach.
Option 2: Start with simple basics and develop an intuition on the subject. Next, pick a problem and start solving it. Learn the concepts while you are solving the problem. Keep tweaking and improving your understanding. So, you read up how to apply an algorithm – go out and apply it. Once you know how to apply it, try it around with different parameters, values, limits and develop an understanding of the algorithm.