According to Lori Reed of PLCMC there are 7 1/2 Habits of Lifelong Learning. I have always loved the phrase "lifelong learning" because it sums up our very existence as human beings. What sets us apart is the ability to continually gain knowledge and then use it regardless of age, situation, or any other supposed hindrances. Life is ALL about learning and the sooner we understand that, the sooner we can have some fun. The saying goes, "The more I learn, the less I know" and I think its true because as I grow and gain knowledge, the more I realize how much there is still to learn. So the habits go as follows:
1- Begin with the end in mind.
I think I do this fairly well because without a goal in mind, I would find learning more challenging because there would be no direction. I pick up my violin to learn a new piece because I have the goal to play at an event but overall, I know that my end goal is to practice so I can become more proficient. I take classes so I can be qualified to work at I job I will love such as in a school library, and along the road, I can learn as much as I can to better prepare myself.
2- Accept responsibility for your own learning
I absolutely agree with this. Too often people have complained to me about age or money or time being a hurdle that keeps them from learning. Anyone can learn and the opportunities are endless, even when we think there are none. There is never an excuse for letting life or our learning experience become stagnant. All one has to do is open a book, go to a city council meeting, hike on a nature trail, turn on the Internet, etc and we will find more knowledge than we can possible intake in a lifetime.
3- View problems as challenges
I flunk at this one. If I come to a problem, I usually mope a bit (depending on how big the problem is) and wonder "why me", compare myself to others and think that I have terrible luck or just get plain frustrated. I eventually get to the point that I can look on these "challenges" in a more positive light, but that is definitely not my first reaction.
4- Have confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner
I feel I have confidence in myself as a learner because I figure can eventually (given enough time:) figure anything out, but like most people, when you initially dive into subject matter you know little about (such as the theories and methods of teaching) it is hard to stay on top of the discussion when you are lost in the jargon.
5- Create your own learning toolbox
This is something I need to work on, and maybe we all do. It is a never ending task to gain and hone the skills/tools that will help us learn better. But maybe the point is to simply realize we need a "toolbox" to effectively learn and we can keep adding to and taking away as we progress on our journey to knowledge.
6- Use technology to your advantage
I am still a novice in many ways to all things technological. I am more comfortable that my grandmother (not saying much:) but I feel a little behind the times. I don't have a camera on my laptop, I don't use a smart phone... I just barely added texting to my cell phone package, I casually use and check my email rather than get constant updates, and I don't have a Facebook or Twitter account (gasp!) but I can see how learning and understanding about these things can better me as a person even if I choose not to participate in them fully.
7- Teach/Mentor others
This is a great one and I hope we all do this. Its so great to share what we have learned even if it is calling up and friend and telling them about a great recipe you found or getting others excited about a book you read by writing a review. These are all great ways to teach and share with others. What good is the knowledge we gain and cherish if we don't share it with others?
7 1/2- Play!
ESSENTIAL! Knowledge and learning is fun! Enjoy it. Learning doesn't have to be scary or intimidating. We do it everyday whether we know it or not, so my not make a conscious choice to do it well and have a great time along the way?!?
No comments:
Post a Comment