Natural Born Learner 1
(Session 1)
Context:
Once a student enters the current educational system, they no longer have control over what, how, or when they learn. Additionally, they are judged (graded) based on their ability to learn. This can have a negative and long-lasting impact on their desire to learn.
Students who learn at a different pace than their peers may begin to associate their grades or "performance in school" with their innate ability to learn. This can negatively affect their perception of their own learning abilities.
In the current educational system, it is often difficult to adjust and accommodate students who learn at a different pace or in a different manner than their classmates. Students should be made aware that not fitting into a standardized learning schedule is not their fault.
Why it’s important: Some students begin to doubt their ability to learn or develop a negative view of learning. However, since learning is a lifelong process—especially in the workplace—it’s important to remember that you are a natural-born learner. You have already proven that you possess an incredible, innate ability to learn.
Employees who demonstrate the ability to learn and adapt to new methods, concepts, skills, technology, and abilities will always be in high demand.
Primer Questions
How do you view school? Do you enjoy learning there?
What subjects do you enjoy learning about? Which ones don’t interest you?
Do you think what you’re learning in school will be useful to you in the future, both at work and in life?
Write down your answers and observations in your journal.
“
Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere in life.
”
― Chinese proverb.
Remember: You were born curious.
Like all children, you were probably constantly asking questions as a child—“Why is the sky blue?”, “How do fish breathe?”, “What are stars made of?”
When young people enter school and are taught subjects they are not naturally interested in, they often begin to tune out, lose interest, and gradually lose their natural curiosity. It might take some time, but by the end of middle school, many students become disengaged in the classroom.
Stay curious. You can do this by asking yourself, “How can I use what I’m learning at school in my day-to-day life?”
Introductory Video
The current school system can shape you into a “learning for grades” mindset. With this mindset, your goal in school becomes getting good grades—on homework assignments, projects, and your final class grade.
Be honest with yourself: Is your main goal to get good grades? Or do you get good (or lower) grades because you love what you’re learning?
There’s a difference.
Interests
In your journal, write down three things you are very interested in.
Are any of them related to subjects you study in school? Will any school subjects help you pursue these interests?
List one or two skills or activities that were once difficult for you but are now easier.
What motivated you to keep learning those skills or activities, even when they were challenging at first?
Motivation and Achievement
Curiosity and interest can serve as motivators in academic settings, either directly or indirectly.
It has been claimed that curious individuals experience flow-like engagement in rewarding situations (Kashdan et al., Reference Kashdan, Rose and Fincham2004).
-www.cambridge.org
Born To Learn
The goal is to regain the same eagerness to learn that you had as a young child. Review the following infographic to remind yourself of how proficient a learner you really are.
You are already amazing.
By recognizing that you’ve already learned and accomplished some truly fantastic things, you can maintain the belief that learning comes naturally to you. Don’t forget that some of the things you take for granted now are skills that are difficult to learn and master! Watch the following video.
Metacognitive Goals
In the first part of the week, take note of how you feel about learning. Do you associate learning with grades and tests, or do you see it as something enjoyable, regardless of the setting? Try to become aware of what influences your perspective on learning.
You may find that your view of learning changes depending on the setting. The key is understanding how you perceive learning, so you can ensure you maintain a positive attitude toward the learning process. Never forget that you were born to learn.
Write down your findings from this exercise in your journal.
Thought of the Day
You have tremendous potential. Probably more than you give yourself credit for.