Natural Born Learner 1
(Monday)
Context:
Once a student enters the current educational system they no longer have a choice of what, how, or when to learn. In addition, they are judged (graded) on their ability to learn. This can have a negative, long-lasting impact on their desire to learn.
Students who learn at a different rate than their class can begin to associate their grades or ‘performance in school’ with their innate ability to learn. This can negatively impact their view of their ability to learn.
In the current educational system, it is not always easy to adjust and accommodate students who learn at a different pace, or in a different manner than that of the class. Students need to be aware that not fitting into a specified learning schedule is not their fault.
Why it’s important: Some students begin to doubt their ability to learn or start to develop a negative view of learning. Since you will be learning for the rest of your life and especially in the workplace, it’s good to always remember that you are a natural-born learner. You already have proven that you have an incredible, innate ability to learn.
Employees who demonstrate the ability to learn and pick up new methods, concepts, abilities, technology, and skills are and will always be in high demand.
Primer Questions
How do you view school? Do you enjoy learning in school?
What subjects do you like learning in school? What subjects aren’t interesting to you?
Do you feel that what you are learning in school will be useful to you in the future? 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 probably were constantly asking questions as a child. “Why is the sky blue?”, “How do fish breath?”, “What are the stars made of?".
When young people enter school and begin to be taught subjects they are not naturally interested in, the tendency is to start to tune out, become uninterested, and lose their natural curiosity. It might take some time. But by the end of middle school, many students can 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 mold you into a “learning for grades” mindset or pattern. With this mindset, your goal in school is to get 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 grades (or lower grades) because you love what you’re learning?
There is a difference.
Interests
In your journal, write down three things you are very interested in.
Are any of them related to subjects in school? Will any subjects in school help you pursue your interests?
List one or two things, skills, and activities that at one time were difficult for you, but now are not.
What made you continue to learn those skills or activities even though they were not easy at first?
Motivation and Achievement
Curiosity and interest can function 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 exhibited as a young child. Review the following infographic to remind yourself of just how proficient a learner you are.
You are already amazing.
By realizing you’ve already learned and accomplished some pretty fantastic things, you can maintain your belief that learning is something that comes naturally to you. Don’t forget that some of the things you take for granted now are skills that are very difficult to learn and master! Watch the following video.
Metacognitive Goals
In the first part of the week, notice how you feel about learning. Do you associate learning with grades and tests? Or do you view learning as something that is enjoyable to do no matter the setting? Try to become aware of what is impacting your view of learning.
You may find that you view learning differently, in different settings. The key is understanding how you view learning, so you can make sure you maintain a positive view of the learning process. Never forget that you were born to learn.
Write down your findings from the above assignment in your journal.
Thought of the day.
You have tremendous potential. Probably more than you give yourself credit for.