Self-Directed Learning 2
(Wednesday)
Context:
A famous writer of children’s books is quoted as saying, “It is better to know how to learn than to know.”
In a similar way, practicing self-directed learning will help to ignite your curiosity and desire to learn. In other words, you’ll learn to love learning.
Eliminating any negative connections between school and learning is key to becoming a lifelong learner.
Stay curious.
What are you interested in? Do you like a specific sport? Do you enjoy painting, or surfing? What would you like to learn how to do?
Watch the video.
Remember:
Self-directed learning is effective because:
It’s something you’re already curious about or interested in.
You feel the subject or skill will be useful to you. The information has some relevance or purpose.
Can you generate curiosity and find relevance with subjects in school that you may not particularly like?
Remember: Studies indicate that when we're curious about a subject, we are much more likely to remember/retain information we learned about that subject.
But when it comes to a subject in school that you’re not particularly interested in, how can you generate curiosity? Try asking yourself questions about the subject.
How is used in real life?
Is this subject related to any interests or hobbies of mine?
How would I teach this subject if I were the teacher?
What do I already know about the subject?
What careers use this information or subject matter?
Remember: Self-directed learning is required for innovation and problem-solving.
Two of the most highly valued soft skill by employers are innovation and problem-solving.
You may need to learn why something isn’t working, or how something can be improved.
When you’re trying to solve a problem the first thing you do is try to understand the issue. In order to understand the issue, you may have to learn about it.
Similarly, once you understand the issue, or what’s causing a problem, you may need to learn what possible solutions are available.
Really, solving any problem, issue, mystery or puzzle is just a matter of learning. Self-directed learning.
Consider:
Write down one or two times you’ve taught yourself something. Did you enjoy the experience?
Have you ever tried to teach yourself something, but it was very frustrating? Did you stick with it because it was something you chose to learn? If you gave up, was it harder to give up because it was something you chose to learn?
Self-directed learning is a practical skill since you will need to learn continually for the rest of your life.
“Consider the last time you decided to learn something new because you were so passionate that nothing could stop you. Maybe you were driven by a need or a desire to do something on your own.
Let’s say you had to replace your car’s headlight and
didn’t want to take your car to the shop. Or you wanted to build your own website and design it yourself.
Maybe you were tired of buying sourdough bread and wanted to make it from scratch. Without taking a formal course, you have a variety of options: read a book, download a recipe, or ask someone.
And within hours or a few weeks, you have figured it out — pretty much all on your own. These are all examples of self-learning.” - Betterup.com
Thought of the day.
I choose to learn something new every day.