The Power to Create Life-Long Learners
In this blog post, we will explore the journey of learning, a voyage that extends far beyond the conventional classroom walls. Learning, in its purest form, is an ongoing process that enriches our understanding, skills, and competencies, empowering us to navigate the complexities of the world with the resilience and adaptability that is needed in our ever changing society.
Effective learning is an immersive experience that engages not just the intellect but also the heart and soul. It is characterized by curiosity, exploration, and the constant questioning of the status quo. Deep learning happens when we connect new information with our existing knowledge, applying what we've learned in practical, real-world situations. It involves making mistakes, facing challenges head-on, and learning from these experiences to grow and evolve.
This type of learning is dynamic and interactive, often occurring in environments that encourage experimentation, critical thinking, and creativity. It respects diverse learning styles and recognizes that each individual has unique strengths and ways of understanding the world.
Life-long learning is the process of acquiring new knowledge and skills throughout one's entire life. Curiosity is vital to this process and the desire to improve oneself and one's surroundings. This approach to learning sees education not as a phase but as a continuous life-long journey that enhances personal development, professional growth, and overall well-being throughout one's entire life.
Life-long learners are adaptable, resilient, and open-minded. They seek out new experiences, embrace change, and are not afraid to step out of their comfort zones. They understand that learning is not confined to academic achievements and includes personal enrichment, social engagement, and contributing to the community.
Traditional educational institutions play a crucial role in laying the foundation of knowledge. However, while traditional schools provide structure and a breadth of academic knowledge, they often face limitations in fostering true learning. The emphasis on standardized testing, rigid curriculums, and a one-size-fits-all approach can stifle creativity, critical thinking, and the personal connection to the material being taught.
Innovative educational models, like the ones that Worldmind uses, prioritize experiential learning, project-based activities, and interdisciplinary studies. After my speech at the World Environmental Education Congress, a professor from the UK stated that he had studied place-based learning for years, and had not seen it truly implemented until he learned about how we do things at Worldmind. At Worldmind, we prepare students for the complexities of the real world, encouraging them to think critically, solve problems creatively, and work collaboratively. This looks very different from traditional schooling, and many students don’t even recognize it as learning.
A pivotal study titled, "Measuring Actual Learning versus Feeling of Learning in Response to Being Actively Engaged in the Classroom" sheds light on the paradox within educational methodologies. Despite active learning being recognized as a superior method of instruction, particularly in STEM fields, many college instructors persist with traditional teaching methods. This resistance stems from a notable discrepancy: students in active learning environments indeed learn more, yet they often feel like they learn less. The study attributes this phenomenon to the increased cognitive effort demanded by active learning, which can cause students to perceive their learning as less effective. I’ve spoken with a number of professors in the fields of Biology and Ecology and they say that most students have never and will never study Biology or Ecology outside of a classroom by the time they graduate.
This revelation underscores the importance of not just adopting active-learning strategies but also addressing student perceptions. Worldmind staff are encouraged to intervene, helping students understand that the challenge and effort involved in active learning are integral to the learning process itself. We have documented our success at intervening in this way, illustrating our ability to align students' feelings of learning with the actual learning taking place.
As we navigate through the 21st century, it becomes increasingly clear that learning is a multifaceted endeavor that cannot be confined to traditional methods and settings. Embracing a broader vision of learning means recognizing the value of experiences outside the classroom. It means fostering a culture that values questions as much as answers, the process as much as the outcome, and recognizes the intrinsic worth of pursuing knowledge for its own sake.
Learning is a life-long journey marked by curiosity, adaptability, and a deep engagement with the world around us. At Worldmind, it is our collective responsibility to cultivate environments that nurture these qualities, both within and beyond the traditional educational learning models. We invite you to embrace the endless possibilities that come with a commitment to life-long learning, for it is through this journey that we truly grow, innovate, and thrive.
- Megan and the Worldmind Team