January 17 – Learning from Beginner to Master

“Let no one be discouraged by the thought of how much there is to learn. Each new step becomes a little surer, and each new grasp a little firmer.” Gertrude Jeykll

It appears that humans possess an inherent inclination to seek out knowledge, similar to how animals are instinctively driven to search for food. This natural "hunger" for information is now being greatly satisfied by the advancements in modern technology, which provide easy access to a wealth of information.

The greater our desire for knowledge, the more we stimulate our brain. The stronger our curiosity about finding an answer to a question, the higher the likelihood of remembering it. Individuals who anticipate teaching something they have learned appear to acquire motor skills more effectively compared to those who are solely learning them.

When you immerse yourself in the process of acquiring an artistic or technical skill, the world suddenly appears fresh and full of limitless possibilities. Every day brings exciting revelations as you cautiously venture into uncharted territories. Although you may encounter errors along the way, even these mistakes become sources of empowerment because they represent uncharted territory and new learning experiences.

“More than any other animal, we human beings depend on our ability to learn. Our large brains and powerful learning abilities evolved, most of all, to deal with change,” notes Tom Vanderbilt in his book, Beginners. He goes on to explain that being a beginner means undertaking a journey of not knowing. Not only will you not know, but you will also not know what you don’t know. 

While learning is typically associated with positive outcomes and personal growth, there can be negative approaches to learning that may hinder progress or have detrimental effects. Being a teacher for 25 years, I tried to avoid these occurrences at all costs! Here are some examples:

Passive learning: Passive learning involves a one-sided approach where learners receive information without actively engaging with the material. This can include reading or listening without actively processing or applying the knowledge. Passive learning tends to be less effective and can result in poor retention and understanding. This makes me think of college professors at the front of the class droning on and on.

Memorization without comprehension: Memorizing information without truly understanding the underlying concepts can limit critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Rote memorization may enable short-term recall but often fails to facilitate deep understanding and application of knowledge. This is why teachers want to see your work! They may ask you to write an essay to explain your thought processes. I find as an adult, it is easier to avoid this, since what I am learning about is usually a passion.

Fear-based learning: When learning is driven by fear of punishment or negative consequences, it can create an unhealthy and stressful environment. Fear-based learning can stifle creativity, discourage risk-taking, and hinder genuine curiosity, leading to a superficial understanding of the subject matter. This reminds me of parents who require their children to get all A’s and punish them when they do not. This creates a truly difficult environment for learning to grow in.

Overemphasis on grades or performance: When the sole focus of learning is achieving high grades or meeting performance targets, it can lead to a narrow mindset and a fixation on outcomes rather than the learning process itself. This can result in a lack of intrinsic motivation and a diminished love for learning. I am always saddened when I see this happening in my classroom. I try to find subtle ways to get the parents to back off or to motivate the student and get them excited about learning again.

Lack of relevance or practical application: If the learning material is perceived as irrelevant or lacking real-world application, it can be difficult to engage and motivate learners. Understanding the practicality and relevance of what is being learned is essential for meaningful and effective learning experiences. This is what my son struggled with in the last year of high school. I was hoping he would find some classes that truly brought him joy. Now I am hoping, since he is choosing a major that he enjoys, this will happen in college. I hope he can see why these classes are relevant for his future and maybe even discover knowledge that he can use right now.

Information overload: Overloading learners with excessive amounts of information without proper organization or context can be overwhelming and counterproductive. When learners are inundated with too much information, it can hinder comprehension and retention, making it difficult to extract meaningful insights. This is why I am creating this book/blog to have one theme a week, spending time every day on small chunks of information. It also helps to relate it to previously learned information and to build on prior knowledge.

Negative learning environment: An unsupportive or toxic learning environment, such as overly competitive or overly critical classrooms, can create anxiety and stress, hindering the learning process. Positive and nurturing environments that encourage collaboration, creativity, and constructive feedback are essential for effective learning. Teamwork is fundamental for a positive work environment. Bullying only shuts people down.

It is important to note that these negative ways of learning are not conducive to long-term growth and development. Optimal learning involves active engagement, critical thinking, understanding of concepts, practical application, and a positive and supportive learning environment.

As children, we learned quickly and easily. We had novel ideas and used creative problem-solving that most of us no longer have access to. We also were not afraid to be beginners at something, because we were beginners at everything!

Even though it may be more difficult as adults to learn something new, it is not impossible. The process for adults to learn a new behavior can vary depending on the individual and the specific behavior being learned. However, there are some general steps and considerations that can apply to adult learning.

Here is a simplified process:

1. You need to have a clear motivation for learning a new behavior. You should identify why you want to learn it and set specific, realistic goals to guide your learning process. Understanding the benefits and relevance of the new behavior can enhance motivation.

2. You need to gather relevant information about the behavior you want to learn. This can involve reading books, articles, or online resources, attending workshops or training sessions, or seeking guidance from experts in the field.

3. You can benefit from observing others who have already mastered the behavior you want to learn. By observing and modeling their actions and techniques, adults can gain insights into effective strategies and approaches.

4. You should actively engage in practice to develop new behavior. This can involve deliberate repetition, hands-on exercises, role-playing, or simulated scenarios. Regular and consistent practice is crucial for skill development and mastery.

5. You should seek feedback on your progress and performance. Feedback can come from peers, mentors, coaches, or self-assessment. Reflecting on your experiences, identifying areas for improvement, and adjusting your approach accordingly can enhance learning.

6. Learning a new behavior takes time and effort. You should be prepared to face challenges, setbacks, and frustration along the way. Maintaining persistence, resilience, and patience is essential for staying motivated and continuing the learning process.

7. You should strive to integrate the newly learned behavior into your daily life. Applying the behavior in real-life situations and transferring it to different contexts helps solidify the learning and make it a natural part of your repertoire.

It's important to note that adult learning is influenced by various factors such as prior knowledge and experiences, individual learning styles, and the complexity of the behavior being learned. Adapting the learning process to suit personal preferences and needs can enhance the effectiveness and enjoyment of the learning journey.

Activity: Explore different learning styles by taking a learning styles inventory or questionnaire. This activity can help you understand your preferred learning style (e.g., visual, auditory, kinesthetic) and how you can leverage it to enhance your learning effectiveness.