Wellness Calendar: Friday 3 October

Education vs. learning

When we use the term education, what do we mean? The giving and receiving of instruction, particularly at a school or university? Imparting and acquiring general knowledge and/or skills for a profession? The transmission of information? The socialising of cultural norms?

What is your own understanding of education? What is your own experience of it? Did it stimulate you to want to learn more, or did it put you off learning?

Where does education differ from indoctrination, manipulation and grooming, you might ask – if you have a curious, questioning, critical, free-thinking mind? Who decides what’s on the educational curriculum? What is the agenda when it comes to deciding what’s going to be taught? And how?

And what is the definition of learning? A process that leads to a change in knowledge, understanding, attitude or behaviour? Knowledge acquired through study, experience, or being taught? An alteration in long-term memory?

In psychological terms, learning is seen as a long-term change in behaviour or mental associations as a result of experience. Others see it as growth, making adjustments and being purposeful. Then there are these four pillars to consider: learning to know, learning to do, learning to live together and learning to be.

Active learning is seen as something that happens when a person takes control of their own learning. They aren’t merely an empty vessel waiting to be spoon-fed knowledge; they’re using what they already understand to beget more understanding. They’re having an internal dialogue and juggling words, terms and concepts around until they fit into place. Is this something you recognise in your own approach?

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