When we think of “learning”, we often picture traditional classroom settings. Here, we listen to a teacher, spend significant time in vocational school, or attend further education sessions during evenings or free Saturdays.
We should redefine “learning” to move away from this image. Let’s talk about “knowledging” instead!
Unfortunately, these learning environments can often feel uninspiring. We sit in uniform rows in sterile rooms, with teaching often delivered in a non-interactive manner. This can be tedious and exhausting. The pace of teaching can be too fast or too slow, making it challenging to grasp the content. The hours can seem endless, leaving us longing for something else.
These traditional learning settings can make the process seem dull and frustrating, negatively impacting student motivation and engagement. Therefore, it’s important to explore alternative, interactive, and inspiring learning methods to foster learner enthusiasm and commitment.
Knowledging = everyday Learning
There are countless situations where we learn. We acquire knowledge from observing and being inspired by colleagues, from textbooks, or from online tutorials. Even playing video games can impart new skills usable in everyday life.
In fact, learning is a constant process – it happens daily, hourly, and even by the minute. For instance, when shopping, we learn to compare prices and find the best deals. While cooking or cleaning, we acquire new techniques to work more efficiently. When we try new activities like climbing or dancing with friends, we not only learn new skills, but also more about ourselves and our capabilities. Traveling can broaden our understanding of the world by exposing us to new cultures and ways of life.
In summary, learning is a ceaseless journey that occurs everywhere, improving our skills and expanding our knowledge.
Other Terms for Learning
Learning is a wonderful journey that takes many forms! It might be diving into something new, collecting experiences, or creating something with your own hands. It’s all about gathering, understanding, and connecting bits of information, or gaining new skills and knowledge that you can use in the future. From reading a good book, to pondering deep thoughts, recalling fond memories, making exciting discoveries, or sharing stories, learning is happening! And don’t forget the joy of solving puzzles, crafting, building, or jotting down notes – they’re all a part of this amazing adventure of learning.
In essence, this is “knowledging”: any activity that promotes personal development and growth.
21st Century Learning
Another realization is that in today’s world, learning extends beyond memorizing facts. It involves creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.
The 21st Century Skills framework outlines 12 necessary skills for success in daily life and professional endeavors in the current information age. These skills are indispensable in the era of the internet.
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Information literacy
- Media literacy
- Technology literacy
- Flexibility
- Leadership
- Initiative
- Productivity
- Social skills
If we train these skills daily, we can better respond to the challenges of the modern world and keep up with the fast pace of our society.
Takeaway
Learning is not confined to traditional classrooms and can occur through various methods. Considering interactive and inspiring alternative learning methods is crucial to fostering enthusiasm and engagement among learners. We should view learning as a range of activities, not bound by strict time constraints.
Learning should be seamlessly integrated into our daily professional and personal lives. This approach provides us with exciting learning situations and opportunities to refine our skills for contemporary challenges.
Indeed, the concept of “learning” should be expanded. It’s not just about acquiring knowledge in a traditional sense; it’s about “knowledging.” This term can be used to describe the process of filling the gap as we move from one situation (A) to another (B). It’s about navigating change and acquiring the skills and understanding necessary to cope with new circumstances.
