Lets talk about effective learning

byEarn-Mash

83 followers

2 years ago

A 4-year old tugged mum's hand all the way to the Pre-School transport waiting outside the Estate. A colorful backpack strapped on. Such exuberant energy that cannot be mistaken for out-of-this-world excitement, expectancy and your go-getter! This is the start of a long journey to learning outside the home leading to Primary School, High School and Tertiary Education resulting in a career.

On the way back home the kid has a lot of fun activities to report . Mum listens with a great smile, unquestioned satisfaction that all is well, my child is growing to become the person I can only imagine. Pre-school friends certainly increase imagination and bring learning dynamics that propel one to explore the world further. The rhyming songs, painting and jungle-gym play area are such a rich learning environment under the careful watch of the Pre-School Teacher.

Fast forward to High School, the spark for learning has shifted to something else that departs from the solid foundation laid in Pre-School. Some days are great, other days drag on with boredom. What is a research project against my social media, irresistible TV-show, tic-toc, phoning friend and celebrity life-style defying any motivation to learn... it seems the school dropout is living the life and not even struggling at all! Fashion, world-trending, juicy stories have all swallowed up any trace of effective learning. Have we lost something and short-changed or little darlings who were so promising during their innocent, early years?

Effective learning equips a person with the essential tools for life. Skill and talent converge to create a sought-after person who will solve problems in our day to day challenges. Effective learning is defined as, "..the process of acquiring knowledge and skill that can be applied flexibly and creatively in different situations." Furthermore, "Effective learners are active, goal-oriented, and self-regulated. Effective learning also aligns with the values, culture, and brand of the organization."

There we have it. All those years in formal or informal education should zero-in on the application of knowledge and skill in a creative manner that enhances the human development. The individual, family, organization and community at large all benefit, when effective learning takes place. The tax payer's money secures returns from such active, goal-oriented and self-regulated, effective learners. I have met many effective learners in my teaching career. They motivated me to hang on to my career because they taught me so much about life.