Learn for the Sake of Learning

I can do all things...Phil 4:13

Learn for the Sake of Learning

My experiences working with students over the last 16 years has lead me to the conclusion that many believe learning is supposed to be difficult. Notice I said difficult and not challenging. I believe there is a difference between the two. A challenge stimulates; something difficult frustrates. Learning for the sake of learning will stimulate you to the point of facing the challenge head on. For those of you who “learn” because you have to will encounter many difficult times along the way. So how can you learn for the sake of learning thus challenging yourself academically and intellectually? Here are 3 suggestions how this can be done.

1. Develop strategies that work for you. You know yourself better than anyone else or at least you should. Know your strengths and weaknesses, and limitations. If you are easily distracted, do not study with the television or radio on. If you are not a fast reader do not wait until the last minute to read your assignments. If you do not know what works for you, look at what you are currently doing and the yielding results. You may consider working with an academic coach to help you develop effective strategies. Find out what works for you.

2. Learn as if you are a “nosey” person. Do you know someone who is nosey? We all do. Notice how they just have to know what’s going on with any and everything. They usually find out too. Approach learning the same way; you just “gotta know” what’s going on with the chapter you are reading; you just “gotta know” what the teacher means by “that.” If you want to develop this technique, find a nosey person and take good notes, because if they are truly nosey you’ll be a student of excellence in no time.

3. Seek or find a “real world” application for what you are learning. “Why do we have to learn this, I’m never going to use it anyway.” I hear students say this more than often. How can you do this you say? First, adapt number 2 above. Really there is enough going on in the world today that you can find some relevance to what you are being taught – especially history. Should you really want to find a “real world” application, ask your teacher. I would be interested in their response.

So there you have it. Learn for the sake of learning because first of all, it’s not going away. Even when you get out of school (secondary or college) life will become your next teacher. Trust me. Get this learning thing down now. Secondly, learning holds the key to everything you do or want to do. Learn for the sake of learning to become who you are meant to become.

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Herm Allen is an Academic & Career Coach residing in Clemson, SC. He has worked with students for over 15 years as a student development coordinator, career counselor, tutor coordinator and academic advisor. Herm has also taught career and study skills courses at the college level. He can be reached at herm@hermallencoaching.net. ©2006 Herm Allen