Lifelong learning is a simple, basic concept. Never stop thinking you know enough, & never stop be open to evaluating new information & forming more effective thought patterns.
As an educator, I am responsible for the daily planning, preparation and application of age and developmentally appropriate growth, development and learning of every child in my care. My goal is to have each child have success in this each day.
Similar to a comment you may often hear my say about nap time βwho decided adults do not need naps!?β – I fundamentally believe that βhow can adults expect children to learn if they do not challenge themselves to learn as well!?β. This simple principal has guided my pedagogy and has kept the joy of teaching alive for me as I experience is through a lens of learning alongside my students!
Empower yourself with a simple tool you can use to approach learning. You may even remember this concept from schoolβ¦
KWL
This is going to be a tool you will be able to apply in so many situations. You may even shock yourself at the ways you will find to implement this.
The more time you devote to thinking through the use of this concept- the more equipped you will be with this broadly applicable tool for informed thinking.
Know
We all have set thoughts and schemas when it comes to the information we have consumed. We each have a unique set of life experiences, goals & circumstances which have led us to our current state of knowledge understanding.
Want to Know
What do you want to find out?
(Insert Scientific Method Here!)
Formulate or identify an idea of what you want to explore, seek & learn.
Identifying what you want to learn in a specific sense also helps keep you focused and interested in following through on the process of obtaining the new information. Noting a reason you want the information is another application of this focus inspiring task.
Learned
Summary time! What did you ascertain from the experience of this mental exercise?
Taking time to identify information learned is an extremely beneficial reinforcement practice. Finding a way to utilize and apply your new knowledge base is the absolute best way to solidify your new understanding in a meaningful manner.
Thinking critically is a great mindset for being a lifelong learner. We live in a day and age where information aboundsβ¦ so we only set ourselves metaphorically βahead of the gameβ and βahead of the packβ if we intentionally acquire new information in a systematic and routine sense.
How can you do this realistically?
- Find informative, research based information sources and read their content
- This may be social media, books, etc
- Join local groups
- So many support, info, inspiration, etc groups exist both virtually or in person
- Seek advice from experts
- Choose to receive services from qualified professionals who have a philosophy similar to your own in respect to the goals they will help you achieve
Being a lifelong learner is an admirable practice and an incredible example. Get informedβ¦get includedβ¦get inspired!
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