ALIGN II: L is for Learning
Once upon a time, it was believed that learning stopped around the age of 25.
Today, we know this to be far from the truth. Although brain development is usually "complete" around this age, we now know the brain is capable of learning (forming new neural pathways) on an ongoing basis.
Let's debunk a few more learning myths. What about the old adage, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?
When it comes to learning, this is one of the phrases that is often heard and repeated. But what’s interesting is, the phrase doesn’t refer to the ABILITY to learn, but refers to the idea that when someone is used to doing something a certain way, it’s difficult to change HABITS.
Well, and of course, the more focus, time, and attention I put on learning as much as possible about as much as possible, the more successful the results will be.
False again. Quantity is less important than the QUALITY of learning that we employ, both for gathering, storing, and applying knowledge. And just as important as the information we take in (learn) is what we unlearn, or even relearn. This process of learning, unlearning, and relearning in cycles is really how the process of change (and growth!) occurs.
Interesting.
Now that we have dispelled a few popular myths about learning, that leaves us with an important question:
What IS important to help me learn and become a Lifelong Learner?
Research has shown that children often have a more natural propensity for learning, but it’s not because of their brain’s ability. It’s because of the qualities of learning that they naturally employ. As we become adults, we often narrow and specialize our focus – which is great for higher-level problem-solving, but less helpful for maintaining learning as a core value of the way we show up in the world.
Let's compare circumstances of youthful vs. more specialized learning. Perhaps not surprisingly, these qualities end up being fairly opposite on a spectrum:
Open-Minded - - - - - > Closed-Minded
Input-Driven - - - - - > Knowledge Driven
Growth Mindset - - - - - > Fixed Mindset
Forgiving Environment - - - - -> Unforgiving Environment
Support, Mentoring, Encouragement - - - - -> No Access or Support
Serious Commitment - - - - -> Little Commitment
What would happen if we all approached learning through the perspective (and qualities) of youthful learning? This list (taken from research cited below) offers meaningful direction in what it means to not only cultivate learning as a choice but also create circumstances that enable others to step into the role of life-long learner as a habit. Although it’s not easy, there are ways to make this commitment to embodying these qualities so they come to life in your world starting now.
Here are three important ways to hone your Life-Long Learner badge:
1. Get curious. Instead of making assumptions, turn thought patterns around into questions. What excites you? What makes you want to dig deeper? We can never go wrong if we follow our sense of curiosity. As educator Clay Bedford said: “You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives.”
2. Be open-minded! Learning as a quality, a habit, and a lifestyle requires a sense of open-mindedness to the approach. What needs to be unlearned? Do I need to relearn? What don’t I know? Rather than being steeped in judgment, create opportunities for discernment. Perspective is critical here: to truly learn means acknowledging we don’t know everything.
1. Stay present and aware. Not much is more valuable than being able to make choices, and that requires presence and awareness. As you consider the qualities of youthful learning, survey your environment to understand where you fall on the spectrum. What can easily be adjusted? Rather than getting down on yourself if you struggle, see if you can recognize that this, too, is a choice. Knowing where we are always helps us figure out where we want to go.
Simply put, we can learn to choose the qualities of learning we want to adopt. The skills of learning allow us to continue through life more willing and able to change. Choosing where, and how, we want to apply these qualities can deepen and enhance our results, letting us go where we didn’t even know was possible, achieving things beyond our wildest imagining.
Now that’s some learning I can really get behind.
(Referenced research can be found here: https://www.jstor.org/stable/26765153)