Learning how to learn

[Prince Romeo]

Tried this thread on the GB but I didn't really get the kind of answer I was looking for.

I've heard this phrase used a number of times in the last few months. What does it mean to you? Why do you need to learn how to learn? Aren't we all capable of this?

 

[lost]

Tried this thread on the GB but I didn't really get the kind of answer I was looking for.

I've heard this phrase used a number of times in the last few months. What does it mean to you? Why do you need to learn how to learn? Aren't we all capable of this?

Very good question-


I can answer that I have had to learn how to learn. I happen to be dyslexic and did not find out till college. Which explained why I had a high iq yet failed miserably in school. I have learned several methods or tricks that help considerably now

 

[quintessential]

Prince Romeo,

There were several factors that came to my mind when I read your post. I was one who posted to you on the GB as well.

My son has a problem that keeps him from remembering things if he only reads them by himself. I, or someone else, needs to read with him as he reads aloud in order to maintain some of the information inside his wonderfully active brain. Sometimes we even go a step more and I'll have him write the information as well. I have a problem in getting this across to his teachers and the principal of his school even though he has gone all through elementary school and is now in high school in the same school system. They understand the problem, they claim, but they cannot change their ways of teaching to handle his specific needs. His file is several inches thick so the information is all there for them to read.

All of this takes an enormous amount of time on his part and on mine, too. I am not complaining, I’m just telling you what I'm going through. He becomes quite frustrated with his inability to be like other children and he often shuts himself off. When that happens there is nothing that will enter his brain. He has decided that he hates school and anything to do with learning.

That is one example…those who claim to want to help do nothing for him. He doesn't want to learn so therefore he won't. Yes, he needs to learn how to learn…in this case that is exactly what it is.

All people learn in different ways. Unfortunately, the world is only accepting of a limited few. Yes, some teachers have gone the extra mile when they see how committed I am to helping him, yet, for the most part, more than that have told me this is how they do things and that is that. I find that to be very sad, especially in today's world where there is such a high number of learning disabilities being diagnosed each day.

There are also instances where children, young and newborns, are left to themselves with no interaction with other children or adults. If they are ignored their chances of development are so very different from those children who have had close contact with their elders. Their stimulation is charged and they have a desire to learn by being shown and/or watching. They are learning to learn through these actions and that will, hopefully, carry over into their older ages.

I have so many things I want to say about this but I feel as if I'm writing a novel. I'm sorry about that.

Then there are the people who shut themselves off from wanting to try anything new. This hinders, greatly, their ability to learn more about something…so in this way, they are closing themselves off to learn. Their desire is not there.

Yes, I do believe you need to learn how to learn...through watching and listening to others. It's not always instinct to have this desire. It needs to be shown by those around you that in order to grow as a person you need to learn how the world works. The child who doesn't see anyone writing will have a difficult time of learning how to hold a pencil. They learn by watching and practicing. When they see the results of their wanting to learn it opens up a new and exciting world for them. They want to learn other things...it's almost like dominoes, I guess. It all grows and grows until the desire is so strong.

I think we are all capable of learning but only if we want to. The children and adults who have any kind of problem tend to compensate by creating other ways to try and learn. Some, unfortunately, find those outlets in the wrong things. Others, who are fortunate to have help, will find other areas they have strengths in and achieve some great things.

 

[lost]

<snip>

He becomes quite frustrated with his inability to be like other children and he often shuts himself off. When that happens there is nothing that will enter his brain. He has decided that he hates school and anything to do with learning.

<snip>

All people learn in different ways. Unfortunately, the world is only accepting of a limited few. Yes, some teachers have gone the extra mile when they see how committed I am to helping him, yet, for the most part, more than that have told me this is how they do things and that is that. I find that to be very sad, especially in today's world where there is such a high number of learning disabilities being diagnosed each day.

Wow, I used to be like your son. Very well thought out, i think you said everything i wanted to.

 

[Prince Romeo]

quintessential said:

"All people learn in different ways. Unfortunately, the world is only accepting of a limited few. Yes, some teachers have gone the extra mile when they see how committed I am to helping him, yet, for the most part, more than that have told me this is how they do things and that is that. I find that to be very sad, especially in today's world where there is such a high number of learning disabilities being diagnosed each day."

I think this is a huge part of the problem, that is, the way we learn how to be taught. I remember someone posted a response to a thread talking about a piano instructor they once had. I don't remember all the details but that instructor was one of the finest. When they first went to see the instrcutor, they spent countless lessons, trying to unlearn the way they were use to learning. It was only after many frustrating lessons that the student was able to open up and become receptive to the teacher.

 

[quintessential]

Prince Romeo,

Yes, it is a huge problem. There are so many instances where someone wants to learn and is stifled due to their lack of knowing how to learn. I know that the statement sounds strange, but it's so very true. I taught small children for many years and I tried my best to make it a pleasant experience for them as well as their parents. Because when it comes right down to it...it's the parents who will continue that fine art.