The Upside Down Curve of Learning November 3, 2008

I was exchanging pleasantries with a good friend when our topic swayed on the idea of learning. She casually mentioned that “It is hard to learn something at this age, like our mind refuses to absorb things. I mean, I can learn how to use something…after ten years and then there would be another version but I’d still say, “hey I know how to do that.” I agreed with her by saying, “I know what you mean, like our mind tells us that it had enough of learning.” I went home to prevent a cold from evolving to something worse but I kept her remark in mind.

 

Why is it difficult to learn nowadays?

 

With the exception of young people, I observe that people including myself experience hesitation to learn new things. I am quick not to attribute it to plain laziness but more of being worn down by our situations. We are plagued by work and everyday dealings that we are shortchanged with time. If we do our math in terms of counting the years we spent learning in school. I can safely say we have at least devoted close to a quarter of our life hitting the books. However the questions eludes me.

 

Have we learned anything at all?

 

I do my job and I give it my best. Sometimes if I have the luxury of having a second to contemplate, I attempt to trace what theory or page of a book that I learned what I just taught. It is rather difficult and honesty propels me that I “learn as I work.” This is the same principle I share with the many interns and volunteers I had in my classrooms. Seriously, I cannot even recall the exact educational theory of Rosseau or the Stages of Development by Piaget. My alma mater would be ashamed of me but at least I know how to diffuse a tantrum of a child even before it occurs. Charge it to the hours I spent reading Dr. Seuss’ books.

 

Many are disillusioned that when they have three degrees under their belt, they are considered experts. I feel pity for them especially when they let their diplomas and titles dictate how they relate to others. Believe me when I say that it is better to deal with a terrible two rather than with the inflated ego of a so-called expert. There might be a direct correlation between the emotional intelligence of a person with his educational background. If only schools have a mandatory course of social humility and work relation skills, the world would be a much better habitat.

 

The learning curve coincides with the theory that we lose brain cells by the time we reach eighteen years. My estimate would be I lost millions already. No cause for concern since I still know the difference between an alligator and a crocodile. I still know how to balance my checkbook and count the days before the next paycheck comes. Life calls for practical measures.

 

I may not never learn how to play the piano like a virtuoso, cook like Gordon Ramsey or read Braille but I am confident enough that I learned to the fullest extent how to feel, think and act like a human being with my frailty, fickle tendencies and emotional vulnerability.

 

Through all these travails, I have learned nothing but I never quit trying. I think that is what learning is all about.