Expectation vs Reality
The narrative, talks, and understanding around learning and how it happens are very superficial and contradictory to the reality.
For instance,
Many assume that learning is linear.. that’s far from the truth. In reality, learning goes through a lot of phases which are non-linear, zig-zagged, topsy turvy, and spiral. Many times in a reverse direction too.
(Note: I am not talking about the teaching process here because ironically effective teaching is mostly a linear process. But that is for another post.)
The Reality of Learning
Since learning is not linear, it also means that it takes a longer time:
to gain deeper understanding,
to digest new information,
to reflect, think, reflect and think harder,
to build new skills,
to keep the motivation and patience,
to remain focused,
to shed previous mis-beliefs and wrong techniques,
to practice, falter, practice, fail, practice
to internalize, conceptualize, and automatize
and to be able to implement new learning in a new context.
Learning has no Short Cuts Unfortunately
I talk about this with students in my class, and also with the teacher-participants in workshop sessions. There’s not short cut to any meaningful learning. There’s no McDonald’s version, there’s no fast food alternative.
Sometimes teachers (and admins) ask me, why a 8 hour workshop, why not do it in 2 hours? Why a long term engagement program, why not a one-off session?
I know they have genuine concerns. Teachers have so much to do, so many classes to teach, so many assignments to check.
However, I must tell them as it is.
Learning takes time.
Learning takes effort.
Learning can not be rushed.
That’s the uncomfortable reality about how learning happens. But we march on.
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