| Are you a Student or a Learner? |
| Articles - Lifestyle |
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You have likely already heard how important your education is, however did you know that it is one of the most important journeys you will ever undertake' When you increase your level of education, you will be amazed at the doors that open and how limitless life's pursuits can be. This is because education does not merely teach you a subject; it also cultivates your talents. That being said you should also understand that your approach is very important to your success. You must know that there is a clear distinction between being a student and being a learner.
You have likely already heard how important your education is, however did you know that it is one of the most important journeys you will ever undertake' When you increase your level of education, you will be amazed at the doors that open and how limitless life's pursuits can be. This is because education does not merely teach you a subject; it also cultivates your talents. That being said you should also understand that your approach is very important to your success. You must know that there is a clear distinction between being a student and being a learner. Simply put, there is a huge difference between being a student and being a learner. A student is more concerned or focused on the product of an education. That is, an education becomes the end result. With learning, the process is more organic, unrestricted, and capable of crafting a true individual. To better illustrate this point let us now look at an example of the students approach to learning. A student will sign up for a class, takes notes and then studies to pass the tests that are given. At the end, the student will get a grade point for the work completed and then receive their diploma or degree. The entire process is mechanical. Students are encouraged to learn by rote memorization of facts and this will only take you to a certain level. Now the learner takes a different approach, they tend to absorb the information. A class is not just a place to earn a grade it is an exploration of their likes and dislikes, their strengths and weaknesses. Their outlook on life in general as well as their potential profession will be more thoroughly developed through their experiences. The learning experience then is a major tool in them becoming a well-rounded individual. As you can see, there are many more benefits to being a learner as opposed to being a student. However, society in general places so much emphasis on the student aspect of the process, perhaps because of all the awards and certificates that come with it. Diplomas and degrees are valuable but this is a limited value when you consider their effect on the individual's development. Student will seemingly cease to be when they leave their educational years behind them. After achieving the certificate, diploma or degree there no need to be a student any longer. When a person is a student, it is like an acting part to a small degree, and not really a personal development. A learner is never restricted to a particular environment. A learner seeks to expand his/her horizons in any environment. To a learner, an education does not have an end date that has been instituted by a particular environment. That is why it is always better to strike to be a learner as opposed to someone who is always a perpetual student. Being a student is not all bad in fact, most people will have to follow the path of traditional education to some degree. The key is to blend the student aspect of the process with the capacity to become a seasoned learner. The greatest results will be seen when you can successfully master this process. DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice. Dave Perry is a business mentor, coach and marketing expert. As a former burned out manufacturing executive, he has a special interest in helping others develop a balanced life. Dave's Blog can be read at TheBalanceQuest.com |