| Mindset: Student or Learner |
| Articles - Lifestyle |
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Education remains one of the most important pursuits one could ever seek. Through an expanded education, the fabled doors of perception start to open and an individual can live a life of limitless potential. This is because their education has opened their horizons through cultivating many talents. However, it is important to understand the approach one takes towards education will often have a bearing on how successful it ultimately is. Hence, there needs to be a clear distinction between being a student vs. being a learner.
Education remains one of the most important pursuits one could ever seek. Through an expanded education, the fabled doors of perception start to open and an individual can live a life of limitless potential. This is because their education has opened their horizons through cultivating many talents. However, it is important to understand the approach one takes towards education will often have a bearing on how successful it ultimately is. Hence, there needs to be a clear distinction between being a student vs. 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 illustrate this, let's look at a common example of how the average student approaches his/her learning. The student signs up for a course. Takes notes in class. Studies for a test and then passes it. The student receives a grade and, in time, the student will receive a diploma. In short, the student is only concerned with a mechanical process. He/she is simple repeating memorized information in a classroom environment. That will only take a student so far. If you are a learner, you will tend to absorb what is being taught. A learner will try a class out just to see if they like it or not. This will guide them in learning their greatest strengths and biggest weaknesses. An entire point of view on life and career will be based on the many experiences they have had during their education. Over time, a learner becomes a well-rounded and fully realized person and they owe much of it to the learning experiences they have had. Clearly, being a learner is far more valuable than being a student. Yet, society seems to put more emphasis than anything else because being a student comes with demonstrative ornamentation such as grades and certificates. While they have their value, their value will always be limited in terms of their effect on the development of the individual. Once a student has left the place of established education, they seem to cease to exist. As soon as they have a degree in hand there is no longer a need to be a student. Being a student is more something people do, a role if you will, and less of a personal development strategy. 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 coach, mentor and marketing expert. As a former burned out manufacturing executive, he has a special interest in helping others develop a balanced life. You can visit Dave's Blog at TheBalanceQuest.com |