Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Learning

I have a lot of learning to do.

Through the Social Studies Methods class and the Science Methods class that my classmates and I are enthralled in at the moment, I've realized that I have a lot of learning to do still. It's okay though, because its all kind of neat.

I wonder where that line was, or is for all people, where the stuff you learn in school suddenly becomes interesting. Suddenly, facts about the physical and social world that surround us are suddenly items of interest, things we should know, or ideas and that inspire us.

Reading through the social studies curriculum, my mind is attacked by the need to know, the need to understand, and the desire to be able to recite all of this information. For what reason? I don't know. The science curriculum is much the same. When I was in school I think I was interested, but simple concepts like optics and fluids didn't grab me like they are now. Like, viscosity. I'm not sure of the exact definition but it has to do with the amount of friction exerted by a fluid, affecting its ability to flow. (Thats not exact but I think its close). Now, why at age 24 does that suddenly amaze me. Suddenly I want to know all about it. When I was 13, when this topic would have been taught, I could have cared less.

Perhaps it has to do with my personal drive being present and goal orientated these days, but I think it also might have to do with the teacher's perspective that I am taking on it. I don't remember science from grade eight. But something tells me I should.

I want to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and two things most of all: interest and purpose. Science is applicable in one facet or another, and so is social studies. First, we need to be interested, then we need to do something with that interest.

I've lost my train of thought, so I'm likely not going to have a conclusion here. The only thing I can come to is that I want to teach. But to teach, I have a lot more learning to do.

2 comments:

  1. "To teach you have a lot more learning to do" Does learning ever stop? Will you ever be satisfied with what you know or will you always want to know more? I hope you never get to that point where you are satisfied with what you know.

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  2. Dale,

    Your attitude towards learning is refreshing. As I reflect upon my highschool experience I definately agree with your points on caring less. I was one of those students who never cared in school. So often my husband will say:" Do you remember when we learned about this?" I never know what he is talking about!
    Learnig for me is a never ending battle. I am one of those students who will always struggle to understand what most get imeediately...Could have something to do with the colour of my hair..(ahahah)

    Anyway, yes! we have alot of learning to do...but one thing is for certain, it's alot easier when it is interesting!

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