Are you learning?

Are you learning? Learning, as stated above by the Oxford English dictionary is the “acquiring of knowledge”. How this knowledge is acquired, depends on the person, and while you do “learn” things on a day to day basis, I think the vast majority of us can agree that we “learn” the most at school (be it forced!). Or do we?

Is it learning to mindlessly recall facts, to cram to ‘pass’ an exam - subjective, but of course, I’m not here to waste time gathering opinions. No, it’s not learning, it’s cramming (as mentioned) - and cramming gets you nowhere, apart from maybe passing an exam, in terms of the benefits. Rather, to gain from what is taught, question and understand beyond the bare minimum, read the Wikipedia article if you must, even if you understand 5% of a page, the little knowledge you do pick up is invaluable somewhere. It will help to create a sense of fulfillment to understand what you’re doing and not be completely lost in information every hour of the day.

You can ‘study’ what the, say, digestive system is composed of, and what each part of it does, or ‘learn’ how each part functions together in a state of a sort of interdependance. The second option will allow for ease of recalling such information, and an improved understanding of a function. You can cram word endings for a grammar rule in a foreign language, or you can use said endings in various forms, along side ‘learning’ them. Again the second option will allow for improved recollection with sufficient effort put in place, as well as retention and enjoyment (however little) while learning.

Of course, I can’t say I myself haven’t mindlessly crammed things, with the state and flaws of modern education, particularly when speaking about the UK, it sometimes feels impossible to ‘learn’ properly, with greater emphasis on the recalling of facts, stats, and poorly explained information - than a strong understanding of both the basics, and the advanced. It causes boredom, a hatred for work, a hatred to learn, and a generation who have no aspirations due to the unneeded hardships faced during schooling. Learn, then study. Get somewhere in life.