How Do I Want To Learn?

How Do I Want to Learn?


First of all this video was so inspiring. I wish everyone (especially educators) would watch it. The idea that we will give up on forcing students to adapt to a system of learning that does not fit them is what is going to make a difference in the future.


Growing up I have never had a huge problem with school. It didn't come extremely easy, but I worked hard and cared about my grades so it was never really an issue. However, my older brother learned very different from me. For example, I could look at a study guide and memorize everything that was going to be on a test. The test would come and I would do great, but then the information would leave my brain. So I wonder, was I really learning? Everything I did in school was motivated towards getting good grades and never for the sake of just learning and exploring new information. My brother was different. He was not a good memorizer, but he could read and study about something, and it would never leave his mind. He struggled with homework and tests, because so much information needed to be learned in not enough time. He is still struggling in college. He puts in so many hours doing homework a week, and he often feels discouraged when it is not paying off. This video makes me wonder if there is a better way for him to learn and if he could be more successful.


Another issue that I would like to see change, is standardized testing. Colleges base everything on the SAT and ACT. It is crazy that one test can assess your academic worth and determine your future. I have known so many people who are good learners and they enjoy school, but they are not able to take tests well. I feel for them because it seems that the only way to be considered a success in the education system is being able to fill in bubble sheets correctly.


So how do I want to learn? Although the idea of a different education is very appealing to me, I will admit that I like having a curriculum that is structured and gives me a good grade when I study hard. It has brought me success and I realize that I learn well that way. There is a doubt in my mind about what I have actually learned. To be honest most of what I learned in high school has not really stuck with me, and for the most part I feel that I have relearned that information in college. So am I really growing and expanding my knowledge, or is my brain only susceptible to what the world thinks I need to know to be successful in life?