Many schools use word ‘Learning’ in their brand management and advertising. But do they really focus on learning? I doubt.
Many people use the words “learning” and “education” more or less interchangeably. But a moment’s reflection reveals that they are not at all the same. I invite you to take this moment and reflect with me on this idea.
Learning is like breathing. It is a natural, human activity: it is part of being alive. A person who is active, curious, who explores the world using all his or her senses, who meets life with energy and enthusiasm—as all babies do—is learning. Our ability to learn, like our ability to breathe, does not need to be improved or tampered with. It is utter nonsense, not to mention deeply insulting, to say that people need to be taught how to learn or how to think. We are horn knowing how to do these things. All that is needed is an interesting, accessible, intelligible world, and a chance to play a meaningful part in it.
If the air is polluted, then it can become difficult to breathe. We cough, wheeze, and gasp for air. Similarly, if our social environment is polluted, it can become difficult to learn.
In most families and schools, no such fresh air of learning is available. Then what exactly is happening with our kids? Suffocated learning ability.
If you think school is necessary evil, at least try to create learning environment for your kids at home.
Do not mix education with learning. Give priority to learning over mass-education. Befriend school teachers. First make them realize value of real learning!
