My Preferred Way of Learning

As I reflect on the new things I have learned throughout the last year, I am truly amazed.  As Allen Tough  notes from the research results among adults, this is normal.  Informal learning seems to comprise the majority of adult learning. By its nature, informal learning is virtually invisible, unacknowledged and even underestimated both by the learners themselves as well as by educators, so it is probably not surprising that one would be taken aback at the amount, depth, and variety of learning that can be accomplished within a year.

From the (more than) 20 new things I learned, I observed that the majority of these things were, in fact, learned in an informal way.  They were either learned independently, with the use of the Internet, or other sources of available information, or with the help of individual or small groups of peers.  For example, I learned to crochet this year from a small group of members of my extended family.  Also, I learned to cook with a number of new ingredients in a number of new styles from cookbooks and recipes online.  While I probably prefer the independent learning most, I also enjoy learning in a formal environment.  I don't mind submitting myself to a framework of goals and objectives and accepting the challenge to achieve.  In fact, I just completed a master's degree through such formal learning.  Nonetheless, if I had to choose one, however, it would probably be the independent format in which I have freedom to investigate certain issues, inquire into certain aspects of those issues, all at my own pace, and in my own style.

These preferences and reflections are indicative of the principles of adult learning we read about in our course readings.  For example, one of the principles is that adults are 'autonomous and self-directed'.  This can be illustrated by the fact that I liked the learning I did that I chose, planned, and carried out myself.  Another adult learning principle that is applicable as I reflect on my learning is that adults are 'relevancy-oriented'.  For example, as I chose the new projects I wanted to learn to crochet, I chose ones that could be easily completed and given as gifts for Christmas.

Each reading I complete for these assignments will most definitely have more of an impact on me if I reflect on it adequately.  In fact, this blog is tool with which I will do so.  So, I commit to quoting a particular phrase or statement from each reading at the end of each blog post that I will continue to reflect on for a number of days.
Today's featured quote: "Acknowledge adult learners' prior experience with all sorts of informal learning, so that we can give the learners an appropriate level of responsibility for their own learning, and use what is already known as the basis for new learning."
For me, this is the perfect embodiment of the principles of adults' possession of life experience and knowledge, relevancy orientation, and practicality.  It is a quote to keep near to our practice always.