Learning to Learn by Jason

Learning to Learn by Jason - March 2018 Scholarship Essay

Learning is important throughout life, but it is especially important to start getting into good learning habits at a young age. Second graders would benefit greatly from understanding that learning is a lifelong process. I would emphasize that learning can be done in many ways, and a person should choose the way that they like best. Finally, I would tell them that teaching is learning as well. In short, I would explain learning to a second grader by telling them that learning lasts forever, can be about things they like, and that teaching helps them learn too.
Learning is a lifelong process. A person doesn’t have to stop learning during summer, or after school ends. I think it’s important that second graders understand that school is only part of learning. I would explain to them that learning how to play a video game, or how to swim is also learning. It can be done at home, at school, or anywhere. In fact, it’s important that learning is done in many places, because that’s how one learns more. I would tell them to try and learn all the time and everywhere they can, because that’s a good habit. Once a person starts learning, it gets easier and more fun. I would say, “I’m an adult and I’m still learning. It never stops!” I think they would understand learning lasts forever if they see an adult doing it, so maybe I would take them to a college (college students are adults to second graders after all).
I think taking them to a college would help them see how learning is done. People learn outside on their laptops, inside in computer rooms, and together at lunch tables. Learning doesn’t have to be boring, or require you to sit in a chair the entire time. I think once they realize that, they would be able to see themselves learning in a variety of different situations. After that, it just a matter of showing them their own interests are a learning opportunity as well. Learning works best with a passion, so I would tell them to enjoy what they do and crave more. Maybe I would have them take a test to see which way they learn best because that’s what the psychologist in me would do. It isn’t about learning a certain way, after all, it’s about learning their way.
Learning mastery is displayed by teaching. I think part of growing up is taking on the roles you once benefited from, such a being a teacher. I would explain to them that if they can explain something to someone else, that means they learned it really well. It would also give them the perspective of what it’s like to be the person in charge, teaching responsibility of advancing someone else’s learning. Maybe they would begin to see that learning can be more fun in groups, where they can be teacher and learner at the same time! It would also prepare them for teaching their kids once they’re grown up as well.
Summing up, learning is about learning to learn, and it’s important for all ages. I think if a second grader could get out of the school environment they know and see the learning environment of other, older people, they could make the connection that everybody learns. Seeing different learning methods would show them that learning can be done any way they want, and they could eventually make the connection between the way they learn and the way it is taught to fully develop mastery of their favorite things. After they learn to learn, they will learn to love to learn, and then they’ll really be learning!