The thought of lifelong learning reminds me of my experience in the US. When I entered the US, so far as technology was concerned, all I knew was a transistor radio and had seen a television only once. The only thing close to computer I had used was a manual typewriter. Boy, was I in for a big surprise! I did a lot of forced learning. By the time we were ready to leave, at the end of ten years, I had graduated to not only operating but also fixing computers, videotapes, and teaching video production to students along with editing their works. My stay in the US turned out to be the beginning of my lifelong learning.Most of you may be thinking, 'learning makes sense, but lifelong learning? What is it anyway?' Well, compare your past with your present and you will see that you have indeed learned a lot in those years and you did not go to school to learn them either. If you are not convinced, read what Abraham Lincoln had to say, "I don't think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday."
If you still feel learning stops with finishing university, I believe our education system has crushed your soul and created dislike for learning. So much so that you don't even want to acknowledge you are learning each day. If you are lucky and have saved your soul from being crushed, you will realize that learning is indeed a great activity. It expands your viewpoint and provides you with foresight to improve your life. After all this talk of learning, you may be thinking, 'where will I find the time?'
I understand your frustration. These days we only learn the absolutely essential. Anything beyond is not a priority. It is a luxury. Then again, learning is something we are constantly engaged in. Surprised? Don't be, because, learning does not stop with passing school, college or even university. Yes, may be academic learning, but the learning that is voluntary, and self-motivated is an ongoing process. This is the lifelong learning that never stops. It can be anything from enhancing social inclusion, to personal development, or even self-sustainability. I know, with everyone being so busy, even those who do appreciate learning find it difficult to find time, but if you make a commitment, nothing can stop you from instilling right habits that contribute to lifelong learning.
Why not carry a book that you always wanted to read? You don't have to read all of it, but when you have time, return to your book and just read a few pages. Even if you read it during your bus ride, if you find a seat is good enough, or during your lunchtime. When I worked a busy schedule, I used to read during my lunchtime by dividing it into two half-hour blocks. I spent half hour eating lunch and socializing with friends and the other half hour reading a book. First day was a little difficult but then with time I started to enjoy reading.
Once you start to read, also learn to think of what you have read. It could stimulate your thought process. As Einstein rightly put it, 'Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls into lazy habits of thinking'. So you see, just reading is not enough, you also have to think through the ideas you have read.
Next important thing is to spend more time with people who spend their time learning new skills. Now you must be wondering, where will you find such people? Well, right at home. Who better than your kids? You will never cease to admire your children's knowledge of their computer and other skills. They are the ones who are constantly reading different kinds of books. Make a point of discussing their choice of books with them and you will learn a lot.
Who knows, the habit of reading might even rub off on you. If you team up with your children you might even learn new skills: like surfing the web or using computers for purposes other than just typing. Spend some time with your child to finish up their crafts or assignment for their school. Take it as an opportunity to learn more.
Learn new programs on your smart phone that you never really bothered about before, but keep one thing in mind. You need to constantly practice what you learn. If your knowledge can be applied, put it into practice. Otherwise you will lose the skill altogether. The fun part of it is to find time to share with and teach others what you have learned. This will solidify your learning. While all this is going on, don't forget to learn to unlearn assumptions. Yes you cannot add water to a full cup but you can always add a new empty cup to fill up.
Finally, seize every opportunity to learn. Try and think of lifelong learning as wandering the wilderness. Who knows, what you find may fascinate you. Just let your intuitions guide you. I know most of our lives are broken down to completely logical decisions that limit whimsical choices. So learn from information you can use. Lastly, won't it be fun to find yourself in a situation where you can use of your newly acquired skills? I am sure you will be proud of yourself. Once you decide you want to make lifelong learning a habit, it is up to you to make it a priority. Give it a serious thought, won't you?
The author is an educationist and author of several children's books
usha@pokharel.net
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