PROCESSES FOR LEARNING
How do you define learning?
If we define theoretical learning as extracting meaning from information, then learning is about how we search for information, consume information and process it to extract meaning.
If we think of the mind as a knowledge factory, the inputs are the raw materials or information. The mental operations such as reflection are put to work on the information which is then converted into the output i.e. meaning or knowledge.
The first step in learning is constructing a good research question. A good question is narrow enough to be researchable but also broad enough to allow us to learn enough about the topic. What are the key concepts and how do we define each one? Like taking apart Lego blocks we can use analytical thinking to break down a question into it’s key concepts and understand each term seperately before comparing how they relate to each other. Does the question make sense and is it logical? Developing and asking a good question is an art in itself.
Searching for information is a specific procedure all on it’s own. Are the sources of information trustworthy and what are the criteria for trustworthiness? Who are the seminal theorists in the field and why should we believe them? What qualifications and authority do they have in relation to the topic? Does the information come from a reputed organisation? Are they profit-oriented and does this impact their message? Can we verify the sources provided by AI.
Experiential learning is different from theoretical as instead of learning from information, we now learn from the experience which can be broken down into data points collected through the senses.
Other important considerations for experiential learning include having an open mindset, tapping in to one’s intuition and having a sense of adventure by stepping outside of one’s comfort zone to gain new experiences.
Listen below to Chapter 3: “The Gurukhal Experience” to hear about Somerai’s orientation before she sets out on her mission into the African savannah to see if she has what it takes to join the Gurukhal.