Continuing Education: How to Make Learning Fun at Any Age
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Co-creator of Perceptual Style Theory
It's no secret: learning new things is important to success in business, and staying mentally engaged can contribute to our well-being as we age. But not everyone has positive associations with learning. If you're like many people, you went through years of school, sat through countless classes, listened to lectures, and completed more homework than you care to remember. Maybe along the way, you even learned something.
Why Learning Should Be Enjoyable
I say “maybe” because despite all the changes in educational curriculum over the years, the public school system is still largely focused on learning by listening, repetition, and memorization, which is really not the way most of us learn best.
(A teacher friend of mine once shared how challenging it could be to get some parents to come to Back to School night and parent-teacher conferences, because it reminded them of their own negative experiences in school.)
People approach learning with different interests, experiences, and preferences. While no single learning method works best for everyone, understanding what naturally engages your curiosity can make learning more enjoyable and encourage you to keep exploring. Perceptual Style Theory offers one way to reflect on how you prefer to approach new information and experiences.
Different Ways to Explore Something New
Say you want to learn another language.
Do you prefer to dive headfirst into an experience, see what happens, and learn from the outcome? You might find that practicing a new language in real-world situations makes the learning process especially engaging. Consider taking a trip overseas, armed with a few useful language-reference resources, and embracing the challenge of communication firsthand.
Maybe you learn new things best through stories that illustrate key points and allow for dialogue about the meaning and importance of what you're learning. In that case, you might prefer to take a class at your local college – but perhaps one that incorporates cultural studies, rather than one simply focused on the nuts and bolts of language acquisition.
If you're the type who prefers a detailed, comprehensive investigation that proceeds systematically, an online course based on a proven system might be more your style.
Do you grasp new information intuitively, understanding new concepts from small bits of information? You might enjoy exploring a new language by translating essays, articles, or poems, using a dual-language dictionary and checking your translations with a fluent speaker.
Do you take a more logical, methodical approach, gathering and organizing data that you then compare and contrast intellectually? A scholarly text on your chosen language, outlining key similarities and differences with other languages, may energize your learning process.
Regardless of how you prefer to approach learning, finding ways to make the experience engaging can help you stay motivated. Combining approaches, practicing what you've learned, and exploring subjects from different perspectives can make the process both more enjoyable and more rewarding.
Discover What Makes Learning Enjoyable for You
To get a handle on how you learn new things best, think back to two different learning events – one that was painful and difficult, and one that you actually enjoyed.
Now, ask yourself these key questions:
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In what ways were these two processes different?
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What made the enjoyable event fun for you?
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What made the difficult learning event hard?
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What do the answers to the previous two questions tell you about how you naturally learn best?
Learning doesn't have to feel like sitting through another classroom lecture. When you recognize what sparks your curiosity and give yourself permission to explore new approaches, learning can become something you look forward to rather than something you feel obligated to do. And that makes continuing your education a much more enjoyable part of life.
Please share your thoughts on this topic in the comment section below.
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About Lynda-Ross
Lynda-Ross Vega is a partner at Vega Behavioral Consulting, Ltd. She specializes in helping corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals with interpersonal communications, team dynamics, personal development, and navigating change. Lynda-Ross is co-creator of Perceptual Style Theory, a revolutionary behavioral psychology theory and assessment system that teaches people how to unleash their natural strengths and build the life and career they dream of.
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