What is Learning?

What is Learning?

Learning is something that never ends. Learning involves using your general basis of knowledge, expanding on those ideas (which may be outside the box), relating them to other areas of knowledge that was previously acquired, and then formulating those ideas into one’s own understanding and opinions. Learning in today’s classrooms has developed into short-term memorization or cramming. Cramming ultimately leads students to understanding the material just enough to get a decent grade on an exam and then as soon as they walk out of the exam they forget it. This cycle leads to them needing to “relearn” the same ideas in higher-level classes.

It is my belief, that in order for students to truly show that they understand a concept they should be able to explain it to someone else. The ability to explain a concept to another person shows that the knowledge, understanding, and related information are understood.  If there happens to be confusion during these times of explanation, we can then attempt to find out where the defaults are in their thought process or the information in which they were provided.

Learning is about being able to utilize general information in part with the “big-picture” ideas to think critically about a topic while using clear strong evidence to back up your answers/beliefs. The ability to listen and communicate to all types of people allows for strong agricultural ambassadors.