Chapter Three: Learning to Learn

 Learners create learning

I like that this chapter highlights how learning can be viewed just as something that happens at school. When the author shares that she was influenced by Beauty and the Beast, this resonated with me so much! Belle was always my favorite Disney princess. I loved that she read books and had a tenacious, adventurous nature. I have always enjoyed learning and much like the author, resonate with this Disney character. This chapter shares quotes from many people 

This chapter shares many different definitions of learning. I agree with all of the definitions however, the one I resonate with the most is Heather Geist: “Learning is personal growth.” This goes along with the concept that learning is not simply something that takes place in a school. I would even argue that the majority of learning humans experience is outside of the school. 

Knowledge construction

Putting knowledge into practice is how one can construct knowledge and transform it into something tangible that can be taught and learned by others. This idea of trial and error is essential and necessary in order to receive feedback and collect data. Learning is almost like an experiment. We try something new, and survey the outcome…the data. 

Learning through experience is the best way to learn in my opinion. Many people are hands-on learners and must experience something in order to gain more knowledge. For example, for my future career as a clinical mental health specialist, I will have to do practicum hours at an internship. Experiencing counseling before I am licensed will be an excellent way to ensure that I will be experienced by the time I am licensed. 

Suggestive strategies

I really enjoyed reading the outcomes of the  Doomsday, problem-based learning experience. The teacher gave the students a scenario where a meteor was going to crash into the earth. The students then strategized and collaborated together to problem solve. Saving the world is a big task and requires a group strategy of course! Meeting with experts, brainstorming and receiving feedback were all ways they learned from a hands-on approach. The students practiced learning, unlearning, and relearning. This is a very good way to always stay open and remain teachable. As a counselor, I will need to remain teachable and learn from my mistakes: “What is helping this person?” “What did I say or not say that was not helpful for this individual?” Asking questions not only during my internship, but through my lifelong practice, I aim to remain teachable so that I can grow and help as many people as possible.