In most professional fields, we’re required to take continuing education classes each year, with the intent of maintaining (or advancing) our knowledge of our chosen field.
Most students sit through these mandatory sessions (hopefully awake), watching the proceedings as if they were watching a new episode on Netflix. They’re in the class, not because they want to learn something, but because they need that certificate.
There’s a difference between attending a class and learning something.
Attendance requires presence of body, while learning requires a presence of mind.
Attendance requires that we show up, while learning requires that we engage.
Attendance means that we can bail as soon as the final bell rings, while learning requires that we ask questions, offer input and counterpoints, and that we sometimes stay after class.
Attendance is easy, anyone (and most people) can (and will) do it.
Learning is harder. That’s why very few of us want to even try.
Learning is not the product of teaching. Learning is the product of the activity of learners.
John Holt
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