What learning philosophy is

A learning philosophy is a personal framework that guides how one approaches the acquisition of knowledge and skills. It encompasses beliefs about what motivates learning, how learning occurs, and the values that underpin the learning process. This philosophy shapes the methods and strategies an individual uses, influencing their effectiveness as a learner. By articulating a learning philosophy, one gains clarity on their educational journey, enabling continuous growth and adaptation throughout life.

Why we need it

Having a learning philosophy is essential because it provides direction and purpose in our educational pursuits. It helps us understand our motivations, set clear goals, and choose appropriate strategies to achieve them. A well-defined learning philosophy fosters self-awareness and intentionality, allowing us to navigate the vast array of information and skills available. It also supports lifelong learning by keeping us engaged and adaptable in an ever-changing world.

My Learning Philosophy

I believe that learning should be motivated by genuine interest, directed by clear goals, and grounded in scientific understanding. This philosophy mirrors the progression of my own growth—from the curiosity sparked in my childhood, through the purposeful learning in my professional life, to embracing scientific principles that explain how learning occurs. By integrating these elements, I am committed to becoming an effective lifelong learner who continuously evolves and adapts.

Early Influences:

Nurturing Curiosity Through Interest-Driven Learning

Interest-driven learning has been crucial in fostering my lifelong learning habit. Fortunate to have a mother who was a secondary school teacher, I had unique access to science labs from a young age. Wandering through chemistry and physics laboratories, surrounded by intriguing experiments and apparatus, ignited a deep-seated curiosity within me. This unrestricted exposure made science tangible and exciting, significantly motivating me to delve deeper into physics and chemistry. The fascination that began in those early years has endured, fueling my continuous desire to learn and discover more.

Professional Growth:

Embracing Goal-Driven Learning

Goal-driven learning has been a cornerstone of my professional journey as a programmer for over 20 years. Witnessing the rapid evolution of computer science, I recognized the necessity to adapt continually. Setting clear objectives—such as mastering new programming languages or frameworks to meet project demands—has guided my learning endeavors. I've learned eight programming languages and six software frameworks, each acquisition driven by the goal of staying at the forefront of technological advancements. This intentional approach has enabled me to remain relevant and effective in an ever-changing industry.

Embracing New Learning Strategies

While I haven't had explicit knowledge of formal learning strategies before, I realize that I've intuitively used some of them in my studies. After participating in the course Becoming a Lifelong Learner, I'm eager to consciously apply the six learning strategies introduced. These include practices like spaced repetition, active recall, elaboration, interleaving, dual coding, and using concrete examples. By integrating these strategies into my learning process, I aim to enhance my retention, deepen my understanding, and improve my ability to apply new information effectively. This deliberate approach will support my continuous growth and adaptability in both personal and professional realms.