The past year has been a whirlwind of learning experiences. It all started with joining an online writing course, publishing this newsletter, taking on a researcher job for Web3 topics, and building an EdTech app. In all this, I discovered something very valuable about myself: I really enjoy researching and learning.

Though I started writing about education, I soon realized it's not about education.

It should always be about learning.

Education is not synonymous with learning.

This common misconception creates a limiting belief around learning.

“We need to go to school to learn.” Right?

Not quite.

Learning happens where we have the freedom to explore, try out new experiences and make mistakes without other people’s judgment.

If we want kids to set our kids up for a lifetime of happiness and success, we need to instill in them the love for learning. The enjoyment for the “aha” moments they get. The thirst to ask questions and find answers.

Too often do we want to feed knowledge to our kids without realizing that our job is to first offer the menu; A la Carte!

Think about it this way: the world is rapidly changing and the more we are able to upskill, the better we will adapt to change. I experienced this dilemma myself. I was a full time mom for three years. Though I stayed connected to the education world by reading, I was “out” of the workforce. While motherhood is an incredible experience, the truth is I had to relearn methods, programs, and work dynamics to be successful in my new jobs.

So what’s the secret spice to the recipe of success?

I would say, lifelong learning.

When we become lifelong learners, we stop thinking that learning ends at 18 yrs old and instead learn from everyday experiences. We start improving ourselves personally and professionally. We get excited in the face of unexpected challenges. We start developing a commitment to create impact in what excites us.

It is in our nature that we learn. Just as it is in this bird’s nature to build this masterpiece. We never stop learning. The question is, are we conscious about it and do we use it to grow?

The fact remains: learning how you become more skilled in life.

Let’s talk about how we can help kids become lifelong learners.

• Give kids the freedom to explore passions and curiosities. Extracurriculars and enrichment programs are a great way to do this. Allow your kids to try out as many new experiences as possible. They will discover what they like and dislike.
• Change the way you reward. Short-term strategies, like rewarding your kids because they finished their homework, shift their focus from what truly matters: Kids developing responsibility for their learning. Check out my issue on Rewards that Bring no Rewards. ​
• Give kids autonomy over their learning. Let them choose what they want to learn and support what they are most interested in. In self-directed learning, kids practice having autonomy over their learning, a skill they will carry into adulthood. Read more on self-directed learning and how you can support your kids.
• Learn WITH your kids. Family is the primary contributor to a child’s development and parents are the #1 influence in their child’s life. As a parent you can influence your kid’s fundamental values like how they learn and adapt to change. When you learn, ask questions, feel confused, and figure things out with your kids, you shape the way they will manage this in their future.
• Have conversations as a family. We live in a society that is multigenerational. Naturally we are exposed to older and younger people, different experiences, perspectives, and outlooks on life. Having conversations as a family allows your kids to practice supporting their ideas through discussion. A skill they will need in the future.
• Allow creativity. Creativity is the root of critical thinking and problem solving. Creative activities fosters mental growth in children by providing opportunities for trying out new ideas, and new ways of problem-solving.
• Encourage curiosity. Kids are born with a natural curiosity for the world around them. Encourage asking questions, google searches, & feelings of confusion. Be a “detective of the world” with them.

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All these ideas can be applied by adults just as much as kids. When we become lifelong learners, we open ourselves to change and growth. Learning becomes the most powerful tool to adapt to life’s unexpected chaos, complications, and problems.

This is a huge topic I will continue to explore and understand.

Until next week.

Alexandra

From MindSwitch Education

P.S. If you have any questions on any education + parenting topic, hit the reply button. I am happy to do the research for you!

Follow me on my social media adventures as education evolves!