A rare opportunity for Self-Directed Learning

We

• love conspiracy theories… Don’t we?
• often fall for scams…
• often get easily fooled by something that is otherwise so obvious…

And most of the time, we are educated.

Now there can be multiple reasons for this. I am sure, you have your own theory about it.

I think it’s primarily because we are not taught to think and understand. We are product of forced, cyclic enrolment [even when we are adults and working] and assessed on our ability to memorize.

We are educated to do good on test. “Will it be on test” is the question in our mind. And I am sad when I see the same mindset at workplace. But then, why will it be any different… You see, after all, you reap what you sow will always be in fashion.

The post Covid world offers us a great opportunity to shift from forced training and education to Self-Directed Learning.

A choice to understand, not just memorize.

Understanding is the only platform that puts us into the future with clarity and direction. Memorizing is fragile [and hopeless too in the world of Google].

I interact with perhaps all major banks in Pakistan. I can bet, for every time they say human/talent development, they have to say compliance/mandatory/regulation at least 5000 times.

What a pity. What a waste of human intellect.

I see organizations enforcing LMS and e-Learning platforms, simply to brag about it. Yes, digital is cool, and important too… but not in the same way as we were doing it before (classrooms).

Here is my guess: If your classroom trainings sucked… your online trainings will be hell.

I see a future of self-directed learning. Instead of a rush toward compliance, butts in chairs, clicks on the zoom only… Learning by doing is the key.

Self-Directed learning empowers us to unlock our potential. Simply preparing for test is sad, because you are at mercy of the one who sets the test.

Here is the misery… A lot of my readers might [I doubt, but then, MIGHT] think that self-directed learning is not possible.

You know why? Because it’s not convenient. Because it appreciates an individual and doesn’t allow crowds of semi-programable robots like human to act as if they all are alike.

My 5 year son is capable of self-directed learning. I can bet it for your child too.

We can create a pattern of teaching to be curious, compassionate and courageous. That’s all we need. At home, at school, at work.

Yes, it won’t be as predictable and standardized as the system we have on hand… but it will be powerful enough to prepare us for future.

It won’t be easy. Not only because it’s difficult. But because it hurts our bureaucracy — a bureaucracy that teaches us that the one in power [leader, teacher, parent, preacher] is always right.

Self-Directed learning (for me) is the only assurance for a promising future.