My Learning Philosophy

What is a Learner?

Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines learning as “to gain knowledge or understanding of or skill in by study, instruction, or experience” (2021). According to me, learning is everything but studying and practicing. I believe learning to be a natural process of deep acquisition and successful application of new knowledge or new skills that takes place within the right content and context.

The Lindsey Philosophy of Learning 

Why does anyone choose to learn anything? The answer is in the question. “Why?” all learning starts from the simple question of why. Why do we believe the things that we believe? Why does this contraption work the way that it does? Why is the sky blue and not black? These questions have pondered the minds of many people throughout the crevices of time and space. While simple in words, these questions have created research, books, universities, YouTube videos, and many other forms of learning. Learning isn’t also just about the big question, but it is also about passing it along to others. What can I teach someone else? While others may not find their passions from one subject or another, it is guarantee that there will always be someone who shares our passion for knowing why. 

The Origin Story of the REACH Philosophy of Learning

In the fall of 2017, hurricane Harvey had just ravaged the Houston area. Morale was low and teachers were encouraged to find motivating ways at which to inspire our learners and also bring them together in a unified form. It didn’t take me too long to develop the acronym REACH for my learners. As I really reflect on it, REACH represents not just the message that I give to my students, but it also represents who I am as a person. I am constantly striving to REACH new goals. REACH embodies my belief that authentic learning is capable through mutually desired goals and ideals.  

So what is the REACH Learning Philosophy?

Respect

Respect not only means to consider our Fellow man, but also to respect what you are learning as part of your growth. In life, we go through a great deal of different experiences. Sometimes, those experiences are not what we envisioned. The growth mindset tells us to be open to these experiences. What we are learning is teaching us something that is meant to be far greater in our lifelong journey.  

Encourage

Encourage means to give support to each other. In learning encouragement sometimes comes in the way of teaching, coaching, mentoring and above all inspiring. revisiting the question of why? Encouragement can come in the form of the simplest motivation to read, evaluate, or research a new topic. it’s that encouragement that propels us forward as learners and keeps our minds constantly moving. 

Aspire

Aspire means to attain or accomplish a particular goal. As learners, when a subject matter piques our interest, we have Attendance E to go all in as it relates to learning on our new particular interest. Blogs, YouTube videos, books, and even friends who may have experience on the subject all become integral pieces in our learner’s journey. They aspire us to be better and to learn more in whatever our interest is. 

Create

Create, rather creation means to produce or bring about by a course of action or behavior. As a learner, I am constantly striving to bridge connections of different topics within my mental framework. Usually this parallels the most with philosophy. Different philosophical viewpoints building upon each other to create a more holistic person. This act of creation is to bring about a long-lasting change within myself and those around me. 

Honesty

Honesty, while the final word within the REACH philosophy, it is perhaps the most important word of them all. Honesty means to be true to oneself. Why do I want to be an honest person? Because I want others to know that integrity above all things means more than any cash value in the world. Without integrity, we are just lost human beings in the pursuit of knowledge. What is the point of learning if not to use it for honest purposes? 

Differences: Teaching Philosophy vs Learning Philosophy

At the present time, my teaching philosophy and learning philosophy are not so different from each other. Learning is a universal language, how we learn is what matters. Philosophy is always worded the same way, yet each person understands it differently. The future is yet unwritten, my philosophy is subject to change and evolution and until that point is reached, I will keep learning an adapting as an educator and a life long learner. 

The 3 Theory’s of Learning as Presented by YouTube

Which learning theory am I?

To some extent, I could say that I embody all three areas of learning. Throughout my life I think that constructivism is the learning theory that has resonated with me the most. Adapting new information based on my previous experience has always helped me as I processed new information. Putting the connections together like the pieces of a infinite puzzle is fun to me. It means that I haven’t stopped learning yet. But truly, this means that I haven’t put a cap on my potential, which in my opinion is the true goal of the lifelong learner.

References 

Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. New York: Random House.

Harapnuik, Dwayne. (n. d.) Educational Development Philosophy. Retrieved from http://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=4639 

Horn, M. B., & Staker, H. (2015). Blended: Using Disruptive Innovation to Improve Schools. Jossey-Bass. 

Learning Philosophy. (2015). Retrieved June 25, 2021, from http://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=95  

Merriam-Webster. (2015.) Learner. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/learner  

Sinek, S. (2013). Start with why: How great leaders inspire everyone to take action. Portfolio/Penguin. 

Start With Why – Simon Sinek TED talk. (2013, September 29). Retrieved from https://youtu.be/sioZd3AxmnE 

What is pbl? (n.d.). PBLWorks. Retrieved February 18, 2021, from https://www.pblworks.org/what-is-pbl