The Role of the Learner

It seems most of the focus in the world of learning and development is on the role of the facilitator-instructor, on instructional design and/or learning technologies. Over the next couple of weeks I hope to turn these tables and focus instead on the role of the learner.

I will borrow from academic research and the teachings of a Buddhist spiritual guide, and outline what seem to be the characteristics of those individuals who excel in learning and performance.

But first I’d like to share an experience that was a catalyst for this series.

Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist and host of the PBS program NOVA scienceNow, made the following statement on a recent episode (US or Canada) of The Daily Show:

“Allow me to say that when you are on the frontier of knowledge between what is known and unknown, reaching out into the abyss, sometimes you actually do have to make stuff up that might be true, so that you can organize a research plan to find out whether or not it is… this is the creativity of discovery…” (my italics)

Watching the interview I was struck by deGrasse Tyson’s enthusiasm. Here is a prominent scientist, more than 30 years into his career, exhibiting the sort of positive energy many of us have not experienced since childhood.

He demonstrates an explorer’s drive to understand, to know. He seems to generate his own motivation, and exhibits deep curiosity about his subject matter. He also understands the power of imagination in learning.

As Einstein said, and as deGrasse Tyson quoted: “Imagination is more important than knowledge”.

Inspired in part by deGrasse Tyson[1] I decided to assemble a list that describes the characteristics of a great learner and, more importantly, a series of steps to become a great learner.

It is my hope that this short series will contribute to the understanding of learning ability, will stimulate constructive discussion and will offer encouragement to people everywhere to expand and deepen their learning practice.

I have drawn upon eclectic sources for this series: the above-mentioned interview; a recent presentation by Dr. Jacqueline P. Leighton of the Faculty of Education at The University of Alberta; and from the writings and teachings of renowned Buddhist meditation master Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

Next: What is a Great Learner?

[1] You can see the full interview at http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-january-18-2011/neil-degrasse-tyson (US) or http://watch.thecomedynetwork.ca/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart/interviews-a-z/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart---interviews-d/clip407200#clip407200(Canada).

-David Luke, Senior Consultant at FocusFit (2007) Inc.

© 2011 D. G. Luke and FocusFit (2007) Inc.

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