How can you make education your own? Tutoring is an important piece of this equation. When you begin to think of learning as an ongoing part of your life, that infinite opportunities exist to expand your knowledge and intellectual curiosity, you move into an entirely different way of thinking about the world. Everyone and everything around can be your school in a way that brings much more meaning to life.
I found, for example, that I was not only able, but very interested in learning the subtleties of algebra (yes, algebra) when I comandeered my own education and went about studying math. Not only did it come more easily than it had when I was younger (the wiring in our brains becomes more intricate and effective as we get older), I appreciated the theoretical level of math that I hadn't before. I'm sure it had a lot to do with choice, i.e., learning for its own sake instead of being told what to do. I also made use of resources such as peer-learning/tutoring, and finding ways to work that suited my own style.
There is a term for one who learns things this way: autodidact. (Isn't that a great word?) It simply means a self-taught person; not necessarily one who has learned completely alone, but has followed her or his own interests and pace. Many brilliant people fit this term, and if you remain fascinated by the world, and undaunted by traditional schooling, you will find yourself creating your own brilliance in life-long growth.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
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