ARTICLE – EDUCATION
Over at Lifelong Learning and Education, Mike posted an article discussing why children should consider trade schools. The article can be found here.
The subject has always been something I’m torn about. I grew up poor; it’s nothing I’m ashamed of; my mother worked her butt off to provide me a safe and stable childhood. However, I remember some of the elders in the community talking about getting good grades so we could go to college. Many of us worked towards this goal. There was definitely a group of people who mocked anyone who had aspirations for attending college. We were often told not to pay attention to people who talked like that, but we still heard them.
One of the biggest barriers preventing us from attending college was financial. We just didn’t have the money. For most of us, there were two ways out of our situation. The first is to earn a scholarship, athletic or academic. And the second is to join the military. I joined the military. My occupation specialty was nothing more than a type of trade school. For the enlisted personnel in the military, all of our job training is a type of trade school. One of the benefits of joining the military is the option of tuition assistance. Programs like G.I. Bill and others offer soldiers the ability to further their academic education. This education can be used for advancement within the military, or one could separate and pursue a career.
Because of my experience, I became an advocate for trade schools. However, I can also remember another philosophy regarding becoming educated. Several community elders demonstrated success by pursuing occupations where they learned the skills for the jobs by doing the job. We heard phrases such as Learn by doing or on-the-job training. Yet, I would like to discuss another form of education: autodidactic.
The Power of Autodidactic Learning
Autodidactic learning, or self-directed learning, is when individuals take the initiative to acquire knowledge and skills independently, without formal instruction or guidance from a teacher or institution. This form of learning empowers individuals to take control of their education and pursue their interests and passions.
The Freedom to Learn
One of the major advantages of autodidactic learning is the freedom it provides. Unlike traditional learning methods, where individuals must adhere to a predetermined curriculum, autodidactic learners have the autonomy to choose what they want to learn and when they want to learn it. This freedom allows individuals to explore various subjects and delve deeper into areas that captivate their interest. Autodidactic learners can create learning paths, focusing on topics relevant to their personal and professional goals.
Furthermore, autodidactic learning encourages individuals to take responsibility for their learning journey. They are not bound by the pace or limitations of a formal education system. Instead, they have the flexibility to learn at their own pace, spending more time on topics that require deeper understanding and moving quickly through subjects that come more naturally to them. This personalized approach to learning can greatly enhance the learning experience and improve knowledge retention.
Self-Motivation and Discipline
Autodidactic learning requires a strong sense of self-motivation and discipline. Since there are no external deadlines or exams to stay accountable, individuals must cultivate the discipline to set their goals, create a study schedule, and stick to it. This level of self-discipline can be challenging, especially when faced with distractions or competing priorities. However, through this process of self-motivation and discipline, individuals develop invaluable skills such as time management, perseverance, and self-reliance.
Moreover, the ability to stay committed to learning, even when faced with challenges or setbacks, is a trait that can be developed through autodidactic learning and can greatly contribute to personal growth and success. Autodidactic learners learn to overcome obstacles independently, find creative solutions, and push through difficulties. This resilience and determination are transferable skills that can be applied to various aspects of life, not just in pursuing knowledge.
Access to a Wealth of Resources
Autodidactic learners can access abundant resources to facilitate their learning journey in the digital age. Online platforms, educational websites, e-books, podcasts, and video tutorials offer vast information and instructional materials on almost any subject imaginable. Autodidactic learners can leverage these resources to expand their knowledge and gain expertise in various fields.
The availability of these resources democratizes education and makes learning accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Regardless of geographical location or socioeconomic status, individuals can access high-quality educational content and engage in self-directed learning. This equal learning opportunity opens up new possibilities and levels the playing field, allowing individuals to pursue their passions and interests regardless of external limitations.
Additionally, the variety of resources available allows autodidactic learners to tailor their learning experience to their preferred learning style. Some individuals may thrive with visual content, while others prefer reading or listening. Autodidactic learners can choose the mediums that best suit their learning preferences, making the learning process more enjoyable and effective.
Conclusion: Empowering the Individual
In conclusion, autodidactic learning is a powerful tool that empowers individuals to take ownership of their education. The freedom to learn, coupled with self-motivation and discipline, allows individuals to pursue their passions and expand their knowledge beyond the constraints of formal education. With the wealth of resources available today, autodidactic learners can acquire new skills, broaden their horizons, and unlock their full potential.
Autodidactic learning not only enhances personal growth but also has the potential to positively impact one’s professional growth. Employers value individuals who demonstrate self-motivation, discipline, and a commitment to continual learning. Autodidactic learners possess these qualities, making them adaptable and resilient in changing job markets and skill requirements.
So, let us embrace the power of autodidactic learning and embark on lifelong learning and personal growth. By taking control of our education and actively seeking knowledge, we can shape our destinies and create a future filled with opportunities. If an individual still wants to achieve a college degree, their platforms allow the use of self-taught knowledge to receive college credit. CLEP and Dantes testing are such platforms. One can receive college credit by successfully passing the exam using these platforms.
Memoirs of Madness 
How we learn and the reasons we learn are definitely changing as the world changes around us. I was most struck by the way you said people were ridiculed for wanting to go to college rather than learn a trade. Now it seems to be the other way around. The most important point you make is that we should be free to learn however and whatever we choose to—and that it should be a lifelong process. Great post.
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I agree with you wholeheartedly. Learning should be a lifelong journey. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
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My sister’s a teacher and we’ve been discussing this a lot.
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Autodidactic learning, in my opinion, is the best form of learning. A decade ago in the homeschool community there was a movement that was dubbed “unschooling”. Many of us avoided the wording because it painted those families as lazy. It suggested they were just letting their children run amuck. In reality it was simply self guided autodidactic learning. It actually proved more effective than most structured learning programs. In the end, most “unschooled” kids test higher in every measure of academic as well as social learning. They also tend to have higher levels of self confidence and competency.
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Well said. I’m homeschooled a couple of my daughters for a while. I remember catching so much static. But we must invest time in our children. They are our future.
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Great read! I seriously didn’t know it was called that. ( autodidactic). I’ve been doing it myself.
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You know I didn’t either. I was watching the TV show “Elementary” and it was mentioned. I didn’t think about it until Mike discussed trade schools. Then the rabbit hole opened up and I started thinking about alternative learning and such. Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate it.
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Coming from a different educational culture (Finland), I think trades are undervalued in the U.S., yet we need people with practical knowledge and skills to keep the world running. Now, about autodidactic learning – the reality is that whenever we do “formal learning” (like in schools, colleges, universities, etc.) we are actually doing just teaching (i.e. delivering information and assessing & evaluating students’ progress and knowledge/skills). There is very little “learning” support going on, or even learning experience design (LXD) – because we don’t discuss learning and teaching to be two different processes. My super simplistic theory (as a teacher trainer) is this: Not everything that is taught is learned – and learning also happens without teaching. So, as a long-time education professional my biggest wish is to make sure that upon graduation our students know how to engage in life-long learning!
🙂
Nina
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Yes agree. As a teacher and a student simultaneously, I’ve discovered our learning potential occurs when we apply the lessons of life. Thank you and welcome!
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