Learning by Doing

If I should ask, how many of you remember what you studied in your 5th Std or 10th Std? Probably most of you will say NO. But if I ask, how many of you remember cycling, swimming, mathematical calculations or any game that you learnt when you were a small child, I am sure everyone will still remember. Am I right? It is because we remember only the things we "learn by doing".

So, it is a good idea to allow children to try their hands on a variety of art works, craft work, dance, drama, music, storytelling, cooking, decorating, indoor /outdoor games and so many other activities. So, in addition to the academics, give your children the opportunity to learn other skills too. Summer is the ideal time, when a lot of summer camps happen and you can give them the needed exposure. As parents, we need to create the opportunity and provide them with the space to learn.

Many of us think that only talented people can do certain things. It is true to some extent. But that does not mean we cannot try. Without trying anything new, we cannot find out if we can do it well or not.

I come across many parents who in the name of being over protective don’t allow their children to learn new things. They try to do everything for them and as a result these children don’t learn even the basic skills they need to survive in the world. In the world of tomorrow, there is not going to be any gender specific jobs and as such everyone needs to know something of everything. Boys need to learn to cook and girls need to learn to drive.  So, irrespective of gender differences we should give opportunity for children to learn different skills.

Children are quick learners and that is why we need to expose our children to different activities, at a young age, when their mind is curious. Children don’t have inhibitions and are not afraid of failure. This sort of complex sets in only when we grow up.

This learning by doing, doesn’t apply only to small kids but it applies to grownups too. As we grow older, we don't dare to do many things, because we are afraid we might make a mistake. But without making mistakes we cannot learn anything new. When we learn something new, it is natural to commit some mistakes. So, learning by doing also means learning from our mistakes. It is OK to make mistakes and learn, rather than not to learn anything new at all. We have to develop this mindset in order to be a continuous learner. We are never too old to learn anything new. It is only in our mind.

Moreover in a competitive world today, it becomes inevitable that we need to keep updating ourselves in order to stay abreast. A simple example could be the influx of computers about 25 years ago. This technology did not exist before and when the technology came, people protested it and many were unwilling to learn the skill of using a computer, but today it is difficult to imagine a world without computers. Today, almost everyone knows to use the computer to some extent at least.  This learning did not happen by someone teaching them, but by just observing it and trying their hands on. The same is applicable to mobile technology too. Even elderly people have learnt to use mobile phones, in order to stay connected.

Learning by Doing, does not apply only to physical skills, but also to mental skills and social skills. So, if we set our mind to learn a new skill, upgrade our existing skill or change an old habit, it is all possible. All we need to do, is to believe in the power of "Learning by Doing"

 D. Senthil Kannan,

  Managing Trustee, PALMS, Tuticorin.

  Author of "Transformational Thoughts" - A Journey of learning 

  Email: senthilkannand@gmail.com