How do you learn when you retire?

Three years ago, I came across the statement “Who we are is how we learn.” It suggests that our identity, background, and experiences influence how we learn. As I was thinking about what a person can do when they retire, learning something new is a great idea. When I was teaching at the University, I taught a class on learning how to learn. This helped students who were new to learning to understand how they learned. Each of us is a unique individual with our own set of experiences, beliefs, values, and cultural backgrounds. These individual differences influence how we perceive, process, and engage with information and knowledge. To me, this is what made teaching so much fun.

I was lucky in that my mom and her family came from an Eastern European background and my dad and his family came from a British-American background. This provided some interesting perspectives on how each of my parents engaged with information and knowledge. A person’s cultural background can affect their learning style. Cultural norms, values, and practices can affect how individuals approach education, problem-solving, and communication. Recognizing and respecting these cultural differences is essential for effective teaching and learning.

 I learn best by watching someone do and then reading instructions. You have your own unique way of learning. Our learning experiences affect how we think and learn. For example, if you had a bad prior success in mathematics, you may believe that math is not your best subject and you may approach it with anxiety.

 A student's background can affect their resources, education, and home support in some places. In BC, the same resources are available to students in all socioeconomic situations. However, home support is important and it may be missing for some students.

 Gender, race, sexuality, and disability shape students’ perception of themselves in the learning environment. A positive self-concept can enhance motivation and engagement, while negative self-perceptions can hinder learning.

 We know different individuals have different learning styles and preferences. Some of us may excel in visual learning, while others may prefer hands-on, experiential learning. Understanding and accommodating these preferences can enhance the learning experience. As you begin your retirement journey, review the unique way you learn. We all have unique goals and aspirations that drive our learning. It may motivate some people to excel, while others may focus on skill development or personal growth..

 By valuing our diverse backgrounds and experiences, we can create an inclusive learning environment. The creation of this environment promotes personal growth and success.