I would like to know of a community where I can post things that I write to myself. I’m not capable enough to make my own community yet, and I’ve got a lot to say.
My question, though, is about learning. What’s your single most essential defining piece of advice, to share the love of learning? To make someone who isn’t interested, interested?
Other than necessity, I guess. I hope that doesn’t just answer the question.
Echoing what others have said:
For yourself: Do what you want to do.
Wanna write? Write, read, play with Chat-GPT, do what it is you’re wanting to do.
Wanna music? Play, compose, play with Musecore (it’s free), listen, go to concerts, do what it is you’re wanting to do.
Wanna art? Draw, sculpt, craft, go to museums, google art (it’s free), do what it is you’re wanting to do.
For others: Show them how much you enjoy it. Discuss the small, simple parts, if it gets too complicated, step back and focus on the small parts that makeup the whole. If it’s not interesting, only the one’s who want to will learn.
Here’s what not to do:
Don’t try to learn it all and become an expert in 5 minutes. I wanted to learn programming, and tried the free developer stuff online, but gave up because it’s boring. Later, I came back to the stuff I enjoyed about programming and enjoy it.
Don’t try to lie to your students about how much you know. They can tell, and you will feel fake. The wonder of, “I don’t know the answer, let’s find out together.” and “Here’s the answer, and that’s how it fits with this. Isn’t that crazy!!!” is so engaging and not only increases student engagement, but also your knowledge and gives you a fun teaching story about how you found out.
Whatever the goal, if you don’t have a reason to keep learning, you will stop.
Enjoy the journey!