Adult learning is something that
most of us do not even have the time to consider, never mind undertake. The
thought of going back to college, preparing assignments, and slogging over
course books is at best laughable. Nevertheless, what are the benefits of
returning to education?
When considered carefully, the
benefits may outweigh the hard work. Yes, there is a price to pay, but it might
be considered a fair one given the positive results to be reaped. Is education
a life-long journey or a final destination?
If we regard education as a
destination, then we may assume that one day our learning will end. This might
be true for some. For example, in the case of formal education it may be argued
that no further learning will take place unless it is in a formal scholarly
environment. Most people end their education at upper school. Some might go on
to read at university, and a few will carry on with postgraduate studies. From
there on, only a small number will take up Doctorate research. It is probably fair
to regard PhD studies as the end of the academic educational path for the large
majority of the population.
There are a number of valid
reasons for this. Modern high-pressure demands, and long hours at work do not
permit us the luxury of enough spare time for anything more effort sapping than
a few hours of weekly socialising. Our weekends become precious time-cocoons
for topping up with our sleep, meeting up with friends, and catching up on
essential chores. Having fought the supermarket crowds on Saturday morning the
last thing on our mind would be a module book with learning activities. Sadly,
Monday morning comes too quickly, and by Wednesday, we get that Friday feeling
again. The perpetual cycle of work – weekend off, work – weekend off, keeps
repeating itself, until one day we find ourselves being woken up far too early
by our young family additions. Therefore we go from school onto higher
education, before suddenly and imperceptibly work and domestic responsibilities
take over our lives. How about our personal development though?
Our bodies tend to slow down as
we get older. Joints start to hurt, and muscles do not have the same strength as
they did when we were younger. The brain is like a muscle, which needs to be
constantly exercised to avoid suffering from atrophy. Language learning, and
other brain challenging activities, might go some way towards preventing
dementia. Would those brain connections reduce if we stop keeping our brain
active? ‘Building and preserving brain connections is an on-going process, so
make lifelong learning a priority’, (Harvard Health Publication,
2010). Our brain is what helps us remain independent, and able to
formulate our own opinions, so that we can derive to our own decisions. This is
why it is important to keep our brain active and healthy. It is the epicentre
of our existence. Therefore, it is very important to keep challenging our brain
if we want to maintain a good mental state of health well into our golden
years.
There is more to healthy brainpower
than doing the occasional puzzle. Just like any training regime, it requires
discipline. A structured programme with set goals will return more results than
fits and starts with random activities. Degree studies or an evening college
course will present you with a set curriculum and a framework of studies to
follow. It will also set you targets to aim for and achieve. Some colleges and
institutions offer you courses on how to return to education, to ease you back
into the classroom after years of abstention from learning. The other important
factor is interest. Enrolling on a course that you want to learn more about,
will make it a fulfilling past-time rather than a chore.
For example, learning a language
that you use often will be easier compared to one that you will never speak.
How about considering your personal interests?
Thirst for World War knowledge
can be a latent passion for history. Sports activities could be turned into a sports
degree, or a physiotherapy qualification. The latter could then open up the
path to a new career, and even the opportunity to become your own boss. Another
benefit to studying is that you can convert hours of mindless TV watching into
creative, and self-development activities. In other words, adult education will
help develop new skills, present new options, and ensure that the mind remains
healthy.
‘I am too old for all that
studying,’ you might say. If you think you are too old, then consider the achievements
of Bertie Gladwin. He left school at the age of fourteen with his interest in
learning totally sapped by his teachers, who lacked the modern training in
educational support. He has recently graduated and is even considering going on
to do a PhD research paper. What is unusual about Bertie you might ask? Bertie
is ninety-one years old. ‘The World War Two veteran struggled with computers
and regularly deleted whole essays by mistake,’ (Hughes, 2012). Bertie’s words
'I wanted to keep my brain active and learn more about something that had always
interested me’, ought to be an inspiration, whenever your study motivation is
lacking.
Some people may have the
motivation and the ability to manage their time, but fear the new fees that
came into effect in September 2012. The first step is to speak to your chosen
university or college. Most institutions have put in place a fee-paying
programme to assist their students. You might also be eligible for a grant or a
bursary from the government. As a parent, you could also qualify for help with
childcare costs whilst you study. A good place to start your enquiries into
eligibility is on line at www.gov.uk/grant-bursary-adult-learners
(Gov.UK, 14 February 2013).
I would like to tell you about my
experience with the Open University, and the positive impact is having on my
life. I decided to return to academia in 2012. I matriculated with the Open
University to read English Language and Literature, BA(Hons). I chose this degree
as it has been a life-long passion of mine, and it will equip me with a number
of transferable life skills, in reading, writing, and critical textual analysis.
These activities can be taken for granted as they are performed on a daily
basis. I wanted to go that extra mile though, and become an expert in them. The
reasons I chose the Open University were simple. Firstly, I valued their
long-standing experience in helping mature students achieve their goals.
Secondly, I was attracted to their tried and tested long-distance training
methods. Finally, I was impressed by their worldwide reputation in delivering a
respected learning and development degree package. How would an assignment on
Wordsworth or Brontë prepare you for a career other than teaching English?
The essay-preparation element of
the course gradually builds competency in the craft of writing and document presentation.
The range of topics and texts covers a number of cultural encounters, which is progressively
expanding my appreciation of today’s multicultural and cosmopolitan society.
This deeper understanding of our world, can only but help develop better
relations and human interactions. Finally, from a personal perspective I now
derive even deeper comprehension when I read, even for pleasure. Literary
tropes, nuances, and themes are becoming clearer, which enables me to achieve
more out of any text. In turn, writing for pleasure is becoming a more
meaningful activity as I use each experience to build and improve upon my
existing skills. Who knows which doors this development, new knowledge, and
eventual qualification might open up?
In summary, there are many
compelling reasons why adult education is an investment of your free time. In
terms of the mental health benefits, it can be argued that it offers more stimulation
than watching TV, by putting you through a beneficial brainobic cell-developing
programme. It could be the professional break you have been looking for.
Do you think that new
qualification will present new opportunities for a better future?
Conn
References:
Harvard Health Publication ,
2010, 7 Ways to Keep Your Memory Sharp at
Any Age, on line at: http://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/7-ways-to-keep-your-memory-sharp-at-any-age
Hughes, T., (21 May 2012), I'm just a late bloomer': Britain's oldest
student graduates with a degree in military intelligence aged 91, Mail on
Line at: (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2147643/Bertie-Gladwin-Britains-oldest-student-graduates-degree-military-intelligence-aged-91.html).
A good blog,having some interest in WW2 prehaps a look for some history type qualifaction is for me,my sister in law did a course with the OU and now she is a teacher!
ReplyDeleteThe Amazing Conn! I always admire your articles and you make me feel blessed, since I still call you teacher. What is more, I totally agree with you about the benefits of taking a course from the Open Univercity.
ReplyDeleteYour friend, Kostis.
An interesting post. I did a science degree with the OU and because it was more work orientated it felt more of a chore than a pleasure.
ReplyDeleteI'm now studying for an English degree which is for a hobby rather than work motivated. I'm enjoying it so much more, and it's introducing me to books I probably wouldn't have read if not for my coursework.
I defnitely have the learning bug and probably won't stop after this degree.
A very encouraging post. I'm a great believer in continuing life learning. I see it as investing in yourself, especially when you're passionate about your subject. L.
ReplyDeleteI like your post ,now I must complete my research for my paper.
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