Secrets of Successful Lifelong Learning

Did you know UNESCO has a program dedicated to lifelong learning? As the world evolves constantly, it is essential to gain further knowledge and develop skills that we need throughout life. For many students, developing the right attitude toward learning seems challenging. They need guidance.

In effect, with Ayiti Analytics, during the past two years 26 students, young women and men, have received a strong Data Analytics foundation on which to build a study routine for life—one of the secrets of our Education program. In this article we will discuss two other secrets for successful lifelong learning.

There is no shortcut

WHAT THIS MEANS

Sometimes students are tempted to put the cart before the horse, like jumping into the water without knowing how to swim. Sooner or later, you have to study or learn how to master new skills such as managing time, meeting deadlines, and even training yourself to get up early. The only way you  are going to get better is by sitting down and putting hours into practice and making the most of the time. That’s clear, there is no shortcut. Self-discipline is involved—very much. But the benefits are long-lasting. 

WHY IT MATTERS

“Prepare for the [unknown] by studying how others in the past have coped with the unpredictable”. George Smith Patton

WHAT YOU CAN DO

According to Cambridge Dictionary,  “prepare” refers to “someone who makes or creates something”. The verbs that have been used, “makes” or “creates”, indicate the idea of taking action. Or someone who is willing to make sacrifices. As a result, no one else can read for us, study for us, and research for us. As students, we have to make sacrifices. But how? For example, do you have your professors’ lectures recorded? You might consider revisiting those lectures to get a better understanding of the lesson. Summarizing your notes will help you remember the context better, and reorganizing them in a nice outline forces you to comprehend the material. “I like taking notes about the most salient points that the professor is sharing. If any key terms or ideas are defined, I like to write them down in my own words” recalls Morgan Mendis, now Director of Research at Ayiti Analytics. The ability to process and analyze information effectively that we call critical thinking, is more important now than it has ever been.

Learning does not occur from teachers only

WHAT THIS MEANS

When students tend to think that learning only occurs in a subject they learned from teachers, they are not able to handle new ideas when thoughts are blocked on one discipline or topic. That kind of thinking might prevent them from discovering and nurturing abilities that they never knew they had. 

WHY IT MATTERS

“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change”. Albert Einstein

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Is it not nice that for Einstein intelligence is related to ‘change’? In that way, we are encouraged to make the best use of our intelligence. Because change is a way to grow. When you are  studying, try to expose yourself to new ideas, the unfamiliar. Like Einstein said, be open to ‘change’. Because learning can be in a variety of different disciplines. One thing that can help you is to set time aside to do your own research. Mendis, quoted above, says: ”I may look for another explanation of the concept [taught in class] in another source or lecture on the topic in Youtube.” But, consistency is the key. Indeed, Yvel Marcelin, Director of Data Engineering & BI Solutions at Ayiti Analytics, answering a question regarding the Ayiti Analytics  Data Analytics Bootcamp, said: “ Data Science incorporates various areas… It can provide you with the tools to answer any relevant questions, or solve a specific problem. Students should be prepared and available to learn”. That requires time, commitment, and consistency. Remember, an education related to various disciplines will enrich your understanding of the world around you. But, be persistent. You will improve your thinking ability in the long run—giving you the ability to talk to people of various backgrounds.

What a discovery we made! Are you a self-taught student? Or a traditional student? 

By setting time for practicing what you are learning and constantly nurturing your abilities, you can be certain that you are building a solid foundation for the unknown future.

More help for students

Flashcards are a powerful method that supports learning. iDoRecall is a flashcard app that you can use. The core feature that makes iDR unique is the ability to link the flashcard to the concepts in your learning materials that you want to remember. Give it a try!

This article is the first in a series of three, called Learning how to learn, that will discuss how you can master your learning journey.  This one, Secrets of successful lifelong learning, is focused on the commitment of the learner itself. In the remaining two articles we will see (1) why an accountability partner is valuable; and  (2) how parents and the environment can play a vital role in learning. 

Have one minute? Find out how you can help us design courses that fit your needs.

 

Written by:

Yanick Saint-Elien

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The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) aims to develop learning ecosystems that work across life. Their key themes are (1) building quality learning ecosystems, (2) fostering skills for life, work and learning, and (3) ensuring that no one is left behind. (https://uil.unesco.org/unesco-institute).

G.S. Patton is considered one of the most successful combat generals in United States history, and the most military leaders of the past century. (www.biography.com)

Youtube, the second-largest search engine. (https://sproutsocial.com/insights/youtube-stats/).