When Did Learning Become Such a Burden?
I have quite recently rediscovered my love for learning, in the most basic sense of the word- simply discovering something I was unaware of before, making the unknown known. This can be in the form of actual “fact,” something written in history, or the ever fluctuating opinions and arguments of other individuals. I originally thought I had merely regained my love for reading, but upon further examination (foreshadowing pun intended) I have realized that it goes much deeper than that, for it is a detrimental mistake to even consider reading as the only worthwhile method of learning.
“Of course,” beams the ever obedient student, “the lecture portion of any class is just as important as the text.”
Ah yes, but that cheery response has nothing to do with the 10% Participation Mark does it? The loss of grade due to failing presence perhaps? The overall nonverbal-chastisement received for missing class? No…of course not.
Don’t get my cynical tone wrong; I’m not attempting to undermine academic procedures. Rather, I see importance in understanding why we learn. Fear not, I will stray as far away as possible from the idea of Man’s Insatiable Thirst for Knowledge (deliberate anachronism). However, many current incentives for learning somewhat depress me. University is the often-accepted next step to life after high school, and that in itself has its positives and negatives. Any argument claiming the attendance of university as more negative than positive would, I believe, fall through in seconds. We, as constantly progressing humans, need to take part in some form of active learning, study, and skill forming in order to combat a very devastating ignorance which can lead to societal stagnancy, or something even more harmful. On the other hand, how beneficial is an education indirectly “forced” on an individual, leaving one with more uncertainties than a clear direction? To cop out on my own question, I’ll just say it’s certainly a difficult issue.
To backtrack a tad, the “burden” of learning I speak of directly correlates to the constant stress (the most overwhelming during final exams), of a University student, all of you, the need for intoxicants as an escape (why do you think pub-crawls are so successful?), 3 months and ~$500 holding its value in one number, and the harrowing presence of an ubiquitous sense of guilt. Boy, do I ever pick out University’s best traits.
Worry not, I’m not intending to discourage you and other students, for I am right along there with you.
The point I’m cumbersomely trying to make is that there can be no loss in learning. Although not always tangibly beneficial, everything BUT the grade coming out of a class is what holds the true value. I understand everyone has their own reasons for everything, therefore a remunerative scholarship or promising career may be the goals to strive for. I can’t deny that success feels good. But understanding success’s many forms is important, especially in a University setting.
And I guess here’s where I plug the University Learning Centre. Every student at the U of S has made a conscious decision to be here, and that itself is at the foundation of what allows the ULC to exist. We understand that university is more difficult than anyone ever hopes and that it extends well beyond the lecture hall. We are willing and wanting to help any student that is willing to help her/himself, trying to help everyone find success in their own way. We try to lessen that overpowering burden learning seems to pile on us.
So whether it’s Harlequin’s latest romance, Paramount’s latest film, your last attended class, or a tiring debate with a good friend, your life is forever being enriched; try to enjoy it. Of course, it could be argued that such is not the case upon reading this poorly structured opinion of mine. But I do thank you for your time and patience, and keep tuning in to our wonderful blog.
PAL Jonathan