March 28, 2022

March 28, 2022

What Does Long-Term Learning Mean?

Remember the days of pulling an all-nighter, cramming for a test, and then forgetting most of the material the following day? This method of learning isn’t effective and doesn’t have many benefits for students. Luckily, many teachers are now focusing on long-term learning instead – a more effective way to teach and to learn.

What does long-term learning mean? While there’s no set definition, long-term or lifelong learning is the continuous act of learning throughout life, often on a self-motivated basis. 

As parents, you want your children to love learning and seek it out at every opportunity, so encouraging long-term learning is key.

Here’s what you need to know about the many benefits of lifelong learning.

What are examples of lifelong learning?
What is a long-term learner? Anyone who enjoys learning new things and actively seeks out new opportunities to learn! Learning is so much more than what happens in the classroom. We actually learn new things all throughout life, even if we don’t realize it.

Here are a few examples of when long-term learning comes into play:

  • Using a new type of technology or software program
  • Playing a new game or sport
  • Taking professional development courses at work

What is the importance of lifelong learning?
Long-term learning is so important for both children and adults. It can improve our health, happiness, and wellbeing in the following ways.

1. Brain development
The brain is an amazing thing, but if there’s one thing it craves, it’s learning. If your children develop a love for learning that they carry through life, this is fantastic for their minds.

 Research has shown that learning is essential for brain health as it builds more neural pathways, increases brain density, and even helps to prevent dementia as we age. One fantastic way to build brain development is by learning a second language, as it also helps build new neural pathways, which your brain uses to work more effectively and efficiently.

2. Career opportunities
All parents want their kids to be successful in life, finding a career they love that will also provide them with financial support. So how will lifelong learning help you succeed in both life and your career?

Adults who seek out learning opportunities are more prepared for the workplace, with the motivation and passion to do better themselves through education – something employers love to see. If your children love learning new skills, it will help them get ahead in their chosen careers.

3. A happier, more rewarding life
Learning new things contributes to a happier life! It builds our self-confidence, keeps us engaged with the world around us, and fosters curiosity and imagination.

How can you foster a love for learning in your child?
Not all children love school and learning at first, so how can you help your child become a long-term learner? There are a few things parents can do to help.

1. Lead by example
Children are watching everything their parents do, so a great way to encourage learning is to lead by example. If children see you reading the newspaper daily, challenging yourself to learn new skills at work and at home, or even just mastering a new recipe when cooking dinner, this is a fantastic way to encourage them to enjoy the challenges and fun of learning.

Just like their parents, your kids will enjoy learning and want to do it long into their life!

2. Talk to them about their day
Most parents already do this, but talking to your children about their day helps them with recall and memory. “What are two exciting new things that you learned today?” can be a great dinner table question to ask, for several reasons.

First, it gets children thinking back to what happened earlier that day, which is fantastic for memory and retention. It also demonstrates that you value learning as something important; be sure to praise your children not just for their report cards, but also all the small achievements they make in and out of the classroom each day.

3. Encourage your child to try out new sports and hobbies
Learning isn’t just something that happens in the classroom. Lifelong learners seek out opportunities to learn wherever they are.

To help your children understand this, encourage them to try out new activities. The fun and excitement of learning a new sport, taking up a new hobby, or even learning how to play a new board game will help them understand the importance of learning throughout their life.

4. Provide them with educational materials
Long-term learning is voluntary, so an easy way to help your children with this is by making educational materials easily accessible. Coloring books, puzzles, workbooks, and even magazines are fun ways for kids to take the initiative to read, create, learn, and develop new skills.

Online learning apps can be ideal for this too, as they’re so much fun to play that kids might forget that they’re also educational! That way, learning becomes a fun, no-pressure activity that they can enjoy.

5. Be supportive
Above all, be supportive! If your child comes home with a disappointing report card or seems disinterested in school, try not to react negatively. Punitive measures often make school seem even more negative in the eyes of children, which discourages them from wanting to learn.

Instead, look for the root of the problem. What’s holding your child back? This might include issues in the classroom, struggles with their teacher’s teaching style, or personal problems with classmates. The best way to find out more is with an honest, supportive conversation. This will help your kids see learning as something positive, rather than a chore.

Lifelong learners are enthusiastic, intelligent, and happy people who place a high value on education – exactly what you want your child to become! As a parent, do your best to foster a love of learning both in and out of the classroom – it’s one of the most beneficial things you can do for your child’s future.

 

Featured image by Johnny McClung on Unsplash