Continuing education has become a lifestyle with important rewards for those who take it seriously. We are at a point in time where it has never been easier and more interesting to attend a training course.
Why do we continue to learn? One of Knowles’ principles (1984) says that “adults are most interested in learning subjects that have immediate relevance and impact to their job or personal life”.
I believe that “out of curiosity” is an equally good answer. I have this confirmed from the hundreds of trainees that I had the pleasure to have next to me in my trainer career. Learning comes from the curiosity of finding new things, even if it sometimes means hard work.
The adult training courses that I coordinate, or attend as a trainer, are usually organized in classrooms. Their duration varies between a few hours, a day or several days. We, however, never stay in the class for more than 6 hours at a time, that including coffee breaks, tea or meals. In many cases, these 6 hours prove to be very long, regardless of the trainer’s competency to teach and involve the trainees in various activities.
Faced with today’s reality where people have less and less time to meet face-to-face for small social talks, staying 6 hours in a classroom is a challenge; both for trainers and for trainees. This has led to a shift in interest for both parties. We see more interest in self-study, a learning method where you learn by yourself, outside of a classroom and without direct supervision.
By choosing this method of study, the trainee is responsible for his/her own instruction (“learning on your own”).
Self-study has proven to be an excellent method for people to improve their learning experience, being able to learn beyond what the trainer teaches in the classroom. Perhaps the most important gain for those who choose “self-study” is that they can take control of their own learning.
Not all people, however, think self-study is the best solution for them. Some of them may consider self-study as an unnecessary method of learning because they need someone to give them instructions and to be a part of a classroom environment. This is their definitely their choice. For those wanting to take matters into their own hands and “learn on their own”, the internet does offer now a much bigger opportunity.
That being said, we need to be realistic and acknowledge that some learning activities cannot be done by “self-study” alone.
NOTE: All courses offered by RQM Cert have a self-study option, in which trainees can request the training kit once they have been registered for the course.
Advantages and Benefits of “self-study” for Trainees…
- Helps trainees develop and broaden their level of thinking.
- Trainees learn more effectively.
- Encourages curiosity. Trainees actually discover more about the topics they’re studying as the act of searching for information peaks their interest and curiosity.
- Option to learn without restrictions.
- “Self-study” can boost trainees’ self-esteem because they become more confident.
- For some trainees “self-study” is more fun than learning in the classroom.
- “Self-study” allows trainees to learn at their own pace and focus on areas they are most interested in.
- “Self-study” trainees develop a sense of responsibility for learning.
- Trainees can learn without fear of criticism and subjective assessments.
Do not become lazy!
The main problem faced by many who choose “self-study” is the tendency to procrastinate things.
Attention!
Sometimes, trainees will lose a lot of time trying to learn something for which they do not have basic training. In this situation they risk not understanding really important information. I try to avoid this situation for my trainees by giving basic training as a bonus.
Conclusion…
I believe that each person has their own style and preferred method of learning. Some feel safe if someone else teaches, supervises and evaluates them. Others, especially adults with completely different experience from what they are learning, do not feel comfortable in a classroom. Many of them do not have the time to sit for a few hours or days in a classroom. For all of those, there is the “self-study” option.
There is no age limit to learn and that is why I encourage all those who have the curiosity to learn new things to turn to any method of learning that fits them.
Author: Ion Iordache