For most, learning something that they enjoy doing is almost always something that they enjoy doing as opposed to something they find tedious. And, some learning takes more time for some than others, but all in all, we all keep learning something throughout our lives.
However, it’s completely something else to unlearn something and it doesn’t mean that knowledge simply disappears. Unlearning is a challenging process as it requires the practitioner to deconstruct the things that are embedded in how they think, act and react in certain situations. And while there are a lot of metaphors used to refer to unlearning, they all refer to the same thing; the existing assumptions, beliefs and ideas have to be removed entirely to allow new ones to flourish. So, what do learning, unlearning and relearning mean? Let’s find out.
Learn, Unlearn and Relearn: What it Means?
Take a look at how the learning, unlearning and relearning cycle works and how it can be beneficial in the classroom?
- What is the process?
All that the practitioners need to do is to have an open mind to change, which includes:
- The desire to accept a new version of you
- The willingness to accept adverse challenges
- To persevere in the wake of adversity
- What is the learn, unlearn and relearn cycle and how can it be used in the classroom?
The process of learning something, unlearning another and relearning all go hand in hand with each other. However, in terms of applying it in the classroom, students need to be instructed on how to learn, unlearn and relearn and how it will add a whole new dimension to how they receive an education. At its core, the cycle is pretty self-explanatory. For instance, anyone that has ever used the internet will know how to use a communication tool such as Gmail and as time passes, they become more used to the interface and understand how to use the different features. You may think that this is a skill and might also consider yourself to be a master. But, one day, Gmail suddenly decides to change its interface. This will result in you unlearning the old interface and functions and relearn the new ones to make sure your skills stay relevant and current in the constantly evolving world.
While traditionally we have been taught to constantly acquire new knowledge and skills and pile them up on top of one another, the process of learning, unlearning and relearning can engage more critical thinking skills. In the long run, it will allow students in the classroom to continually evaluate, analyse and challenge knowledge. It ensures the skills and knowledge remain updated and relevant.
- What are the benefits of the process?
Adaptability encourages fluidity and anyone that practices this will understand that those that can change are the ones that thrive in life. And the best part is that it’s a joyous process. While learning something specifically for the first time can be enjoyable, it’s an enriching experience to test the knowledge that one has. It encourages individuals belonging to all age groups, including children, to be more attentive as one needs to be fully present to grow.
By dismantling something that feels like a part of their being, it will allow children to become deep thinkers about the kind of person they are, the way they think, who they are and the process they follow to learn something. And, when we have two different opinions that are arguing in our minds, remember that we are neither of them and simply need to listen. These help us come up with learning insights that serve us even after our formative years have passed. So, you will always be learning, unlearning and relearning and would not want to have it any other way.
Understanding how the cycle of learning, unlearning and relearning works can be useful in modern professional’s life. And, by employing this, students can keep their skills and knowledge updated making it easier for them to fit into the rapidly changing world. In time, by letting go of their conventional routines and thought processes, they will become better able to face the adversities that life throws at them.
