Synthesis of Learning

We have been learning all our lives. We do it knowingly from ultra systematic approach to the most commonly involuntary type (i.e. we don't even know or aware of that we are learning).

Following are the broad categories of learning styles (as discerned by me) that most of us possess are described as follows.

Standard/Need Based learning - The step by step process. The Standard we all know about. We have done this mostly in School, than again in College. Following a set pattern for completing a set objective. Helps one in keeping one in on course and being organized. Its basically course or work determined.

Inquisitive Learning- Random study out of interest. Finding out something, what it actually is? How does something work? Why is something like that? It pertains to unbounded information where an open mind is ready to explore various aspects of his interests. This may have no end.

Doubt clearing learning - You have a doubt about a statement, information etc. and then go and clear that doubt. Requires research, discipline and organization to be able to clear the doubt.

Adventurous learning- Studying through discussions where ones learnings and ideas are challenged. Take tests. Trying to understand whats out there, that I may not know and thus, increase the exposure to the need of further learnings. It gives a basis of assessment of ones learnings in regards to its exhaustiveness, or the lack of it, or as a check and balance to its orientation and direction.

General Knowledge- This is as straightforward as it can get. You see something, read something, somebody says something to you, randomly (happens every day of our lives), you register in you brain without much research or analysis. Just like a database, which takes in information classifies them in proper tables with basic checks of the relation, quality, type and integrity of the data.

The Process: Information IN -> basic checks -> Information Stored! Voila!

Experiential- the most powerful of the lot probably. Where you learn by doing. Being on the field teaches a person more than learning in the confines of his own comfort zone, inside four walls, or just from a instructor, or even a wealth of knowledge from books may not measure up to its value as pure it can get. It has been an integral and the strongest learning mode in our lives.

Involuntary- we don’t always learn when we actually discretely want to. We learn even not knowing that we are learning or even when we necessarily want to. That is the beauty of nature. Nature has so wired us that we have a propensity to learn whenever possible, every moment of our lives, in small seemingly innocent ways. And that way we make us more capable to survive.

The learning modes circumstantial or not, are very beneficial in making us better off, by making us more aware of what we are, and of our environment and how it relates to us every passing day. The next question however can only be answered by you, i.e. what am I going to do with this knowledge? Well, I can only say, the whole World is lying wide open for you out there. So, its your call, my dear friend.