Once school is out for summer, teachers are able to take a small break from their daily grind and enjoy the summer sun. However, unlike students, teachers really do not typically kick up their feet for the entire summer “vacation”. In fact, many teachers end up teaching summer school, attending conferences, redesigning their curriculum, going to school/district meetings or even picking up a summer job. Redesigning school curriculum is typically on every teacher’s summer agenda. With standards changing, new classes being taught, and a desire to fit student needs better, there is something … [Read more...]
The Secret to Learning = Curiosity
From Chapter 9 “Learning” in Ingredients of Outliers. A Key Ingredient Fair enough! But what’s the secret, the primary ingredient, to being a lifelong learner? The answer, of course, is curiosity! The 18th century English author Samuel Johnson called curiosity “the thirst of the soul.” Two centuries later American author William Arthur Ward described it as “the wick in the candle of learning.” And the late, great Walt Disney claimed that it “keeps leading us down new paths.” If asked to nominate one person who, perhaps more than any other, might epitomize the word “curiosity,” it … [Read more...]
Learning: A Lifetime Pursuit
From Chapter 9 “Learning” in Ingredients of Outliers. I’m always amazed by the myriad of personalities encountered on any given day in the urgent care center or emergency department, at the office, or even when I’m simply out and about. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to learn a few things from the thousands of patients I’ve treated and the remarkable individuals I’ve met along the way. How is it that some people with serious acute or chronic diseases seem to accomplish so much, are very serene, and always upbeat? Why are some extremely accomplished individuals the most … [Read more...]
Lifelong Learning Institute — It’s a real thing!
Have you ever heard an adult claim, “I’m too old to go back to school.” Well, guess what, they are WRONG! Have you ever heard of the Arizona State University Osher Lifelong Learning Institute? It is one of the many OLLI institutes that can be found across the country with the mission of providing “university-quality learning experiences for adults ages 50 and over.” After paying just a $15 membership fee, members can take as many short courses and lectures on a multitude of topics as they want. Seems a little too good to be true? Take a look for yourself! Now, no adult has any reason to … [Read more...]