Life Long Learning
SPC Austin M. Smith
BLC Class 008-22
6th Platoon, 2nd Squad
17 July 2022
Lifelong learning can be described as the self-initiated pursuit for
knowledge outside of traditional learning environments. We as humans have a
thirst for knowledge, we always want to know more about the world around us,
the potential impact of current events or even how to cook our favorite meals from our
favorite restaurants. There are numerous examples of lifelong learning but what makes
it so important? We must also look at the impact lifelong learning can have on us as
leaders and how we could benefit from this type of lifestyle.
The importance of lifelong learning is different for every person. It allows for
continuous growth and helps expand the knowledge we may already have. For some
people, it may be important to learn about the newest clothing brand that’s coming out
just so they can stay competitive in their line of work. Lifelong learning helps people
continue to find happiness in whatever they’re interested in and can help provide a
sense of fulfillment. Lifelong learning also has the potential to help a person find new
joys or interests within their life and could help expand upon the knowledge they may
already have in regards to some of those interests. Lifelong learning can also help
manage stress levels by increasing your self-esteem, upskilling, or learning new job
skills, to help face the challenge of rapid changes in the workforce (Baystatehealth,
2019).
There is a plethora of examples when it comes to lifelong learning.
Something as simple as reading a book about the solar system or the operating manual
for a piece of machinery is considered to be a lifelong learning technique. One example
that happens quite often is just learning how to cook a new dish. You spend the time
looking for recipes, reading reviews, or maybe even looking for ingredients you have
never heard of before. All of these are still considered lifelong learning. We are in a time
where we have an abundance of information readily available at the tips of our fingers,
every day we can dive into a world full of information and expand our knowledge to
even higher levels than 5-10 years ago. Even now many colleges offer programs for
placement based solely on the knowledge you may already have. CLEP which stands
for College Level Examination Program offers potential students the opportunity to be
rewarded for the knowledge that they already have and apply that towards earning a
degree.
When we look at lifelong learning we understand that it is up to the
individual to make the effort to continue learning more and more about existing interests
or to build on what they already know when it comes to their job or career. As leaders in
the military, we can greatly benefit from this. The Army has promoted lifelong learning
through the Army Continuing Education System, in an effort to increase readiness
through flexible, relevant services for all service members. (U.S. Army HRC,2018). This
type of education greatly increases the presence of a leader within his organization.
Lifelong learning is a valuable tool no matter what you are using it for.
Finding something that interests you and learning everything you can about it can
greatly change the way you view many things, the world, the community you live in, or
even have a great impact on your workplace. No person should ever stop trying to
expand the knowledge they already have, no matter how much or little that may be.
Lifelong learning will forever have an impact on us as people and Soldiers in the U.S.
Army.
References:
- https://www.army.mil/standto/archive/2018/11/06/
- https://www.baystatehealth.org/news/2019/09/lifelong-learning-can-be-good-for-yourhealth#:~:text=Manages%20Your%20Stress%20Levels&text=Learning%20enhances%20self%2D
esteem%2C%20a,personal%20and%20professional%20educational%20activities.
https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S1877042812019416?token=A2E2F6C1760096E49D
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