Tip of the Month: June 2006
From Mastery of Learning
Stay Curious!
The Wikipedia definition of curiosity: Curiosity is any natural inquisitive behavior, evident by observation in many animal species, and is the emotional aspect of living beings that engenders exploration, investigation, and learning. Research shows that we are hardwired to be curious. We get rewarded for satisfying our curiosity with a nice dose of endorphins. In most species, learning is, at best, play. That is how the young of any species learn.
We are all born curious. That curiosity was “educated” out of many of us some time between infancy and about fourth grade. Public education, to a large extent, is about conforming. It is about showing up on time, behaving, and sitting still while you are taught the curriculum to pass the “test du jour.” Even recess is being eliminated in many school systems. Curiosity and the sense of play in learning are lost. Learning becomes tedious and boring for both the students and the teachers. We become habituated to the idea that “real learning” involves effort and struggle. Sometimes we even approach it with a sense of dread. The teachers and those being taught have lost their sense of curiosity.
We are both teachers and students. It is useful to approach both with a sense of curiosity. You may just have to “fake it until you make it.” Act curious about something, and eventually you will be curious about it. When you are teaching, bring your sense of curiosity to the subject and the people you are teaching. It will inspire their sense of curiosity, discovery, and creativity.
Have fun and stay curious!
Categories: Tips of the Month | Curiosity | Behavior | Learning | Play | Discovery
