"Learning is a journey" is a conceptual metaphor (Lakoff & Johnson, 1980). It is used to show how we perceive the learning activity,i.e. commitment and responsibility. Learning is in fact a very abstract concept. We won't be able to understand our perception and understanding about it if we were to define it superficially. Nevertheless, we can learn to use metaphors, and the grey areas will soon diminish:)
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We start to grasp the world of knowledge in our mothers' wombs. At least, that's what science claims and mothers discover. The moment we open our eyes and make sense of things around us, we observe and analyze, follow what adults teach us and abandon nasty habits that result from our natural curiosity and carelessness.
When we grow older and believe that we're matured enough to assume responsibilities, we want to make our own decisions and break away from confining rules and norms. Sometimes, this does not take us anywhere, really, but a taste of independence only proves that forbidden fruit tastes better, and sometimes bitter!
Look around, and we see evidence of success. How we envy those triumphs and victories. We set our mind on a career goal, and we pursue higher education. Along the way, we stumble and fall, and we rise to the challenges in order to realize our expectations:) We are at crossroads, yet we know - there's no turning back. We learn that success is 90% perspiration and 10% inspiration. So, we set out to prove that we are capable to compete in this race.
We learn new things everyday, we learn through mistakes and constructive comments. We learn from friends and foes, and we learn passionately every moment we think, feel, see, hear and taste. Learning is such a rich experience, and learning is our lifelong pursuit.
Check this out!
We start to grasp the world of knowledge in our mothers' wombs. At least, that's what science claims and mothers discover. The moment we open our eyes and make sense of things around us, we observe and analyze, follow what adults teach us and abandon nasty habits that result from our natural curiosity and carelessness.
When we grow older and believe that we're matured enough to assume responsibilities, we want to make our own decisions and break away from confining rules and norms. Sometimes, this does not take us anywhere, really, but a taste of independence only proves that forbidden fruit tastes better, and sometimes bitter!
Look around, and we see evidence of success. How we envy those triumphs and victories. We set our mind on a career goal, and we pursue higher education. Along the way, we stumble and fall, and we rise to the challenges in order to realize our expectations:) We are at crossroads, yet we know - there's no turning back. We learn that success is 90% perspiration and 10% inspiration. So, we set out to prove that we are capable to compete in this race.
We learn new things everyday, we learn through mistakes and constructive comments. We learn from friends and foes, and we learn passionately every moment we think, feel, see, hear and taste. Learning is such a rich experience, and learning is our lifelong pursuit.
Learning is a very noble endeavour, in every way. We can never stop learning. Take me as an example - as I'm teaching my students in class, I'm also learning new things from them, and like them, I also go through the ups and downs, the bittersweet challenge of learning frontiers, as a Phd student. As they all dream for their scrolls, I also pray that I can finally reach my finishing line.
Well - all the words in italics above give rise to the metaphor - learning is a journey. A journey, begins and a journey has a destination. The in-betweens may be bumpy, spinning, foundering, or smooth-sailing. Whatever it entails, complete the loop, reach the dreams and destinations - ALL the BEST! We can all do it!
Now, would you like to share your interpretations of the magic word - LEARNING?
