About mid-way through my masters degree I realized I became a teacher not because I like to teach (although I have a heck of a lot of fun doing that), but because I love to learn. At that point I was taking two classes, a masters level class on teaching theory, and a doctoral level class on learning theory. And the learning theory fascinated me. So much so that when I was picking a field for my doctorate I picked learning theory (with a minor in teacher prep.).
There are few things more valuable to me in this life than my education (my faith and my family taking the #1 and #2 spots).
I know what my purpose has been for my education, I have definite (yet flexible) plans for what I’ve learned. But what I’m wondering is, what does you think is the purpose of education? Why did you study what you did for as long as you did? What is the purpose of learning? Is the purpose different if you are male or female?
And I’m not limiting education and learning to formal classwork either. There are many ways to learn – trade schools, colleges, community education classes (belly dancing!), libraries, etc.
What do you think is the purpose of education in our culture? What is the purpose of education in your life?
I am an educator and PhD. I quilt, belly dance, run, read, and try to grow things. I am a Mormon. I am infertile. I am a daughter, sister, aunt, grand-daughter, friend, wife, and mom.
Brett L. Dennis
Mama g
Giggles
AmandaStretch
Continual improvement. There’s nothing more satisfying than being in a better state now than you were just a little while ago. :brett:
Education keeps me growing. I want to keep learning like my Dad did. He was a wonderful example. 😀
My learning now consists of the gospel study. It means everything to me.
To learn. To learn whatever you want. In some cases, like mine and my husband’s, it’s to learn the information I need to pursue the career I have in mind, but it’s also because it’s interesting. I like informal learning (e.g. belly dancing) because it’s fun and, like Brett said, provides continual improvement. I have a list of things I want to learn now that I’m almost done with my formal education.
Education in our culture is far too often seen as only a means to a better job. That’s far too small a view I think.
Both my parents are educators, learning was always just a given. They were huge readers, loved to read, so now I love to read. Although I am not currently in school, I learn through expanding topics in books, sites I visit, politics, etc. I think what motivates and inspires me is being able to help another because of my “education” in life. Being able to relate to others and serve. Ignorance is such bliss, it truly is, because the more knowledge we have the more we have to ACT!