Explore the value of active and passive learning, and how most learning comes from the latter. Discover the benefits of studying across disciplines and perspectives, and the importance of continuous learning and idle time for personal and professional growth.
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Quick takeaways
Passive learning allows for serendipitous discoveries and sparks curiosity.
Employers should provide opportunities for employees to engage in passive learning to foster a culture of continuous growth and development.
Deep dives
The Power of Passive Learning
Passive learning, where one allows their mind to wander and explore various topics, is a valuable and often overlooked form of learning. Unlike active learning, which is structured and dictates what and how to learn, passive learning allows for serendipitous discoveries and sparks curiosity. Many individuals realize that most of their learning experiences come from passive learning, which involves reading broadly and engaging in conversations with people from different backgrounds. This form of learning is essential as it allows individuals to stumble across niche topics that are relevant to their specific needs, providing missing puzzle pieces for personal and professional growth.
The Importance of Time for Thinking and Learning
In today's job market, which heavily relies on decision-making and communication skills, giving employees time to think, learn, ponder, and discuss is crucial. While historically, work mainly involved physical labor, the current landscape demands mental engagement. Unfortunately, many employers expect employees to be constantly productive, without allowing idle time for passive thinking and learning. By providing opportunities for employees to engage in passive learning, such as taking walks, contemplating problems, and encouraging their curiosity, employers can foster a culture of continuous growth and development, leading to more successful outcomes for both individuals and organizations.
Active learning: Someone tells you what to learn, how to learn it, on a set schedule, on pre-selected standardized topics.
Passive learning: You let your mind wander with no intended destination. You read and learn broadly, talk to people from various backgrounds, and stumble haphazardly across topics you had never considered but spark your curiosity, often because it’s the topic you happen to need at that specific time of your life.
I can’t be alone in realizing that most of what I’ve learned in life has come from passive learning.
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