Learning Without Schools: Four Points To Free Yourself From the Educational Get-Certified Mantra

Learning Without Schools: Four Points To Free Yourself From the Educational Get-Certified Mantra

In today's society, the traditional education system has become deeply ingrained as the primary means of acquiring knowledge and skills. From a young age, children are taught that their success and future prospects hinge on their academic achievements and the certificates they obtain. However, this mindset may be limiting the potential of younger generations and preventing them from reaching higher levels of intellectual and practical acumen. In this article, we will explore four key attitudes that can help individuals break free from the educational get-certified mantra and pave their own path to learning and growth.

1) Learn from Reality — Not Just From a Book or from Someone Talking About It

The first step towards liberating oneself from the constraints of the educational system is to recognize that true learning goes beyond the confines of textbooks and classrooms. While formal education certainly has its merits, it often fails to provide a holistic understanding of the world. Many of us have become so conditioned to rely solely on what we are taught in school that we fail to question or explore other avenues of knowledge. We must marry the cause, immerse ourselves in the real world, and learn from firsthand experiences.

2) Use Your Own Head and Start Asking Questions

Once we acknowledge the limitations of the educational system, we can begin to cultivate a curious and critical mindset. It is essential to encourage independent thinking and the habit of questioning. In school, questioning is often discouraged or met with resistance, but it is through questioning that we gain deeper insights and challenge existing beliefs. Imagine yourself on a spaceship, venturing into the unknown. What knowledge and skills would you prioritize for the future? By using our heads and asking questions, we can break free from the narrow confines of the educational system and expand our horizons.

3) Learn by Doing and by Getting Your Hands Dirty

Too often, we fall into the trap of believing that academic success and certificates are the only pathways to achievement. However, the real world operates on a different set of rules. Learning through hands-on experiences, making mistakes, and gaining practical knowledge are invaluable assets that cannot be obtained solely through textbooks and classrooms. We must embrace the idea that learning is a lifelong journey, and it does not necessarily require formal education. By venturing outside the traditional educational system, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world and develop skills that are truly applicable in real-life situations.

4) Make Mistakes, Get Experience, Not Certificates

Certificates may serve as symbols of accomplishment, but they do not necessarily reflect one's true abilities or potential. In fact, individuals who rely solely on their certificates may be limiting their growth and hindering their ability to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the real world. Instead of striving for accolades and credentials, we should focus on gaining practical experience, making mistakes, and continuously learning from them. The more we engage in real-life situations, the more we develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Experience and growth should be our primary goals, rather than the pursuit of certificates.

Actionable Advice:

1) Embrace alternative learning opportunities: Seek out unconventional sources of knowledge and skills, such as online courses, workshops, mentorship programs, or hands-on projects. Expand your horizons beyond traditional classrooms.

2) Cultivate a questioning mindset: Encourage yourself and others to ask critical questions and challenge established beliefs. Embrace curiosity and explore different perspectives to gain a broader understanding of the world.

3) Prioritize experience over certificates: Focus on gaining practical experience and learning from real-life situations. Embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and continuously seek out new challenges to expand your skillset.

In conclusion, breaking free from the educational get-certified mantra requires a shift in mindset and a willingness to explore alternative avenues of learning. By embracing reality, questioning assumptions, engaging in hands-on experiences, and prioritizing experience over certificates, individuals can unlock their true potential and achieve higher levels of intellectual and practical acumen. Remember, true learning knows no boundaries, and the world is your classroom.