We are on the cusp of another school year here in Greece. It is a dreaded moment for many students, signalling the end of carelessness and freedom to do as they please. For us teachers it is the beginning of an endless effort to get our students to appreciate the value of the knowledge we're offering while at the same time we're called upon to also play the role of parent/confidante/psychologist/negotiator/problem solver. We wear many hats but, however exhausting it may be at times, it is an assignment I joyfully carry out.
Much ink has been spilled, aiming to convey and highlight the significance of education and learning in our lives.Below I share some of the best in my view, from some of the most respected and celebrated human beings, each in their own field of expertise. Let's dive right in, shall we?
1.
Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.
-Benjamin Franklin
2.
Learning never exhausts the mind.
-Leonardo da Vinci
3.
The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.
-B.B. King
4.
- Henry Ford
5.
-Peter Drucker
6.
One learns from books and example only that certain things can be done. Actual learning requires that you do those things.
-Frank Herbert
7.
Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.
-Anthony J. D'Angelo
8.
One hour per day of study in your chosen field is all it takes. One hour per day of study will put you at the top of your field within three years. Within five years you'll be a national authority. In seven years, you can be one of the best people in the world at what you do.
-Earl Nightingale
9.
True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross;then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their own.
-Nikos Kazantzakis
10.
The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.
-Alvin Toffler
11.
Change is the end result of all true learning.
-Leo Buscaglia
What captivated me in all these quotes is the emphasis on the undeniable reality that lifelong learning and growth is what is required these days. By becoming a lifelong learner, one stays abreast of changes in society, grows both as a person and as a successful professional. Simultaneously a love for learning ensures that we maintain a healthy and flexible mind.It is also stressed that in order to be able to adapt and keep up with the rapid changes and developments, one has to become accustomed to unlearning any obsolete knowledge and relearning, thus securing both the desired growth as a person but also becoming much more successful -and useful- in their chosen field.
We have come a long way from the time when all it took was the knowledge of reading and writing to be considered an educated person. A lifelong adaptability and growth is required now in learning and education, and we as teachers are responsible for our students' growth, for as long as they are in our care.A heavy but honorable duty.
That's all for today. Let's make this an educational, productive school year, but also one of joy, inclusion, tolerance and love.We need more of these in our uncertain times.
As always, sending you ripples of positivity and love,
Lia 馃挀馃榾
