Hiking along the nearby county road, we encounter one especially steep hill. My dh continues at a steady pace. However, I’ve found that for me, it works better if I pick up the pace and “attack” the hill. I seem to need that extra initial push in order to continue further up the hill, though my pace slows down before I crest. Thus, I speed ahead of him briefly, only to be passed before reaching the top. I have tried at other times going at a steady pace and found it more difficult to reach the top. That’s just my style, the way I’m “hardwired.”
The same seems to apply to steep learning curves. Some learners make the climb with a steady, methodical approach. Others hurry ahead with great vigor. Either way, it takes a desire to reach the top, to be willing to continue until reaching the goal.
Learning curves, like hills on the road, may vary in difficulty. How we fared in approaching one situation can also vary. Still, our prior experiences can help us understand how we learn and what is needed to reach the top. We find that there can be as much to learn about learning, as there is to learn about the subject itself.
Have you prepared for learning? Have you the necessary foundational knowledge to build upon? Have you put on good running shoes? And warmed your muscles up sufficiently before meeting the challenge? For this particular hill, what is the best approach? Quick-paced and light-footed? Or slower but steadily, steadily?
I’ve found that it helps to have a walking buddy. Somehow it isn’t as tempting to take long pauses or dawdle needlessly when there’s another person waiting to complete the jaunt with me. It also makes the task more pleasurable. We double our time that way, getting to know each other as well as fulfilling our goal.
I might not climb the hill the same way as my traveling partner, but partners make the journey easier. Seek out a learning partner. If the learning curve is steep for you, you’ll appreciate the encouragement along the way. If the learning curve is easy for you, there’s bound to be someone else who would appreciate your assistance.
Diana
p.s. one of my learning curves is setting up and modifying this blog
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3 comments:
So true! It's hard to be alone on the journey. To have a friend walk along side is a blessing and encouragement! I loved your analogy!
Partners make everything better -- from working to learning to living!
Partners make the time go faster, add accountability and fresh insight. I loved your hiking analogy and how you drove the point home about doing things differently, but with the same goal is what makes life interesting.
http://LadyRenaissance.blogspot.com
There are only two things I can think of that I prefer to do alone - anything in a bathroom and reading. All else seems to go along better with someone there with me.
We don't always have to be doing the same thing, nor doing things in the same manner, but the company is precious and encouraging.
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