Igniting a Passion for Learning

Small children are invariably curious. If their curiosity is cultivated by their parents and teachers, it erupts in a Vesuvius of “Why?” questions. One question leads inexorably to the next until the teacher maxes out (for now).

Curiosity and passion for learning become less than universal in elementary school. Children who have behavior problems in school are often children who are bored with being bathed in facts of dubious relevance to their lives. Other children are frustrated with the pace of learning which assumes the cohort in the classroom is mostly homogeneous in their interests and attainment.

Middle school and high school further winnow the pool of engaged students. Most are tired of academic gamesmanship. The questions they care about aren’t being addressed in the classroom. Supportive homes, parents who are still learning, and career aspirations carry a group of survivors through to college entry, but with little expectation that learning will look different.

College should be transformative. Transformative in that it changes immature thinking into adult thinking about issues of significance. Colleges really have their work cut out for them when students are only there for a credential. Burned-out students who have been hosed down from K-12 with “information” are not in the best condition for ignition to occur. But—speaking from experience—”combustion” is entirely possible!

Learning is possible for anyone, regardless of their previous academic track record. It is never too late!