Years ago in my first job, I asked my manager what she liked most about her work. Her response, that she learned something new every day, initially struck me as a cliché. But as the years passed, I found myself reflecting on the profound truth embedded in her words.
The way we learn evolves as adults and we move beyond textbooks and classrooms to embrace a socially collaborative approach. Learning, it seems, takes on a whole new shape as we grow up. It becomes a social affair, a collaborative dance, where everyone brings their own moves to the floor.
Picture this: you're at home, battling with a mischievous glitch in your laptop. Instead of diving into the abyss of instruction manuals or Google searches, you instinctively dial up a tech-savvy friend. The knowledge exchange that follows is like a swift, improvised dance – immediate, specific, and task-oriented. It's the epitome of socially collaborative learning. The insights gained in this moment are specific, task-oriented, and immediate - a stark contrast to the broader understanding and time-consuming screening through the manuals.
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
From RTÉ Brainstorm, how remote working has changed how we learn on the job
In the realm of adult learning, the reliance on traditional textbooks as exclusive problem-solving guides has notably diminished. A shift in our natural inclinations occurs as we mature, compelling us to seek insights and solutions not solely within the pages of literature but, more significantly, from the diverse pool of individuals surrounding us—be they friends, neighbours, colleagues, or even strangers.
This evolution in our approach to knowledge acquisition heralds a departure from solitary academic pursuits toward a socially collaborative paradigm. It marks the essence of socially collaborative learning and finds expression in social clubs, interactions with neighbours and the bonds of friendship. Imagine a cooking enthusiast learning the intricacies of a new recipe from a seasoned chef friend rather than from a cookbook. Sharing tips and tricks in a relaxed, social setting, this exchange of knowledge goes beyond the recipe itself, incorporating personal anecdotes and practical wisdom.
In this new paradigm, learning is a continuous process occurring throughout the day and across the span of our lives. It is sometimes intentional and acknowledged - and sometimes not. In contrast to the standardised and often rigid nature of formal education, socially collaborative learning nurtures a more organic and holistic approach. It empowers individuals to glean knowledge from diverse sources and experiences, creating a mosaic of learning that mirrors the complexity of real-world challenges.
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
From RTÉ's Upfront podcast, comedian Michael Fry tells Katie Hannon about relearning Gaeilge later in life
Could we solely sustain ourselves on this "social" learning? Research suggests otherwise. While the social element of learning is undoubtedly valuable, it tends to validate or complement the formal education we've received. This form of learning provides on-the-spot solutions, devoid of extensive theoretical references, tailored precisely to the specific problem at hand.
Consider the contrast between learning a new language through formal classes versus navigating through a foreign country, picking up essential phrases and cultural nuances through interactions with locals. This gives a perfect sneak-peak into the continuum of formal and "social" learning, one that is not about choice rather about availability and personal intent.
Contrastingly, formal education offers a more comprehensive and overarching viewpoint. It equips individuals with a broad understanding of concepts, theories, and frameworks, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. While socially collaborative learning is task-oriented, solving immediate problems, formal education is about building a foundation for a deeper and broader understanding of the world.
While the social element of learning is undoubtedly valuable, it tends to validate or complement the formal education we've received
Socially collaborative learning and formal education are not mutually exclusive, but they complement each other. Together, they create a well-rounded individual capable of navigating the complexities of the world. The dynamic interplay between these two forms of learning highlights the evolving nature of education, reflecting the changing needs and expectations of learners in today's society.
In conclusion, the landscape of education is undergoing a transformation, acknowledging the significance of socially collaborative learning alongside formal education. As we embrace the interconnectedness of these two approaches, we create a more resilient and adaptable learning ecosystem.
The ability to draw knowledge from various sources, both formal and social, equips individuals with the versatility needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. As we move forward, it's essential to recognise and celebrate the symbiotic relationship between these two facets of learning, unlocking the true potential of education for generations to come.
Follow the RTÉ Brainstorm WhatsApp channel for more stories and updates
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
