Unlocking the Secrets of the Learning Cycle: A Journey of Discovery
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The Journey of Understanding
To truly grasp a concept, much like experiencing the magic of Cinderella Castle, one must complete the learning cycle.
Photo by Kitera Dent on Unsplash
Let’s begin with a profound insight from Confucius: “To know what you know and what you don’t know is true knowledge.” This principle serves as a guiding star in my educational journey. It illustrates a progression in understanding, starting from “I don’t know what I don’t know” to reaching the point of “I know what I know.”
Initiating the Cycle of Knowledge
The process begins with the realization of your ignorance. Imagine visiting Disney World and suddenly encountering the breathtaking sight of Cinderella Castle. You’ve never heard of this stunning structure before; all you sense is that its interior must be far more wondrous than its exterior. Yet, you remain outside the gate, feeling anxious and insignificant, embodying the state of “you don’t know what you don’t know.” However, your curiosity ignites a desire to discover what lies within.
As you enter the castle, you uncover various secrets: the Castle Suite, the grandfather clock, the Royal Table, and more. You engage with friends and explore online resources. It’s easy to quench your curiosity with these initial discoveries. However, this only scratches the surface. You soon realize that you still lack a deeper understanding of the stories and characters behind these artifacts. This leads you to the state of “you know what you don’t know.”
Deepening Your Exploration
Many visitors might return to their routines after a thrilling day at Disney World, but not you. Your curiosity propels you into deeper exploration: you read books, watch films, and dive into the enchanting tales of Cinderella, her elusive shoes, and the magic of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo. A new realm of knowledge unfolds before you, and you start to feel a sense of understanding about the castle.
However, it’s essential to recognize that you may not fully comprehend what you now know. At this juncture, two misconceptions can arise. One is the feeling of being overwhelmed by an influx of information, leading to what is known as “Imposter Syndrome.” You may doubt your worth compared to your newfound knowledge.
Conversely, there’s the danger of feeling excessively confident. After spending a few weeks learning, you might mistakenly believe you’re an expert. This is a classic example of the Dunning-Kruger Effect, where individuals overestimate their understanding of a subject.
Completing the Cycle
Your journey through the cycle of knowing is now nearing completion. Friends, can you identify this cycle in your own learning experiences? What stage are you currently navigating? Ultimately, it matters not where you stand in the cycle. Remember, not every learner evolves into an expert. However, to transform a mere visit to Cinderella Castle into genuine knowledge, it’s essential to complete the cycle — beginning with “I don’t know what I don’t know” and culminating in “I know what I know.”
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