Activity 1.2

Learning is like a relationship. Relationships that are committed improve with time and blossom into a lifelong friendship of trust and strength.  Similarly, students that are committed to the practice of studying and challenge themselves will become strengthened academically.

Learning and relationships both require a “good fit”, also known as chemistry. For example, two people can be good friends because they have a natural connection and an ability to understand one another. But swap out one friend for a “new friend”, and that combination can be explosive.  In the same way, one learning style may work for one student because it supports the student’s natural abilities and interest. However, that same learning style may only cause frustration and confusion for another student.   

                Sometimes relationships fail and sometimes learners fail.  Both relationships and learning fail for similar reasons which include misunderstanding, miscommunication, frustration, disinterest, stress, exhaustion, over stimulation, pressure, and distractions to name a few. It’s ok for students to fail at learning. Often the best lessons are learned when we fail whether in a relationship or academically.  But in both situations we have a choice to overcome, to move on, and to not be defined by our failures.