In September 2007 - aged between 60-20 weeks, I wrote a refresher course in Conversational Irish (Labhartha Ghaeilge) at University College Cork. Many of my generation were disposed towards the Irish language as imperative to put in the school, which often become so ineffective and difficult, had been taught. I visited a school of Irish language, the Monastery of the North, and thanks to some enlightened teachers, I developed a lifelong interest in Irish. I was afluent Irish speaker, when I completed my secondary education in 1964.
I also have several summer holidays in the Gaeltacht areas of Ireland, where I lived as a living language and appreciated Gaeilge as an important part of our cultural identity, placed as in music, narration and expression of dance. English is the everyday language of Ireland, I have many opportunities to speak only Irish had since leaving school.
I'm telling this story for two reasons. First, as an examplea retirement hobby, and secondly because of my interest in lifelong learning.
Participation in this course has brought me into contact with a new "tribe" and learning community. I use the word tribe recognizes that describe a social group that comes together for a common purpose and common interest. How many races do you belong? I am a Toastmaster, a golfer, a hill walker, a Rotarian and an Irish speaker, for example. In each of these roles, Iare perceived as having a different identity.
I love the gift of learning from my parents, some teachers and mentors - and is a gift, for those who want to learn to persevere and get more positive feedback from teachers and peers. I like to learn, although it can be frustrating and difficult to win the championship. Learning keeps me young at heart because I associate with being young people learning, and must be delayed health benefitscognitive decline.
Is there something you want to learn? Or brush up? A sport? A language? Dancing? Or the music? Perhaps they are reluctant to try because you heard that "can not be taught, and old dog new tricks."
It is true that learning to do new things is difficult, as you get older, it is hard to break habits and let the old way of doing things. Before my early fifties, all my writing was done with pencil and paper. At work, I would write a memo orLetter and give it to a typist. This was a long process, especially the secretary, who was to interpret my script. Boring but comfortable, it was a custom of long standing.
When I started using a PC, a decade ago, I discovered that there is a barrier that my creative writing created difficult. But I persevered and now I find it unthinkable to return to the old way. The word processor is for my benefit and the letter to my delight. Makes RewritingReorganization and easily. I'm sure glad I learned that "new trick"!
We are all born students and the learning is easy under certain conditions. Let me as I spoke, of course, Irish example:
Are motivated to learn Irish, because I see it as an important part of my heritage. I think I can learn, because I have to do things like reference experience. I have a great teacher whose teaching style is fun and encouraging. Some of my classmates aregood models of skills are developing. And contrary to my school days I have the opportunity, regardless of the practice of error.
While it is important to develop something that you want to learn a trade or want to, I would recommend a trainer / supervisor, you are looking for a learning environment supportive colleagues and I think you enjoy - you!
No comments:
Post a Comment