Advice On Lifelong Learning

by JohnG

posted on 06/24/2009

Each and every one of us goes through life as a perpetual student. Even though we may have graduated from high school or college years ago, we never stop learning. Every day we will find out new pieces of information that will get stored in our subconscious brain until such time that we need it. Learning is as easy and natural as breathing. We do it instinctively.

Our everyday activities provide us with many learning opportunities, but in order to keep our minds and bodies sharp, we should all participate in more structured and formal learning environments. Lifelong learning is a term coined by schools and universities that offer non-credit, "just for fun" classes for people who have already received a diploma or degree, but who want to stay active and involved in some sort of mentally challenged activity. We should all take advantage of some of these classes on a regular basis. Here are some ways to expand your knowledge and horizons!

Community College Classes
Many community colleges have non-credit and continuing education classes that you can take for fun, ranging from highly academic subjects to topics that are strange and off-the-wall. You can learn how to upholster furniture, cook Cajun, decorate Ukrainian Easter eggs, build a chicken coop or learn a foreign language, for starters. The classes are fun, inexpensive and you'll meet lots of interesting people.

Local crafts stores
If you like to do arts and crafts, check with your local stores about classes they offer. Many of them are free and you'll come away having learned a new skill. Arts and crafts stores can teach you how to sew, knit, do decoupage and even decorate a wedding cake!

Botanical Gardens
Your local botanical garden or herb farm may have classes in flower arranging, cooking with herbs, wreath-making, preserving foods or other topics of interest. Again, these classes may be very low cost and you'll learn from experts in the field.

Cooking stores
Taking a cooking class at a cooking store is one of the most enjoyable experiences. Not only do you learn from seasoned chefs, but you often get to take home some of the tasty creations you cook or bake in the kitchen. Plus, stores will often give a discount to those who take one of their classes, which is usually worth about 20 to 25 percent off.

Libraries
Libraries have many classes in subjects of interest, such as genealogy, travel and children's crafts. Go online to visit one of your local branches and see what's up.

Summertime is a perfect opportunity to expand your horizons and take advantage of some of the learning activities available. Do something for yourself this summer. Take a class!

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