We need to take control of our learning to truly benefit from education. For most of our educational journey, we focus on learning and making connections with curriculum mostly in the classroom. This level is essential for developing fundamental skills and discovering our educational interests. As I’ve progressed through higher education, particularly graduate school, the biggest changes I’ve had to make are to:
1. Take control of my learning
2. Be willing to make mistakes.
But how do you do that? Go beyond what you’re taught. As speech-language pathology master’s students, we are given tools to treat our patients. That information is useful, but when treating our patients, we have to go to the evidence and get to know what works for our patients individually. This can apply to any career when a student starts to take charge and implement their own ideas and develop strategies.
There is a degree of risk that comes with exploring information independently. A plan could go entirely wrong.
The Nature of Different Education Levels
In primary and secondary education, a wrong answer is one with a concrete answer. You learn the right one, and move on.
When a plan goes wrong in higher education, it’s up to the student to problem-solve. Sometimes, there isn’t an answer. Of course, there are professors, supervisors and other students to lean on, but now you’re in control. I’ve observed that this one of the hardest adjustments for graduate students: being okay with making mistakes. Doing something deliberately without knowing if it will be right. For many, especially students who require perfection and structure, it’s terrifying to delve into that unknown knowledge. It can feel like your work was a disaster, or you failed. Or both. And maybe a strategy didn’t work out, but getting comfortable with being uncomfortable as you practice for your career is what makes you successful.
I struggle with this myself- I often have ideas in my head, but don’t feel I am allowed to do it as a student, or my idea isn’t good enough. However, as I adjust to graduate education, I become more excited than nervous to try new things. Here are 3 tips on how to transition your learning focus from developing knowledge to taking risks:
I wrote this post today for all my struggling grad students out there who may feel they aren’t succeeding in their future. My message to you: Take control of your learning. You are succeeding every day. Every day is a step toward being a professional, and even then you’ll be growing and learning. This is your chance to experiment, ask questions and challenge yourself with maximal support and empathy. When will you have that chance again?
