What I learned about learning how to learn

I’m excited—and honestly, very grateful—to share that I’ve recently completed my Certificate IV in Training & Assessment. This qualification means a lot to me.

This qualification enables me to facilitate workshops that promote mental health and wellbeing, an area I am passionate about.

Returning to study at RMIT after more than 30 years away from formal education was a significant transition. I expected there would be new things to adapt to, and indeed, much had changed: some of our classes were delivered online, and assignments were submitted digitally. On campus, the slick, digitally-enhanced classrooms were well-equipped with multiple screens and clustered desks and swivel chairs that encouraged group discussion. Yet, neither the online learning environment nor the updated facilities defined my experience.

What really stood out were a few key insights:

• Competence begins with trust. It's not just about content, materials, or even knowledge. The foundation for all learning is the relationship of trust between learner and teacher.

The following steps describe my (occasional) thought process.

Hypothesis: I don't think I can do it because I have never done it before. 

Observation: My trainer thinks I can do it.

Reflection: I trust her/his/their judgement, therefore, they must be right.

Conclusion: Therefore, I must be able to do it!

• "Progress over perfection.” I learned, thanks to our program leader, to focus on steady progress rather than flawlessness, and this became my mantra. Routine and structure have always helped me. Having a disciplined schedule frees me from indecision and allows for greater creativity.

• Learn. Apply. Reflect & Evaluate. Repeat. At the same time that I started this course, I joined a community choir. Singing as part of an ensemble brought energy, calm, and a sense of belonging. I’m convinced that having to learn unfamiliar words and notes improved both my resilience and my memory - bonus!
  
  
• Fear is a powerful motivator. Weekly assessment deadlines brought just enough pressure to motivate me and train my brain to handle new challenges.

I've also realised that learning itself is among the 5 Foundational Skills (6, if we include digital literacy). When I first studied at RMIT for my Bachelor of Media Studies, lecturers seldom focused on individual learning styles or foundational skills. In contrast, this recent experience was characterised by our trainers and assessors, Anne Butler and Ross Valentine, who showed genuine interest and support.

Their empowering approach as facilitators encouraged my fellow students and me—each of us from diverse industries and cultural backgrounds—to participate in what I now know is called “co-learning.”

The placement of RMIT’s positive affirmations around the city campus as reminders of encouragement was not lost on me.

I am proud of this achievement and look forward to using what I have learned to enrich my future workshops and community programs.

#creativity #curiosity #collaboration #RMIT(VET) #lifelonglearning #futureproofing #Foundationskills #21stcenturyskills #healthybrain