By Lucía Lanza, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aula_siglo_XIX.jpg
Throughout my academic life, I have always wondered why my classmates learn in different ways; they manage to internalise the things they enjoy to such an extent that they do them as if they were an innate part of themselves, even when it takes them time and effort.
Whilst some learn by watching and need a visual demonstration of how to carry out tasks, others need to be actively involved in the activity to make that knowledge their own.
I have observed a wide range of interests: I have seen classmates who are passionate about maths, others about art, technology, fixing things, playing football, or even a desire to help and look after people – but where does this interest come from? Do they choose it?
I am convinced that the place where each pupil is going to spend long hours every day must matter. The school and the classroom must be a pleasant environment where all interests are taken into account; perhaps this is where each person’s potential can be developed. This undoubtedly fosters a positive relationship with knowledge and creates good experiences, but is that the only factor influencing what you enjoy learning? What about those first encounters? In other words, could the learning that takes place at home, taught by those closest to us, determine what you will enjoy in the future and how you will learn? Perhaps the environment in which they grew up also plays a part, the stimulation they received from a young age at home and the support that home can provide throughout the process.
Therefore, cooperation between school and home should be given the importance it truly deserves.
A child who has access to books, computers, music or other resources from an early age is likely to have a better chance of discovering interests and developing a range of skills; this gives them the opportunity to have a wide range of options and equips them with the tools to make choices. Perhaps that was a reflection of what they saw: they learnt what they liked because they were choosing it for themselves.
