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July 12, 2008 - by Jake Alexander
  
How Curiosity Helps Us Learn

How does curiosity contribute to our learning capability and How can we improve its effect?

Curiosity is a natural function of human learning. Children are born with curiosity and as soon as they are able, it starts them on the road to learning. First they are curious about what they see, then they are curious about their hands and their feet and their immediate surroundings.

As they get older they get curious about the world around them. They want to know about things. Where are things? What's inside things? What things are over there? What is this thing? How does this thing work? Later their curiosity reflects a growing sophistication. Why is the sky blue? How do they make soap? How do they make potatoes? How does television work? Are we rich or are we poor?

They ask a lot of questions. If the adults in their life are loving and caring and tolerant, the child's curiosity will be nurtured. If the adults are troubled, impatient, or preoccupied, then sadly the child's curiosity will often be suppressed, stifled, shoved underground.

If the child's questions are handled in a positive way, answered earnestly, matter-of-factly and objectively, the child will begin to view adults as a potential source of knowledge and wisdom and strength. If handled in a negative way, the child will view adults with confusion and disappointment, and consider them an unreliable resource for information and wisdom.

Regardless of how it is handled, as the child grows older, curiosity gives way to exploration and experimentation. The child whose curiosity has been handled poorly may develop a rebellious attitude and may challenge authority in ways that are dangerous and destructive. They may tend to see things in absolutes -- you're for me or against me -- things are good or evil -- black or white -- you agree or disagree. They may take solace in extremes, unable to handle subtlety and nuance, unable to discriminate between shades of gray, unable to be tolerant or objective, open only to ideas that match what they already believe.

So curiosity, then, provides an opportunity for parents and other adults to start a child off on the path to learning. They can set the example of patience, tolerance, and objectivity. They can answer questions thoughtfully and thoroughly, establishing themselves as a reliable source of information and wisdom in the child's eyes.

As adults ourselves, we must depend on the same sense of curiosity as when we were children. Our curiosity serves as the spark that kindles our desire to know. We have a responsibility to be curious about the world around us. We have a responsibility to formulate questions and to seek answers to those questions. But we need to be cautious about seeking answers from others. Now, we are the adults and we must be the ones to provide the answers. We must let our curiosity drive us to dig in and find the answers for ourselves. We should not rely on someone else's truth.

If our curiosity is not serving us, we should evaluate our early learning experiences. If we feel we were one of the unfortunates whose curiosity was stifled or suppressed -- then we must take steps to renew the spark. We must try to rebuild our curiosity so we can be open to new things and teach ourselves new things.

How do we do that? There are several ways to approach the task -- all of them involve embracing change.

1. Find a quiet place outdoors. Find a seat in the back yard, or the garden, or a park or nature trail. Sit and watch the world and reflect. If you find it difficult to teach yourself then let nature teach you.

2. Go to a public library or museum. Sit and watch the people. Let yourself imagine and wonder about them.

3. Go to a coffee shop or a diner. Have a cup of coffee or a soft drink or a light snack. Sit and watch the people, listen to conversations.

Through all the above, allow questions to form. Who is that person? What's their story? Why are they here? What kind of tree is that? What kind of insect? Listen for answers. Your curiosity, if given the chance, will resurrect itself. When it does, welcome it and praise it. Let it guide your thoughts and imagination.

4. Take a short trip. A walk around town. A drive in the country. A short trip to a nearby town.

5. Strike up a conversation -- especially with someone else who seems to be watching and listening and thinking. Ask them questions. Listen to the answers - again - listen to the answers. Finally, share your thoughts when you're comfortable doing so.

6. Go to the library and read -- books that are different from those you've read before.

7. Go to a newsstand and buy three magazines you've never read before and one newspaper from a different town. Read them cover to cover.

8. Try a craft or skill you've never tried before.  Try sketching, pick out a tune on the piano or guitar, solve a crossword puzzle or teach yourself something you have never tried before.

9. Above all, let yourself enjoy the experience -- don't force yourself to do anything unpleasant or unenjoyable.

As your curiosity grows, pay attention to it. Let it take over. Let it guide you. Let it show you the path to learning. Let it introduce you to your imagination. Let it trigger your awakening. Let it inspire you to teach yourself a myriad of new subjects.

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