Why learn?

The simple answer to the question 'Why learn?' is: 'Because a lot of people like doing it, and even more need to.' We are all curious about things we don't understand. Over 70 per cent of people associate 'education' with 'school' and 'studying', but they associate 'learning' with 'discovering' (70 per cent) 'enjoyment' (62 per cent) and 'finding out more' (67 per cent). It is understandable, but a pity, that people confuse one with the other, particularly if they had an unsatisfactory experience at school. Your formal education tried to equip you for adult life, and of course included a lot of learning, but learning goes on after your formal education. You almost cannot help yourself. A new computer program comes out, and you need to learn how to use it. You go diving and discover a wreck. What was its history? Your children want help with their schoolwork. Your job demands that you know the latest health and safety techniques.
Educationalists argue endlessly about the difference between 'education' and 'training'. Both of these concepts are about what is provided for you, by whom and for what purpose. But both involve 'learning' and that is about what you, the individual, get out of it. So in order to learn you do not need to go back to 'school'. You can learn in libraries, at home, on the Internet, by correspondence, at adult learning centres, at family learning centres and, of course, at colleges designed for adults. One method is not better than another. It is down to what suits you best.
In order to get into learning most people need a reason. Some of these may be as follows.
To get a job or to improve your job - almost every job demands the basic skills of literacy and numeracy, and many need computer skills. To move up the employment ladder you need special training, whether it is something general like car driving, or specialised like qualifying as nurse or as a CORGI-registered plumber.
To take control of your future - however good or bad your formal education was, things have moved on since then. There are many new skills, particularly information technology-based, which you need to learn if you are to really be in control of your life. You can complete your income tax return over the Internet, but only if you know how to use it.
To improve the competitiveness of your business - even if you are self-employed you need to keep up to date if you are going to satisfy your customers ... and the taxman. International markets mean you need competence in languages other than English. New raw materials becoming available means new production techniques.
Just because it is fun! Perhaps you want to be a better fisherman, or order a meal in French the next time you use Eurostar. Family learning centres are becoming common; here parents can learn with their children out of school hours.
The government is keen for you to learn. It has a vision of a learning society in which everyone, from whatever background, routinely expects to learn and upgrade their skills throughout life. That means it has put money into lifelong learning. You can often get courses at cut prices and there are initiatives to put learning opportunities into places like pubs and clubs as well as further education colleges.
Many people find that once they have started learning they want to go on. So start small. Take short or 'taster' courses as they are often called to see if it is really what you want, at the level you want, and if it uses the learning method that suits you. You do not have to plan a degree course on the first day, but you could be completing one in a few years' time. People learn differently. Some people like working as part of a group, some do better by themselves. Some find it is better to go to a centre, others learn from the Internet. Books are not old-fashioned; you do not have to enjoy working with a computer in order to learn. So it is a good idea to spend time learning how to learn before you start, and you can do that through a course of a few hours.
Take advice about the level at which to start. Generally its better to start lower than the level at which you think you can cope. You can always move up if it is so simple that it is boring, and you do not want to get put off by work that is too demanding and loses your interest. Of course, the lower you start the longer it takes to get to where you want to be, but you will find it more rewarding to take it slowly. It is the amount you learn that is important, not the pace at which you do it. A beginners' archaeology course can rapidly add important local knowledge about your home town. After a few hours on a computer the whole world opens up to you through the Internet. A good basic business skills course can save you hours of work if you are self-employed. Then you can move on to the advanced stuff.
Learning opportunities generally get grouped under four categories.
1 Academic - things like history and languages. Do not be put off by the titles. These are things that are interesting and important in understanding people and the world around us, but not necessarily directly useful. Why are there so many wars in the Balkans? What is the difference between a Shiite and a Sunni Moslem?
2 Vocational - learning that helps you do things better, particularly in relation to work. Some things, like languages, fall under both categories. It depends what you use them for. Learning French can allow you to read a French newspaper for pleasure or sell your products to a new market.
3 General interest - things that interest you and allow you to use your leisure time better. Again, the distinction is not rigid. Learning how to restore your classic car could lead to a job.
4 Personal development - a theatre workshop can help you improve your public-speaking skills. Sports courses help with your fitness, and learning to play a musical instrument helps you reduce your stress levels.
Learning does not need to be examined if you are doing it for your own interest. You can take GCSE and A-level courses and examinations as an adult, but if you want to get into university there are access courses designed for adults that may suit you better; the Open University has no admission requirements, but it does have exams. National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are designed for adults in employment and naturally need to test the competences you have learned if you are going to use them in your work. Do not assume that tests necessarily mean sitting at a desk doing written examinations. Many assessments now involve producing a portfolio or diary as you do the course, and projects or practical exercises can test your learning.
So where do you start?
First think about what you want to learn about, and at what level. Decide how long you can spend a week and at what time of day. There are even breakfast clubs for those who have commitments during the day and evening.
If you are looking for inspiration, check out your local newspaper; mine has two pages of courses. Visit your further education college, Citizen's Advice Bureau or Adult Learning Centre. Most of them have websites. Ask your children if there is a Family Learning Centre attached to their school. Universities offer short courses and open lectures. Visit your local library; it may be one of the 208 learndirect centres linked to the 750 courses offered through such library-based hubs.
Visit websites. The Open University's is at www.open.ac.uk and www.learndirect.co.uk has 500,000 courses nationwide 'from floristry to fly-fishing, from fencing to French'. My search showed five learndirect centres listed within six miles of my home. Keep your eyes open in shopping malls, pubs, clubs and sports centres for advertisements for courses.
But beware. Learning is addictive. Once you have started you may not be able to stop. The old adage that a little learning goes a long way is true, but it often leads to more learning as well.