Do you believe that education is a lifelong pursuit? If so, you are like many others who understand the importance of non-stop learning, who see life as a way to constantly improve their minds, bodies, and spirits. The philosophy is not a new one. In fact, many of history’s luminaries were fans of the practice and felt the need to acquire knowledge long after formal schooling came to an end.
Fortunately, the digital age makes it easy to create your own program. The internet offers a wealth of resources for innovative, creative folks who enjoy taking online courses in hundreds of different subjects, earning college degrees without leaving home, joining video linked reading clubs, keeping detailed journals, and even teaching others via educational platforms. If keeping the brain in receptive mode appeals to you, here are some suggestions for getting started.
Take Online Courses
What do you want to learn about? No matter your interest, there are online courses that suit the need. Among the hottest categories these days are how-to classes, fix-it tutorials, introductory or advanced second language courses, and memory improvement training. Take your pick, and don’t overlook more traditional offerings like geography, basic mathematics, history, and literary study.
Get Your Degree
No matter your age, getting a college degree is a great way to put learning at the forefront of your priorities list. For so many working people, however, the biggest challenge is money. The good news is that you can apply for Earnest private student loans to cover the entire cost of a four-year degree. Taking out a student loan from a private lender is a smart way to take advantage of flexible terms all around, including competitive rates and sensible repayment periods. Don’t let expense stand in the way of your college diploma. Expand your mind and your employment opportunities by taking on the challenge of a formal degree.
Reading Clubs and Journals
Online in-person reading clubs are a big hit with working and retired adults. Many people all over the world study the great books or just focus on a single, modern author or title. For some, there’s an added benefit of making new friends who have similar interests and staying in touch with a large social group on a regular basis. Another strategy is to write every day, which is commonly called journaling. There’s no better way to keep your mind active, inquisitive, and healthy. Use a computer or take the old-fashioned route and write in a notebook. Either way, journaling is a rewarding activity if you stick with it.
Teach Others
Teaching others how to do things is an effective way of sharpening your own skills. Additionally, it highlights that empathy is a crucial skill and we need to practice it to be receptive to learning. This is true whether the online or in-person classes you teach are in music, language, math, cooking, or history. There are dozens of opportunities for adults who want to teach for pay or as volunteers. Consider signing up as a tutor at a local social service organization, designing and offering your own online courses at any one of the major learning platforms, or writing the text for a live presentation and offering it to local groups, schools, and businesses. Never underestimate the power of teaching as a way of expanding your own mind and educational horizons.