But this month I have started two structured educational exercises -- not writing-related, and not because I woke up one morning thinking "I need to expand my knowledge" -- but because of opportunity. The first is a basic Italian For Travellers course, eight lessons one per week, at our local community college. The fact they're offering Italian this semester is a happy coincidence as I'm going to Italy this year. My first time and I will, hopefully, know enough basic phrases to be polite to the locals...or to at least locate the appropriate words in my phrase book.
No sooner had I signed up for Italian than my sister-in-law asked if I was interested in Ancient History. Our local high school offers HSC-based subjects to the community and they needed one more student for this course to go ahead. Some arm-twisting ensued but after one lesson I'm so glad I signed up. Not just because it will inform my Italy trip but because I'm enjoying the classroom, the reading, the subject matter. I even enjoy organising my notes into a folder (there will be colour coding.) And I've downloaded an audiobook on the History of Ancient Rome which is my listening while I walk.
So, that's what I'll be up to for the next few months (Italian) and the rest of the year (Ancient History.) Is anyone else busy with learning at the moment? Have you taken any classes recently? Do you make a conscious effort to further your education or do you prefer to learn by living?
Ah Bron - I keep saying I'm going to do a course in conversational Italian and never get around to it!
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired me!
I've been wanting to try one of the community college courses for yonks and *FINALLY* everything lined up. Right course, right year, right day. It was meant for me!
Delete(And would you believe there is another couple in the same course leaving Sydney on the same flight?)
Bron
Good on you, Bron! I'm hoping to do some French next year. I did it at school and have always been sorry I didn't take it further. Have fun in Italy, you lucky duck.
ReplyDeleteI also took French at school, far too many years ago, but I keep saying "Merci" and "Oui" etc. Hard habits to break. :-)
Delete(And, yes, I am indeed lucky.)
Ahem, well, as I'm enrolled in a PhD I'm guessing my views on continuing education will be easily perceived. I love learning just for the sake of it. I also love learning something odd -- like your Ancient History, Bron -- and something useful -- like a language (I'm so going to learn conversational German). I'm sure it keeps the old brain ticking over. :-)
ReplyDeleteLOL. Yes, I see where you're coming from soon-to-be Dr Douglas. :-) I agree about keeping the brain ticking over, which is very necessary in my case. That old brain is not what it used to be.
DeleteHi Bron
ReplyDeleteI like to learn through living and reading the wonderful stories that you authors write for me, I have done a diploma through work in Front line managment and that was a lot of hard work but since then I have steered clear of these types of learning :)
Have Fun
Helen
Helen, you may have steered clear of formal lessons but you've chosen an equally valid (and extremely fun) way of learning. Through your reading. You really do pick up so much, not only about characters and their particular lives/lifestyles/problems, but about places and professions and history and so very much more.
DeleteBron,
ReplyDeleteIf nothing else, study is a great excuse to buy colour-coded stationery!
I've done a fair bit of structured study in recent times, so I'm steering clear of it for a while, but I must say that the most enjoyable studies have been those that I would never have thought of doing if they weren't required. I discovered Buffy when I had to study it for a Text and Culture course. Score!
Oh, Claire, I would *so* sign up for any course which included Buffy as the text. More seriously, any study does have to fit in with everything else we have going on in our busy lives. At the moment I have the time and inclination for these side detours. In a year or two, possibly not.
DeleteBron, that sounds wonderful! I'd love to do an Italian course and have been thinking of it for a while. I'm actually in the process of getting the energy to brush up my very stale language skills and Italian would come in handy for a trip I'm planning. Have fun in Italy! How terrific that will be.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy the ancient history. I studied Classics and loved it. I still have a major soft spot for Greek and Roman history.
One of my regrets, Annie (and I don't have many), is that I didn't study any classics or much in the way of humanities. My education steered solidly toward the sciences. But I am rectifying that at the moment, one subject at a time.
ReplyDeleteYou're being busy, Bron. I learnt some Italian last year as we were visiting Italy. I love foreign languages though I'm not great at them. Unfortunately in Italy every time I tried to speak the lingo most people wanted to practise their English on me and I never got very far. But they were pleased I'd tried, and there were some funny moments.
ReplyDeleteI agree, we should keep learning, even little things, or I'm sure our brains will turn to stone. And after today's writing effort I'm wondering if mine already has. :)
Sue, I'm kinda hoping that they do want to try their English on me, because I'm sure that will make for better comprehension than me trying Italian. But I do want to try, even if it only thanking and excusing and saying g'day. And reading menus (my favourite holiday activity!)
ReplyDeleteBron, I love that you're doing some courses. I did ancient history through high school then at university and loved it.
ReplyDeleteLearning Italian has been on my list of things to do for ages. Must get around to it!
Bronwyn, you had me at "colour coding"!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, what excellent courses for someone who is about to travel to Italy! It's as though the universe is conspiring to make sure you have all sorts of wonderful background knowledge to thoroughly enjoy your trip!
I agree on the continuing to learn - I usually pour over the TAFE classes to see if anything catches my fancy... haven't done it for a while. Making a note to myself to get a copy of the next booklet!
I'm very impressed, Bron. And a trip to Italy coming up, so I'm also very jealous!
ReplyDeleteI love learning new things and have always loved studying. I recently completed a Cert IV in Training and Assessment as I wanted to learn more about teaching adults. It was a great course and now I'm teaching adults all about romance writing!!
I'm thinking about doing another degree. Perhaps a Masters in Creative Writing might suit.
Ciao Bella!!
Bron, one of the advantages of homeschooling my child is that I get to join in and learn things too :) Along with another mum, I learn Italian with a groups of h/s kids, ages 9 - 16 and we have great fun. Lots of laughs. (Check out DuoLingo for another good way to practice / learn Italian - http://duolingo.com/).
ReplyDeleteOther than that, I'm not doing any formal studies atm but always keep an eye open to learn something new!