When does one achieve wisdom? Can one become fully actualized? How does one learn and why does one learn? These are but a few questions which scratch the surface of adult learning. Aristotle contemplates a fulfilled life of a learned and happy man, “Happiness, as we have said, requires completeness in virtue as well as a complete lifetime” (Aristotle & Ostwald, 1999, p. 23). But what is this virtue? The Greek word αρετε – pronounced arête – can be translated roughly as “functional excellence manifest in a set of qualities, properties, and actions.” Achieving one’s virtue results in a fully self-actualized person. In the words of the U.S. Army it is “being all you can be.”
“Self-actualization is the epitome of maturity. It is indicative of sound psychological health and predictive of a creative, meaningful, and happy life” (Runco, 2006). Is this the ultimate goal for adult learners? I believe the self-drive within dictates and guides one into and through learning objectives. There are many quantitative goals such as salary, home ownership and family. But… it is within one’s own psyche were success lies either crouched waiting for its chance to pounce or latent and needing a bit of excavation.
Educators must recognize this excellence that dwells within all and see that it needs just the right amount of nurture or cultivation to bloom. I see the learning theories which we have explored as tools for an expert gardener. We must know our students and what each needs to grow and to achieve his or own αρετε. It is not a job for the faint of heart but many fearless and wise individuals have tread and worn a path for us followers. We have but to find and polish their pearls in the sand.
It seems to me that most traditional learning theories have a strong basis in academic disciplines which support their use and application. My thought is that it takes finding the correct theory and approach which energizes and illuminates the individual.
Bibliography
Aristotle, & Ostwald, M. (1999). Nicomachean ethics. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Runco, M. A. (2006). Self-Actualization. In N. J. Salkind (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Human Development (Vol. 3, pp. 1132–1133). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Reference.
James, I have to applaud your usage of the term, "self-actualization". I do like the way you have presented you thoughts on opinions. As and oyster with a grain of sand, it turns in to a pearl. I love pearls by the way.
ReplyDeleteA grain of sand as an irritant, makes for a beautiful pearl if it cultivated long enough. An oyster is a good gardener so to speak. We as future administrator's, will have to cultivate and make our "irritants' in to a pearl of an employee.
As you stated as educator's we do have to strive to be acutely aware of students under our tutelage. My grand parents away told me, you reap what you sow.