Yes, definitely. In my opinion, learning to “learn” is a subset of learning to “think”. One who is able to think, and thoroughly too, is capable of a task such as learning, which compared to it is somewhat inferior.
In definition, learning to “think” is to urge the birth of more in depth, thorough and mature thoughts, as well as analysis of a subject. One is expected to accumulate interesting, varied and innovative ideas. Who is then considered worthy of the title “good thinker”? This term, as it appears, may differ in many of our comprehension and perspectives, but surely, a good thinker neglects not even the most minute factor in relation to his question. To simplify it, thinking is like not just observing an apple, but also little details both inside and outside, first wondering why it has features seen on it, then making connections with what we already know (knowledge) to explain these enquiries, not even forgetting the tiny pores in it.
In contrast, learning to “learn” has embedded in its definition the word “think”. By learning to “think”, you can learn to “learn”, for the former is a harder, more abstract process, while the latter is easier and more physical. A person who knows how to “think” knows how to “learn”, but people who know how to “learn” do not necessarily know how to “think”. Using the above example, learning is merely getting someone to tell you reasons in explanation as to why the fruit possesses its characteristics, and simply memorizing. However, this is done without much effort to think and come up with one’s own reasons. See how the two terms differ?
To ensure my point is made clear, student A always excel in memorizing facts as a way of learning. However, if A encounters a demanding subject like Physics, with only textbook knowledge and a lack for thinking skills, then he might not do well in the topics. On the other hand, student B has properly acquired good thinking skills. Hence even if he did not learn a certain term in a question, he will still be able to make connections with surrounding words or his own knowledge, to decipher the word, therefore still being able to answer the question.
In conclusion, if you can learn to “think”, you can learn to “learn”. Learning to “learn” is only thinking of how he should learn, so “thinking” has more weightage. Ultimately, what I am trying to drive at is that if you can learn to “think”, learning to “learn” should be done with little feat.
Alycia Teo (07A03)
