We need a paradigm shift in the ways in which we learn in the 21st century. Why so?
Think of it this way. It is quite understandable the way in which we have been thinking in 20th century about the education – that we need to acquire in terms of degrees or doctorates to show that we possess certain knowledge about something to some level.
For that purpose we instituted schools, colleges, universities around the world, each of which was expected to support the cause of education at different skill levels. What has then changed for 21st century?
The growth in the C-quadrant enabling the entire world to connect in number of ways; the ubiquitous nature of internet providing access to information from anywhere at anytime to anyone; and the varied communication channles, all have redefined the ways in which the education can be perceived to be delivered in the 21st century.
Hence the perceived nature of a boarding a train going through stops announcing your arrivals at elementary school, middle school, high school and then to college and university conform to the process of falling in line – think of it as one behind the other to get to where we needed to get to.
There is also the danger that once you pass through those milestones in learning, there is a belief that you have attained a certain level of education to deal with what the world has to offer. There are grading systems that tell the world who is best at what and who needs further training. However, the race to reach the best schools in hopes of achieving quicker and greater success defeats things that are fundamental to the process of learning.
If “publish or perish” mentality gets associated with achieving continued success as a researcher, why then one single thing that Albert Einstein came up with after years of no publications changed the world? Why can’t we change our perspective towards solid learning rather than to rush to publish?
What does motivate learning? Survival or Passion to learn? Once we understand this, the merits and demerits of line and the circle will become evident.
You may want to check this link out to read further on the paradigm shift needed from line to circle: http://www.scientificamerican.com/slideshow.cfm?id=achievements-of-wandering-minds