Readiness to Learn

 Ready… Set… Learn

Before a child begins to read, there are certain characteristics of readiness that indicate their ability to engage in the learning process. Things such as showing interest in reading or being able to retell stories and play with rhymes, being able to auditorily and/or visually discriminate between the letter shapes and sounds. And of course their name is usually their favorite first word to recognize. The list of indicators continue and basically it allows educators to recognize when a child is prepared for the next step of learning.

On a broader scale, readiness to learn any subject is demonstrated through similar competencies in a variety of areas (physical, emotional, experiential, & knowledge) where an educator can gauge whether the student is adequately prepared. However, if not, then stepping back a few steps to meet those foundational concepts/skills might be more beneficial for the student. Readiness might include things like a willingness to learn or capacity to perform a certain skill or possessing a base knowledge/vocabulary.

It is the same principle of line upon line – here a little and there a little. In order to do the big things, we have to master the little things that build up to that big thing.

I propose that there is even another element of readiness that needs to take place. Ironically, learning can occur without this factor, though the effectiveness and accuracy or level of truth are greatly diminished without it. It is simply the category of worthiness.

Now that may sound ridiculous to some. Moral preparation may not appear to have anything to do with readiness to learn nuclear physics or a history textbook. But think about it. The Holy Ghost cares a great deal about moral worthiness – so much so that he will not have anything to do with one who is unworthy  - and the Holy Ghost is a great facilitator for learning.

Look at this following list.

·         The Holy Ghost can bring all things to your remembrance. That could come in handy on a test or any type of application of knowledge.

·         The Holy Ghost testifies of truth. Having that witness kind of makes an imprint in our heart of the importance of that information.

·         The Holy Ghost edifies both the teacher and the learner. We know if you have not the spirit ye shall not teach. And when we attempt to learn without the aid of the Holy Spirit, we are more apt to undervalue the information – such as forget, misuse, or disregard.

·         The Holy Ghost helps us gain higher levels of understanding – further up and further in. The surface understanding of base academic learning is good, but the spirit can help us see that all things point to Christ and that all things are spiritual. Secular truths, such as the arts and sciences, can be seen as the subset that they are to saving or sacred truths.

·         If we are insufficiently pure, we shall not see the higher or holier knowledge that is available to us. Even Life Eternal – “This is life eternal that they might know thee the only God and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

 

Yeah… Learning definitely needs to include the Holy Ghost as part of the equation. And in order to do that, the student needs to be worthy for His companionship. That worthiness is not perfection, but more of a willingness, desire, and striving to improve.