Learning for the Sake of “Learning?” or “Applying?”

Probably you never thought about these two ways of learning. 90% of us fall into the category. Here is more on this. “Learning for the sake of learning” and “Learning for the sake of applying.” There’s a big difference between these two approaches, and it has a huge impact on how well we can use our knowledge in real life. These two approaches can shape our future in very different ways, and understanding this difference is crucial for anyone looking to make their mark in the world.

Learning for the Sake of Learning:

This is what most of us are used to in school and college. We follow what the teachers say, memorize the information, and try to get good grades. But when we graduate, we often find that we don’t have the skills to apply what we’ve learned. Millions of graduates have no idea how to use their knowledge to create value or make money. The only thing they can think of is giving tuition to younger students, which isn’t a long-term solution or scalable.

Why does this happen? Because they never spend time thinking about how to create value with what they know. They’re focused on scores and certificates, not on real-world applications. This approach might work if you have plenty of time and money to explore different subjects deeply. But for most students, especially those who aren’t from wealthy backgrounds, this method is not practical.

Imagine a student who spends years in college studying various subjects, from history to science to art, just to gain knowledge. They attend lectures, read textbooks, and take exams. They might even graduate with top grades. However, when they step into the real world, they find themselves unprepared to tackle practical problems or secure a job. Although, Students gain a wide range of knowledge across different fields, they often lack the skills needed to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Good grades and certificates can open doors to further academic opportunities and every student can’t get top scores and the knowledge gained might not align with what is currently in demand in the job market. Without practical skills, graduates may struggle to find meaningful employment.

A graduate with a degree in philosophy might be excellent at critical thinking and analysis but might not know how to apply these skills in a job that requires specific technical knowledge or business acumen.

Learning for the Sake of Applying

Now, let’s look at the other approach. This is about learning with the goal of applying your knowledge to solve real problems and create value. This is what we call value-based thinking. Unfortunately, many academic qualifications and certificates today don’t align with what the market needs. Students often don’t know what they’re learning, why they’re learning it, or how to use it in real life. They might not even be sure if they want to pursue it.

The responsibility here falls on both academic institutions and educators. They need to help students understand the difference between learning just for the sake of it and learning to apply their knowledge. Students should focus on value-based thinking, identifying areas where they can create value in the market. This makes them skilful and employable.

If you’re not rich and can’t afford to spend years exploring various subjects without a clear goal, it’s crucial to focus on learning that leads to practical applications. This way, you can build skills that are in demand and secure your future.

Now, picture a student who studies with the intention of applying what they learn. They focus on subjects that interest them and have practical applications, like coding, marketing, or design. They work on projects, internships, and real-life problems during their studies. By the time they graduate, they have a portfolio of work and the skills employers are looking for. This allows students to develop skills that are directly applicable to the workplace. With practical experience, graduates are more attractive to employers.  Students will get to understand the market and learn how to create value, solve problems, and contribute meaningfully to their field. The skills and knowledge gained are aligned with market demands, increasing employability.

However, students might miss out on the broader knowledge with less focus on “learning for the sake of learning” that comes from studying a wide range of subjects.

A student who studies computer science with a focus on software development builds apps during their course, and interns at tech companies. By graduation, they have a solid portfolio and the practical skills needed to land a job as a software developer.

Practising Value-Based Thinking

Value-based thinking is a powerful approach that bridges the gap between acquiring knowledge and applying it effectively. It’s about learning with a purpose—ensuring that what you study can be put to use in real-world scenarios to create tangible value. Here’s how you can develop and practice value-based thinking to embrace “learning for the sake of applying”.

1. Identify Market Needs: Understand what skills and knowledge are in demand.
2. Set Clear Goals: Have specific goals for how they want to use their knowledge.
3. Engage in Real-World Projects: Work on projects that solve real problems and add to their experience.
4. Seek Practical Experience: Through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering.
5. Reflect on Learning: Continuously think about how what they are learning can be applied in the real world.

Why It Matters:

• Economic Independence: Students can secure good jobs and achieve financial stability.
• Innovation: By solving real problems, students can drive innovation and contribute to societal progress.
• Personal Fulfillment: Applying knowledge in meaningful ways can lead to a more fulfilling career.

It’s high time every one of us realizes that academic qualifications and certification alone are not enough, it’s crucial to focus on learning that leads to practical applications. While learning for the sake of learning can enrich our minds, learning for the sake of applying helps us build skills that are valuable in the market. Embracing value-based thinking ensures that we are not just knowledgeable but also capable of creating value and achieving success in our chosen fields.