New Learning vs. Unlearning

New Learning vs. Unlearning

Jun 06, 2022

In Agility approach, learning can be seen with 2 factors:

  • New Learning

  • Unlearning

In the world of chaos, we receive so much information every day. If we carried the same thought, we seem to get the chance to have new learnings every day. Wouldn't you agree with me on that?

It would be a yes and no.

New learning happens when we adopt new information and apply it as our knowledge.

But in order to get something new as something ours, there comes a time we need to "unlearn", meaning we need to rethink our old ways.

Why is it important to unlearn?

The unlearning process is indeed a reevaluating process where we take our time, reflecting our knowledge and honestly see if they are still applicable in today's world. It is also the process to accept the fact that rigid and static knowledge is no longer valid. In other words, unlearning is the process of accepting change and seeing change or temporary as the obvious.

Is it easy to do so - unlearning?

In a discussion about the learning process with my colleagues in IKEA, we talked about which one is easier? New learning or Unlearning?

Without a doubt, new learning always seems to be easier, thanks to our nature of taking things. Well, isn't it? It's tempting to see something new and slowly take it, adapting to it and making use of it, as our own.

BUT when it comes to unlearning our knowledge, struggles happen. Why's that? In a way, it is hard to let go of our long-established beliefs, knowledge, habits, etc ... you name it. It's hard-wired in our brain and waiting to jump out whenever it can, in any chain of thoughts that we might have. It has been our bias, judgment, or prejudice. It's hard to admit that what we have always believed doesn't stay true anymore. In a way, we are against our old selves. Sounds scary, doesn't it?

The new way of learning

If there were ways better to face ourselves rather than "judging our old beliefs", then maybe this can piece of advice can be helpful.

For any reflections that we have, we can start asking these questions:

  • What worked? What didn't work?

  • What could have been better or improved?

  • How could I make it better next time?

In this process, we certainly need to carry an open mind and seek opportunities for "new learning" as well as "unlearn" the old things.

I hope this article gives you some ideas about learning. Let me know what you think. Thank you.

#NorahVO

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