New academic year, new opportunities to learn

At this time of year, my thoughts always turn to learning and self-improvement. Many of the twenty-odd Septembers since I left university have seen me enrolling on an adult-education or training course, finding myself a private tutor and/or embarking on a self-study project. Beyond my career as a language teacher, I’ve trained as a magazine journalist, scriptwriter, psychotherapist and Indian head masseuse. I’ve taken courses in time management, bridge-playing, history of art, marketing, Thai cookery and public speaking skills (I took to the latter so well that I actually teach public speaking now). I’ve had lessons in musical keyboard, hang-gliding and a variety of foreign languages.

Some of these I’ve approached as social activities and, in fact, I’ve made some good friends through them. Others have been displacement activities, which I’ve done to distract myself from my problems. Some I’ve pushed myself to do, to take me out of my comfort zone; others I’ve done to remind myself there are things I’m good at. All, in their own way, have enriched my life.

I love learning, partly because it gives me a huge sense of achievement and partly because it expands my horizons and encourages me to look at the world in new ways.

If you’re interested in languages (one of my passions), let me draw your attention to my e-course in Italian for beginners. I wrote this, with the help of native Italian colleagues, because it was the course I longed for myself, both back when I was first learning Italian and also later when I was teaching it. I’m recommending this course not just because I want to sell it but because I spent months creating it and I believe it works (the feedback I’ve had backs me up on this, which is gratifying).

Anyway, the point is, learning is good for us. It feeds the soul and moves us forward. And you don’t have to attend a course, or even have formal lessons, to benefit from great teaching. I’ve learnt tons from just hanging out with my friends and listening to what they’ve got to say about their jobs and hobbies. Renowned magician (now a friend) Iain Moran, for example, has taught me an enormous amount about magic – and he has certainly encouraged me to look at the world in a new way!

My challenges to myself between now and Christmas are to brush up my Greek and to learn to juggle with three balls. Now that I’ve written this down, they’re officially goals - so I’d better get busy.