Elvenoaks Concepts

Elvenoaks Concepts

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Higher Learning and complexity

The act of learning creates complexity and efficiency in a person's life. When a learner decides to learn, she must devote time, to study, memorize, analyze, practice. It does not matter whether the learning is for a college class or for a new video game. That added complexity in one's life comes from the time and effort required to manage the demands of the learning.

Now, if the added complexity is seen as useless or not worth the effort, constructivist learning theory says a person will forget that new knowledge. She will give up practicing the video game; he will stop going to class or doing the homework. Often, the person may say, "I got bored with it." "It became a waste of my time."

If, though, the learner devotes enough time to see efficiency benefits, then the learning becomes more valuable. If she defeats the stage boss more smoothly each time, if he gets an "A" on the first test, then the effort has led to rewards. The knowledge has made the learner's life more efficient. The knowledge is seen as valuable. Life will become easier. Complexity and Efficency, then, work together as an all-prevading force behind human existence. It might even be said that a balance between the two might be what happiness is all about.

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