Hi Catherine!

It was very nice to see your and Barbara's articles on training - thanks! I want to suggest that a different phrase than "soak up" be used to describe the learning process. To me (and I assume others), the phrase "soak up" suggests the learner is like a sponge. In fact many students use this very phrase and comparison to describe their intended behavior and learning during class introductions. "Hi, I'm just going to be a sponge today and soak up whatever I can." This is something I've heard many a time. So, what's the problem you might ask?

The problem is that "being a sponge" and "soaking up" learning doesn't work. It implies a very passive, unidirectional approach to training and adult learning that we know to be the wrong way of approaching students and their learning. Rather, an active engagement is what is needed for learning, not a passive sponge.

Thanks!

Jonathan

Story Tools:  Email This Post  Print This Post Top