How Thops’ Failure to Teach Me Erudition Made Me a Better Learner

As a child growing up in Ghana, I remember vividly how eager I was to learn. From the ages of five to fourteen, I attended a school called Thops. Thops was a small private school with a reputation for excellence and holistic teaching. Given my love for learning, I was excited about the prospect of attending Thops. However, what I experienced there was a complete disconnect from what I had hoped to learn.

At Thops, we were told that we were privileged to attend such a prestigious school. We were given books to read, and notes to copy, but no one really explained what they meant. We were taught to cram information so that we could regurgitate it on exams. At the end of each term, the school gave out awards to the best students based on grades. The emphasis was on grades, and not on what we had learned or how we could apply what we had learned to our daily lives.

However, in hindsight, I realize that Thops’ failure to teach me erudition was actually a blessing in disguise. I learned how to be a better learner because of it. Here’s how:

1. I Learned the Value of Self-Directed Learning

Because Thops did not teach me how to learn deeply and meaningfully, I had to take responsibility for my own learning. I started to read books on my own, watch educational videos, and attend seminars and workshops. I realized that I had to be proactive in seeking knowledge that interested me.

2. I Learned to Ask Questions

At Thops, it was not encouraged to ask questions. We were simply expected to memorize what we were taught. However, I found that asking questions is key to learning. I started to ask my own questions and seek answers, either from my teachers, online, or through trial and error.

3. I Learned to Connect the Dots

At Thops, we were taught subjects in isolation, not as part of a broader picture. However, as I delved deeper into my quest for knowledge, I discovered that everything was interconnected. I learned to connect the dots between different subjects and to see how they fit together.

4. I Learned that Failure is Part of the Learning Process

At Thops, we were taught that failure was unacceptable. However, in my own self-directed learning journey, I failed many times. I discovered that failure was not the end, but part of the learning process. I learned that I had to keep trying until I succeeded.

In conclusion, while Thops may have failed to teach me erudition, it played a crucial role in helping me become a better learner. I learned the value of self-directed learning, asking questions, connecting the dots, and that failure is part of the learning process. These lessons have proven invaluable in my personal and professional growth and development.

So, if you find yourself in a similar situation as me, where the schooling system is not meeting your needs, do not despair. Instead, use it as an opportunity to become a better learner and take your education into your own hands. The skills and knowledge you acquire will serve you well in your personal and professional life.