How does one define learning?

As an avid Harry Potter fan when asked the question, "What is my current definition of learning?" I was immediately brought to the fateful day when Harry, Ron and Hermione walked into their Divination class and the eccentric Professor Trelawney gave her "first day" spiel. She told the class, "Broaden your minds, my dears, and allow your eyes to see past the mundane!" I would say my definition is pretty close to that. One should broaden, stretch, pull and challenge their minds in a way they haven't experienced before and apply their new findings to their life. THAT seems like learning to me.

I believe people LEARN in all sorts of different ways. It's important to note that one may identify with learning through visuals, but they can still be taught through a song. And even though one way is best for them or they are more comfortable with, sometimes the greatest learning experiences come in ways you aren't used to. Maybe the concrete learner can be taught through creating an art piece. My point being don't limit yourself. As an educator I hope I can provide a wide VARIETY. (Especially since I've been told it's considered the spice of life.) You learn through your senses, experiences and your peers.

I would hope that learning in my classroom is a mixed bag of all of different types of learning styles. One day we may be actually mapping out the path of Paul Revere in History. Another day we may have every student represent a different country and teach us about it in Geography. Maybe we could do a digital timeline of cultural swings in Political Science. I pray that I can find enough different activities to present my students with a sense of excitement but also offer stability. I mean..... if we switch things up too much they might just feel anxious all the time, and a room full of anxious teenagers sounds like it would scare the..... well you know what out of me. I'll be sure to work on that, but hey, I'm still an educator in training.