A MAGICAL PLAN

Learning: It’s Not Just TV

I live a couple of hours away from the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, NY. No, it’s not a casino operated by Native Americans, even though that form of entertainment is available in nearby Salamanca, NY. The Chautauqua Institution is a special place where learning becomes a way of life. As the marketing brochure states: “Be informed, enlightened, entertained, feel renewed.”
The Chautauqua Movement began in the 19th century and was originally linked to religious retreats that would strive to renew the spirituality of those who attended by presenting the best speakers of the time. The Chautauqua Movement spread nationally and many of those sites still exist today in addition to the aforementioned site.
The Chautauqua Institution was founded on the belief that everyone “has a right to be all that he can be – to know all that he can know.” At the Chautauqua Institution, learning experiences can come in many forms including a thriving community where visitors come to find intellectual and spiritual growth and renewal.
Why I am writing about the Chautauqua Institution? First, it is a magical experience that more people need to experience and second it ties into today’s thoughts about adult learning. People always state that they want to learn more. They lament the lack of time, resources or money or access to schools that prevents them from continuous learning. I understand that your concerns are real. Fortunately, I can offer a plan for you that is affordable and respects your busy schedules.
First, daily activities need to include reading/skimming a major newspaper such as USA Today, NY Times or Wall Street Journal. There’s no need to read every page; just skim to get a feel for the day’s important stories. Read those articles that may be of interest to you. Depending on how many articles you plan to read, this should take less than 30 minutes.
Next, read a book for enjoyment for about 30 minutes a day. Pick books written by authors that are known for their rich character development, intriguing plot lines and attention to details. This will help your “mind’s eye” to be stimulated and increased your powers of observation. Hint: you may want to shy away from the classics only because the language of the time can be confusing; stick with authors that speak your language.
Third, and the last daily activity, read something you call “educational” for 30 minutes. Maybe you want to work on your business, computer or leadership skills? It doesn’t matter; pick a topic and spend 30 minutes a day with the “expert.”

If you can't do all 3, then the newspaper is your best bet.
Weekly activities include reading at least one weekly news magazine such as Time or Newsweek (there are many good weekly magazines; pick one you like). Second, spend 30 to 60 minutes looking at your favorite web sites. Be sure to make it a mix of entertainment and educational.

If a weekly magazine is too expensive, then review the web sites.
Finally, monthly activities include reading one entertainment and one educational periodical. Also, if you have access to such activities, visit a museum, planetarium or horticultural center. Admission is rarely expensive and you never know who you might meet at one of these locations.

Gas is expensive; stay close to home and support local activities!
If you schedule these daily, weekly and monthly activities, many scholars estimate that in 4 years you will be as knowledgeable and well-informed as any person with a doctorate degree! Let me know what you think.