Learning: Causes, Processes, Effects, Goals

Effective learning takes place if certain conditions are met. Different authors have had different opinions as far as the best way to learn successfully is concerned. For instance, Malcolm X, in his article “Learning to Read” expresses himself as an advocate of hard work, resilience and relative learning. Similarly, Reyna Grande, in her book, “The Distance between Us” advocates similar virtues. Despite their prevailing difficult circumstances, they find a way in the difficult process of learning. The following essay compares Malcolm X and Reyna Grande’s ideas of effective learning with hard work, resilience and relative learning as the main attributes.

Both Reyna Grande and Malcolm X believe that effective learning is about hard work and resilience. After undergoing through abject poverty in Mexico, Reyna, and her siblings, eventually convinced her father to bring them to El Otro Lado (the other side; in reference to the US). In her mind, she thought that her life would change for the better. However, both in school and at home, she experience all forms of abuse. However, through hard work she was able to read and write in English. She could read books for long hours in the library and at home using flashlight. Even her sister branded her as a “…librarian” (241) Contrary to her father who could not cope with the English lessons especially after losing his house to his sister, Rayne kept her sprit high amid despair in her life. Malcolm X, similarly, learnt to read and write in prison and had to do so using only beams of light. He was able to study English using a dictionary, a template and a pencil; under the harsh prison environment. Indeed, one has to sacrifice to and endure some unwelcoming conditions to succeed as an educated person.

The best learning material is one that connects with the learner and fits well with their situation (s) - relative learning. Rayna gathers a number of books from the librarian, for instance, “the 1000 Arabian nights”, “the sweet valley High” and “The Baby Sitters”. Even though the books had nothing to do with her history in Mexico, they provided a glimpse of the life she wished she would have had. Rayna said: “But, with V. C. Andrew books, I found a connection. Even though she wasn’t writing about my Mexican culture, I could relate to the characters and experiences” (241). This means that the best material that for captivating one’s mind in reading and learning is one that connects well with his or her situation. This too happened to Malcolm X. he wrote: “It was because of my letters that I happened to stumble upon starting to acquire some kind of a homemade education. I became increasingly frustrated. At not being able to express what I wanted to convey in letters that I wrote, especially those to Mr. Elijah Muhammad” (1). As a strong follower of Mr. Elijah Muhammad, he needed to be able to communicate with him. Letters were the only means and since he could not express himself in proper English, he had had to learn how to read and write. Therefore, the prevailing circumstance is a strong motive for education and learning.

In my view, similar to Rayna and Malcolm X, I strongly advocate for hard work, resilience and relative learning in the process of gaining education. Indeed, for one to be in a position to garner the knowledge needed, one needs to work relentlessly. At the same time, learning and reading from the known to the unknown is the best technique for me. As a result, I believe that relating the known to the known can help in retaining knowledge and can drive one to even better heights in education. Life experiences are sweeter when expressed in writing by other people and when one is reading, the situation is clearer compared to when one is reading a totally new material. Malcolm worked day and night and took every opportunity to study the English language. Similarly, Rayna worked hard and seized every opportunity presented to her and could not understand how Mago could chose fulltime job over school: “Instead, she talked about looking for a full time job…” (259). Her response was: “Papi wouldn’t want you to be out partying” (259). She could not imagine disobeying her dad who had allowed her to go to school. Similarly, I believe that every learning opportunity for learning is relevant and should not be wasted.

In “The Distance between Us” by Rayna Grande, she is the one who learns. Despite the struggle she endures, she finally became the first person in her family to graduate through college. Indeed, her learning journey was tough, but she eventually made it. However, it took the input of different people and institutions to reach her the heights. For instance, her father took her to school, and this was a bold step coming from him. Her step mother, Mila, also took part in her education by attending teacher-parent conferences, when her father could not avail himself. The librarian too came in at a time when Rayna had not mastered her reading skills. He suggested some reading books which she found interesting and took time studying them. Her sister Mago also helped in her education by motivating her and standing by her side all the time. She was there in the Rose Parade and took video of her: “But Mago was. And her presence as always, filled the void of my parents’ absence” (268). As for Malcolm X, Bimbi, was his greatest motivator. He could not understand how he could demand attention with well-articulated language. Therefore, to emulate him and to be able to communicate with his mentor Elijah Muhammad, he was delved into learning. All rounded learning requires input from all sorts of people.

The two authors learns how to read and write the English language. Malcolm X learns in prison while Rayna starts her education in an American elementary school. Rayna took her time to learn the English language al through to college while Malcolm X only learns how to write in English and speak in English within seven years he spent in prison. Both endeared the English language and ability to express themselves in English. Being a foreigner, Rayna had to know how to express herself while Malcolm wanted to express himself to Elijah Muhammad, as an advocate for the black people, in a language he could understand. It is their circumstances and desire to express themselves that they learnt the English language.

I have an experience in hard work, resilience and relative learning. I was born in a Spanish speaking country and migrated here with my parents in first grade. I had not learnt a word in English and could not express myself at all. In my first day in school, I was bullied, and only the teacher could understand my Spanish language. She offered to help me through the process of learning. She availed me English materials and helped in learning pronunciation. After working day and night, I could freely express myself in English. Today, I don’t even have the Spanish accent in speaking and no one can tell the difference. I have learnt that the above virtues are very important in learning and education.

Indeed, learning has never been easy. It takes an extra effort to achieve a certain goal in the process. Only those willing to take a step further can make it through. However, if the right input and personnel comes along, it becomes less tedious and accommodating. In the process the efforts becomes rewarded and he leaner makes it through the hectic process. However, success does not come on a silver platter, one has to prevail through the difficult circumstances.

References

Grande, R, (2012). The distance between us. Memoir. Washington square Press.

Malcolm, X. (1965). Learning to Read. The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Ed. Alex Haley. New York: Ballantine, 353-61.