Lifelong Learning Breaks Out of School
Do you remember the song from Annie Get Your Gun
–“Doin’ What Comes Naturally”?
You don’t have to know
how to read or write
When you’re out with a
feller in the pale moonlight.
You don’t have to look in
a book to find
What he thinks of the
moon and what is on his mind.
That comes naturally…
The song suggests that Annie and the folks in her
town have never had any “schoolin,” so others think they’re “dumb.” But
Annie protests. They can make money, raise a family, drink and
procreate without even knowing how to write. Learnin’ doesn’t just come
from books!
Furthermore, there’s no place or method to which
learning is restricted. It’s not incarcerated in schools or libraries,
confined to the Public Television network or the Internet. Learning
happens when we stop our busyness to listen, watch and think, when we
explore our world by walking fields, talking to new people, traveling to
new places, and when we try our hand at something new. Today we call
this “lifelong learning,” and everyone’s encouraged to engage in it so
that they live a happier and longer life.
Many Coshocton folks are energetically involved in
lifelong learning. About fifty of them met at the Johnson-Humrickhouse
Museum in February to hear Mark Hersman, Mansfield archaeologist and
teacher talk about the Indian artifacts that can be found in the fields
of Coshocton and the surrounding counties. I looked around the room and
wondered what brings these people together. This was the classroom
teacher’s dream-come-true. The “students” were brimming with enthusiasm
and the desire to absorb as much information as possible in this
90-minute period. What is it about rocks and stones that accounts for
this passionate interest?
Donna and Pat Keyes traveled from Guernsey County
having read about the event in their local newspaper. They have
collected artifacts for many years near their home and also in Licking
and Pike counties. Donna described Pat as the “driving force.” She
commented on what a great family venture walking the fields could be—but
put forth the disclaimer that it had been less popular with her daughter
than the males in the family. In their busy lives, they had gotten away
from this activity, and they are now rekindling an old interest. Donna
and Pat gain knowledge about local artifacts from reading and by
connecting with older people who share their enthusiasm.
Debra Short of Dover also learned of the talk
through her local paper. She has been interested in searching the
fields for finds for a long time. She wanted to learn more claiming
that she “wasn’t sure what she was looking for.”
Long-time teacher in the Riverview school district,
Dave Woodmansee, brought a colorful collection of flint points. He and
an acquaintance were identifying the different types of flint and
speculating on the origins of each since some are not native to the
area. All pieces were found at one site and represent a cross section
of cultures and time periods.
All were invited to bring in their personal finds.
As I perused the group during this informal time, I noticed that all
were totally engaged, full of questions and ready to share their
experiences and stories with one another. As folks were involved in
this teaching-learning experience, a sense of community emerged--a
community forged through shared experiences, interests and place. The
room was resonating with energy and excitement.
Coshocton offers many opportunities
to get involved with a community of lifelong learners. There’s the
Coshocton Art Guild, the history club, the Footlight Players and the
library’s book club, just to name a few. And what better time than
spring to begin “doin’ what comes naturally.” It’s a great way to live.
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