For continuing education to work effectively, it must be treated as both an art and a science. Only the combination of creativity and science, of assessments and people skills can yield successful continued learning that will lead to the career and advancement you seek.
Creativity in Learning
Creativity can’t be taught directly, and it’s not a science that can be quantified. There are, however, many ways to encourage, foster and facilitate creativity, and some of these can be presented as part of continuing education classes. Creativity in artistic pursuits may teach the brain to think in new ways, and creativity in scientific endeavors may lead to new advances in technology that can be used in many fields.
Problem-solving is, at its root, a creative pursuit that demands divergent thinking and considering ideas that seem to be far outside the box. Applying previously learned skills in new ways is another way creativity can come into play.
The Art of Knowing People
People skills are difficult to define and quantify, but everyone knows when they are working with someone who has great people skills. It takes time and experience to know people well enough to effectively manage, collaborate with, or lead them. Successful continuing education will incorporate some of these skills and help students to gain a better understanding of themselves and others.
Students can learn best when art and science approaches to continuing education are taken together.
New Knowledge About How Brains Work
The science behind continuing education has continued to develop as more is now known about how the brain works than ever before. Using more effective teaching techniques makes it easier to learn and increases the amount you can learn in a given period of time. New methods like microlearning and gamification keep students interested and motivated so they can maximize their opportunities to continue learning.
New Technologies Make Learning Easier
An employee who works full time and has a family may not have the time, energy or motivation to sit in a classroom during their precious off hours. New options like online courses, on site training in partnership with local colleges, and individualized courses can make learning more convenient for busy employees.
New technologies like AI chatbots and online training modules also streamline learning and attract reluctant learners with their ease of use and personalization of learning. Considering the benefits of continued learning, technologies that remove impediments to that learning are valuable and need to be maximized.
Assessments Combine Art and Science
Assessments have also evolved to be more reflective of students’ learning and skills, as well as pointing out what they still need to learn. Assessments can be objective (scientific) or subjective (more of an art), but most are some of both.
CCSU offers a wide variety of continuing education courses in a variety of formats to assist and encourage today’s employees to keep building their skills and broadening their experiences. View open courses to see what opportunities you could take to engage your mind today.