Becoming a Learner

by Matthew L. Sanders (contributor)

Book by Matthew L. Sanders

Genres: Nonfiction

61 pages, Hardcover

First published August 10, 2012

Reviews

[Caitlyn]

this book was required for my USI class... That being said, I always dislike required and non-fiction readings. This book seemed like it was very redundant as far as the advice towards college went. It wasn't bad advice, just stuff I already was doing. For the right person, this would be extremely inspirational but I already knew and did these things. Think Steven Covey 7 Habits, College edition....


"i can teach anyone how to write a god news story. i'm looking for someone who wants to learn, can think critically, can solve problems"

"The primary purpose of college is to become a learner. In other words, the kind of thinker, problem solver, and person you become as a result of your education is much more important than what you learn how to do."

"who you are still matters more than what you can do because it speaks to your long-term potential for success."

[Tasha Seegmiller]

This is an outstanding little book that outlines the fundamental purpose of education, and that is to become a learner. I intended to read through this quickly, but found, instead, that I paused often to underline great truths throughout the text. It shares the way that education should be - a system that allows an individual to expand his or her awareness of self, subject and others. But more than that, it also explains that the purpose is to teach people how to learn, and that when this happens, success is often much higher. I highly recommend this book and plan to peruse many of the sources identified in the notes and bibliography.

[Elisabeth]

This book was required for my university foundation’s course. It wasn’t great. It was repetitious, pretentious, and generally had no real original ideas. I was hoping to be moved and inspired to become a better student, maybe even gain some insight on what it really meant to be a student. I was sorely disappointed.
If you’re the type of high schooler that feels obligated to go to university but isn’t excited about it, I believe you’re the only appropriate audience for this book. Otherwise, don’t waste your time.

[Kristen]

"The primary purpose of college isn't learning a specific set of professional skills; the primary purpose of college is to become a learner."

This short 57 page gem holds incredible insight and direction for learners of all ages, striving for qualities and characteristics that are more critical than a solitary job skill...critical thinking, creativity, communication, character, how knowledge is interconnected, and how learning takes courage and humility.

While I would highly recommend this for College students, ( I think these theories could change the way you approach your college education and your college experience and turn you into a lifelong learner. ) I think this is helpful advice and a course of action at any age.

[Adam]

It was in the title, on every page, and the very last sentence of the book, “Becoming a Learner”. It was a great book but after, I’d say, chapter 3 it sounded more like constant repetition with little to no new ideas. In all honesty, I think this book could be summed up better in a 15 or 20 minute TED talk rather than a 50 page book. However, this book did make me realize that some of my views towards college were incorrect. Personally, I don’t believe it’s a 5 star book but I’d recommend reading it.

[Sophia Potter]

I thought this book was very interesting and it had a lot of good advice about learning and you taking hold of your education.

The only thing about this book that bothered me was it was VERY repetitive. I mean every paragraph ended with basically the same purpose.

Overall, a quick, good insightful read that I’ll definitely remember.

[Ava Mortillaro]

I had to read this for a class. I struggled to get through this, it felt repetitive. It was giving self help book, I felt like I was being lectured. Honestly there were some points of value but overall a lot of it felt like common sense.

[Micki]

Excellent advice.
Great book to give as a high school graduation present.
Exactly how I wish I had approach college.

[Jenny Lynn Cheatham]

Matthew Sanders makes some really great points about becoming a learner as a college student!

[Ruthie]

Read for college intro class.

[Annelise Dreifaldt]

very repetitive, interesting book for teaching and learning class though.