“Students Can Learn Faster Than You Teach”

Education should not centre on what we teach, but rather on what students can learn. No matter how well-structured or engaging a lecture is, students can quickly access more resources from the internet or AI. The real question is not about content delivery but about cultivating a passion for learning.

Cultivating the Passion to Learn

I recently asked some of my peers whether they would be willing to spend a few minutes of their lunch break reading valuable content I created instead of watching junk videos or TV series on their phones. Their answer was no. They cited busy work schedules and the overwhelming demands of parenting. However, the most striking reason they shared was their lack of passion for learning.

Professor Boey’s insight resonated deeply—it's not just about the content we create but the environment we foster that cultivates a passion for learning. Here are my key inspirations from his perspective:

A Passionate Learning Environment Should Be Like a Playground

A playground is a place of fun, excitement, and controlled risk-taking. It is where you meet new people, try new things, and engage in experiences that energize rather than exhaust you. Every game provides a discovery, and the process itself creates lasting learning memories. More importantly, learning should not be measured by how much knowledge is acquired but by how it is acquired. Learning how to learn is more important than what to learn.

A Passionate Learning Environment Should Be Like a Supermarket

People visit supermarkets for various reasons—some have a shopping list, others browse for deals, and some simply explore new products. Learning should be the same. It should be a matter of choice, where learners decide what to pursue and what to set aside. Just as shoppers assess their budget before making a purchase, learners must evaluate their capacity to absorb new knowledge. Sometimes, you find better goods in another aisle. You will put back your selected goods and pick the new ones. This is a process of unlearning and relearning.

A Passionate Learning Environment Should Be Like a Summer Camp

Summer camps offer unique advantages. They operate within a confined space, minimizing distractions and allowing participants to stay focused for a set period. Campers engage in unfamiliar activities and collaborate with peers outside of their usual routines, leading to fresh experiences and unexpected synergies. This structured yet immersive environment fosters new insights and ways of thinking.

A Passionate Learning Environment Should Be Like an Adventure

An adventure requires a compass, a map, and some essential supplies, but no strict itinerary. Learners should be free to choose their path—whether an easy route or a challenging one. Without a guide dictating their every step, they must navigate uncertainty alongside companions who share their vision. Along the way, they will encounter setbacks, make course corrections, and sometimes deviate from their original plans. But in the end, they gain the freedom to learn, unlearn, and relearn—a journey of exploration and growth.

Embracing the Learning Nomad Mindset

As Professor Freddy Boey said, “Students can learn faster than you talk.” In today’s world, we can learn much faster than ever before. The Learning Nomad is a metaphor for lifelong learners—those who carry only what they need, move quickly, and adapt seamlessly to the changing landscape of knowledge. By embracing this mindset, we can continuously learn, unlearn, and relearn, staying agile in an ever-evolving world.