Academic and Experimental Learning of the Stars

In the poem “I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer” by Walt Whitman there is a dilemma between experiential learning and academic learning. According to UNESCO, “at the heart of all learning is the way we process our experiences, especially our critical reflections on our experiences [...] experiential education as a key approach to student-centred learning for a sustainable future.” Many believe that knowledge only comes from what one learns in class. The speaker expresses his boredom while a professor talks about the universe and mathematical figures. He states “When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room, how soon unaccountable I became tired and sick” (Whitman 4-5). This disinterest sticks until the speaker ventures outside and looks up at the stars. He is mesmerized by the ordeal that is partaking. He specifies by saying “Look'd up in perfect silence at the stars” (Whitman 8). The speaker points out that some things can only be taught experimentally and not academically, or vice versa.

Even though the poem is relatively short, there is a strong message being presented. The settings, the lecture hall and outside, depict the different learning styles. The speaker’s opinion imposes that regardless of how “learn’d” the professor is, no lecture is greater than looking directly at the stars. I agree with the speaker; the scientific explanations can defiantly detract from the beauty of the stars. I tend to get disinterested when listening to a teacher discuss theories and mathematical equations. I believe that experiential learning applies to me since I would classify myself as a visual and hands-on learner. For example, I am currently in Grade 11 Physical Geography and there is a mix of lessons, textbook work, making models, and going on field trips. As of right now, we are learning about the Oak Ridges Moraine in class that I would consider boring. In a few weeks we will be travelling to Blue Mountain and the Scenic Caves. Experiencing these famous landforms face-to-face will impact me more than reading about it in a textbook.

      

In some cases, this is not always true. For instance, when I learned of the horrid conditions that many zoo animals are put through, it made me second guess a trip to the Toronto Zoo. When I was a kid I loved going because I didn’t know all of the facts and statistics. Now I choose not to support this unethical display of animals.

In conclusion things can seem very different when looking through either an experimental or an academic perspective. The perspective is determined by the individual and most importantly the subject.

Works Cited

"HomeTeaching and Learning for a Sustainable Future." UNESCO | Teaching and Learning for a Sustainable Future | Module 20: Experiential learning. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 May 2017. <http://www.unesco.org/education/tlsf/mods/theme_d/mod20.html>.



Whitman, Walt. I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer. N.p.: n.p., 1865. Print.