Carl Rogers was an influential figure in understanding how we, as people learn. He wrote that an educated person is one “who has learned how to learn… how to adapt and change” and “no knowledge is secure, that only the process of seeking knowledge gives a basis for security” (Rogers, 1983). This is an interesting quote, one that can relate to modern learning concepts and techniques even though it was first brought to light decades ago.
Rogers’ quote refers to humanistic psychology as a learning theory, which was established by Rogers to describe self-directed learning done by students, with the teacher acting only as a facilitator (Merriam & Bierema, 2014). Self-directed learning is particularly interesting today, where technology has made information increasingly easy to access and learn from in real-time. As of 2020, 84% of people in Canada had a smartphone for personal use (Asselin, et al, 2024). That number is likely higher today. In my experience, learning to use a smartphone as an educational tool can unlock a wealth of information and opportunities for ongoing formal, non-formal and informal learning.
In many industries, learning and adapting is a necessity. Take, for example the electrical trade, where new technology and wiring methods are frequently encountered. I was recently dispatched to install a Rogers Communications doorbell camera system for a residential customer in Duncan. The first thing I did when arriving on site was use my smartphone to Google the camera’s model number and watch an installation video on the manufacturer’s website. Armed with this new information I just learned, coupled with my technical training, I was able to install the camera and connect it to the existing analog doorbell chime. I identify with Rogers’ quote mainly because I consider myself a constant learner, adapting and changing with new challenges as they are presented.
To
me, Carl Rogers’ quote rings true in my everyday life. It solidifies my belief
that you should never rest on your laurels; there is always something to learn.
I try to gain knowledge from people with different experiences, from technical
information I find in manuals or online, and from my own mistakes; even an
error is an opportunity to learn.
Lately I have been thinking of the difference between an electrician and an installer, and when I think about Rogers’ quote, I believe the difference is that an electrician is a lifelong learner, using all the tools at his or her disposal. An installer could be someone who simply follows a set of instructions. According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, future job prospects for an electrician in British Columbia are graded as “Limited” (Job Bank, 2026) so it makes sense to set oneself apart from the competition by constantly learning and adding to your skillset. To quote one of my favourite philosophers, Sir Francis Bacon, “Knowledge itself, is power.” (Bacon, 1597).
Learning
to learn has impacted me immensely in my professional career, and I am convinced
I should open my eyes even further, to look for even more new ways to learn.
Often, we as electricians are seen as problem solvers and troubleshooters, and
we must be able to fix issues on the fly. A quick Google search or posting a
question in a forum can result in new information I may not have considered.
I
have yet to use Artificial Intelligence in my career, but I believe it’s
something I should consider, as I have recently discovered some of my
colleagues use Chat GPT as a tool. Of course, the amount of disinformation or
incomplete information presents a challenge, but I believe no stone should be
left unturned in the learning process. Coupled with my technical and safety
training, as well as my knowledge of the Canadian Electrical Code, the digital
age presents me with learning opportunities not seen or likely predicted by
those who came before me. Something tells me Carl Rogers would see immense opportunities
to learn in our digital age. I’m willing to bet he could even learn how to
install a doorbell camera.
References
Asselin,
G., Bilodeau, H., Khalid, A. (2024). Statistics Canada: Digital well-being: the
relationship between technology use, mental health and interpersonal
relationships https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/20684/ca;jsessionid=FD68B8465969318798834A21DF7BC5D9.jobsearch76
Bacon, F (1597).
Meditationes Sacrae
Job
Bank (2026). Government of Canada: Job Prospect, Electrician in Canada https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/20684/ca;jsessionid=FD68B8465969318798834A21DF7BC5D9.jobsearch76
Merriam, S., Bierema, L.
(2014). Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice (pp. 30-31)
Rogers, C. (1983). Freedom
to Learn (pp. 120)
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