Many families are attempting to make the best of their summer time by taking family trips before school resumes.

Despite the increased cost of gasoline and food items, people are still opting to venture to nearby beaches and entertainment parks. Boats are still consuming local waters for fun in the sun. Some families are choosing to split costs with other family members or friends in order to save a little due to inflation of prices.

Increased prices are not keeping many young people from scheduling sleepovers, summer camps and trips out of town before the regular routine of school begins. Sleeping in and not having to wear a uniform each day has been a pleasure for many. Even though breaks are needed, school will be back in session soon and all students must have an open mind towards learning.

As a learner, one must overcome a number of fears. For example, some students are reluctant to use new technology or pursue challenging classes due to ‘fear of failure.’ Unfortunately, for some, insecurity can be comforting. Another fear for students is ‘fear of embarrassment.’ Yet, humiliation has actually caused a great number of students to drop out of school.

The fear of being less than perfect can haunt a student as well. By trying to accomplish everything flawlessly, some endeavors become self-defeating. Unreachable goals are often set and criticism can feel like someone is puncturing a wound. Learning takes time and dedication. The right attitude always helps one to enjoy the journey rather than fear it.

Today, there are more adult learners than ever before. Pedagogy is the science of educating children. Andragogy is more learner-focused and is related to the science of educating adults. Sensory stimulation is a way to help students remember what they should have mastered. Studies show that adults retain more information from sight education than from hearing or any other form of sensory stimulation.

Adult learners are generally self-directed; whereas, adolescents generally require much guidance and direction. No matter what age, learners should have the opportunity to explore and share their ideas in an atmosphere where they feel safe and accepted. The best educators know how to motivate, manage, plan, listen and adapt to meet individual and group needs of a class.

Ultimately, life experiences affect the ways people learn. Unlike young learners who are expected to listen and study for the purpose of learning; adults understand time is valuable and they must define their role as a learner and grasp as much knowledge and skills as possible when the opportunity arises.

No matter what the cost, spending time learning as an individual (whether a child or an adult) in a classroom or as a family on a trip, the experience is priceless.

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne.