Maigi Lepik: learning is not a period of life but a part of life

Short bio

I am a 38-year-old andragogist. I work as a lecturer at Tallinn Health Care College, and I train. I started training 10 years ago completely by accident and without prior preparation. Since the first training, I have enjoyed what I do.

My story

My path as an educator began 10 years ago. In the first trainings, I used my gut feeling to lead me to train the right way. Apparently, it went well because I was invited back. My first goal was to share my knowledge. However, I soon realized I have to move forward; otherwise, I will stay in one place both with my knowledge and training skills. I decided to go study. While studying, you can join more professional teams, but I also constantly observed how someone teaches, and it fascinated me. I gained more confidence to go forward.

It is also good to see how teaching does not work to avoid it in your work. I got practical experience with how an adult learns. To classify myself as a trainer, I applied for adult trainer, level 6. Success! Next, I entered Tallinn University's master's program in andragogy. Once again, I had the opportunity to learn teaching from the best and observe myself in the role of a learner.

I am well aware of the challenges an adult takes when he starts studying. When I entered school, I was asked from where I take my time for studying. That time I answered: work. However, real time comes at the expense of family, free time, and personal time when studying. Now, it seems only a few take time at the expense of work. You will not regret the use of time for a moment! If you have supportive and cohesive classmates by your side, every long train ride to school and even tedious independent work become enjoyable. During my studies, I also acquired an adult trainer degree, level 7.

I have also noticed that the more I learn, the more I feel there is more to learn. I now understand that learning is not a period of life but a part of life.

The children have seen me constantly learning, and I hope this will be a good example for them that there is no other way. Due to my studies, I have become more confident as a trainer, and in every training, I strive to give the learner what he needs. I've had only excellent learners in training, so I haven't had a single bad experience. There are still difficult situations, but I consider this a practical experience. I have never had to decide that I will now support an adult learner or promote lifelong learning. I do it consciously but not in a forced way.

Learning as an adult is anything but being in the comfort zone. Based on this, I do my best to make my learners feel safe and well cared for while acquiring new knowledge.