A previous learning journey.....

'Before we can move towards a better understanding of the Middle Phase Learner, and our role as manager of learning, it is wise to redefine the concepts of teaching and learning'. (http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view/php?id=81545)
In order to do this, I will look back at a previous learning journey that I have had by answering some questions.
The learning journey that I am going to choose is during my time as an apprentice hairdresser.
What was the reason for learning? Did it just 'happen' or was it planned?
Well, as far as becoming a hairdresser, it was something I kind of 'fell' into.  After moving to the Gold Coast at age 21, I realised that I wanted to put my brain to some use but had absolutely no idea what I wanted to study.  So I took myself off to the local TAFE and got some brochures on the courses that they offered.  The certificate in Salon Practices looked like fun so I signed up.  Never in a million years did I think that this would lead to a career in Hairdressing.  So, initially, I guess you could say that the learning journey just 'happened' but once I had started, the learning became a lot more planned.
Were you anticipating success? Was your motivation intrinsic or extrinsic?
Whenever I do something, my philosphy is 'to do my best' - I am very much the perfectionist (which can be very tiring at times!!) So was I anticipating success? OF COURSE......as for motivation, there is always self satisfaction on a job well done but there is also a great deal of pride when you are praised by peers or work colleagues.
Was it a useful or desirable thing to learn?
It was extremely useful as this was to be my career and I was lucky enough for it to be desirable as well.  As much as I HAD to do it in order to complete my apprenticeship, it was also something that I was really enjoying.
Was it a by heart (rote) type of learning or was it more about understanding and using the information?
For me it was very much about understanding why I was doing things and being able to use that information in a variety of ways.  Hairdressing is not the type of thing you can learn by rote - instead it takes lots of practical experience (backed up by a great understanding of the relative theories).
Who did you learn from? Did somebody support you, model or explain the desired learning outcome?
In my situation, I would attend TAFE one day a week and work in the salon for the rest of the week.  The time I spent at TAFE seemed as though it was purely to get my certificate.  With a group of around 20 apprentices, it was hard to get the one-on-one modelling that was sometimes required.  Back in the salon was another story - my senior hairdresser was fantastic.  She definately knew her subject and was able to model and explain all the elements very effectively.  I believe this may have had a lot to do with the fact that I was the only apprentice and therefore, generally had her undivided attention.
How did you know you were successful at learning?
The obvious answer would be - I completed my apprenticeship.....but that doesn't necessarily mean that I was successful at learning.  I know a lot of hairdressers that although qualified, probably don't have the skills they should have. 
I believe that I was successful at learning because I was able to take the knowledge and skills taught and apply that in real-life situations - in this case, styling someones hair!  Hairdressing can be very unforgiving - if you are not good at it, you generally won't have any clients!!!! :)  Thankfully, I had a really good following so I must have been OK.
When I was younger, I would constantly doubt my abilities but as I have gotten older (and hopefully wiser), I realise that you can only ever do your best - and as long as you are doing that, what else can you ask of yourself.  I  tell the students in my classes (and my own children) that the only person you have to prove anything to is yourself - because your conscience is stronger than anything else in the world.