What We Mean by “They Learned It”

In addition to having strong foundational knowledge (what we traditionally understand learning to be), we want those who have “learned it” to be able to use it critically; they should be able to judge the quality of their knowledge and the degree to which it will suffice in the current situation. We want those who have “learned it” to be able to use it creatively; they should be able to use what they have learned to craft something that did not exist previously. We want those who have “learned it” to be able to use it pragmatically; when faced with real-world situations and challenges, an educated person should be able to use it to solve the problem. We want those who have “learned it” to value it and value the world differently because of it.