Critical and Active Learning

As I am learning about critical and active learning in Mass Media in Society, I am also learning about critical learning in many of my other classes. In my Literature in Society class, we are currently working on writing a Critical Analysis Paper. As I have been studying texts and learning the different techniques of what it really means to critically analyze a text, I have realized what it truly means to "critically analyze media." I have always had teachers that have told me, and currently do have professors now that tell me, "Be sure to use a higher level of thinking and critically analyze what you are reading." My psychology teacher says this all the time, and I kept thinking, "What in the world does that really mean?!" This semester I have made the goal to really try to apply my studies to my daily life. I don't just want to go through the motions anymore. I want to study and do work and try to find meaning behind it all, bringing meaning to my life in a new way. I realized that the only way I can do this is if I really critically analyze what I am reading and learning. I have realized that all classes connect in some way. As I am learning about symbols and mythological stories, etc. in Mass Media, all these things apply to the way I am critically analyzing literature and developing an essay from these symbols and stories. In Psychology, I feel like I have been better able to understand concepts because I am trying to connect what I am learning outside of class. I have even noticed that Statistics class connects with some ideas in Psychology. As I am engaging more in this abstract learning, I am finding it to be tough, but very meaningful. It is a great to finally be able to connect studying and media texts to my everyday life.
I plan to be a teacher in the future, so therefore it is important that I understand the difference between Active and Critical learning. I realize that Critical learning does not apply to everyone. Young kids are not going to be able to critically analyze things, rather they will learn by being engaged in activities, such as coloring, writing. There are many processes to learning and as our minds develop overtime, we are then better able to critically analyze media and our surroundings.