Can Learning Be Stumbled Upon By Chance?
Ms. Lata Rawat, Trustee & Director, Cambridge Court group of schools
Lata Rawat, the Founder of Cambridge Court International School, has always believed and emphasised,
“True Learning Happens Beyond The Textbooks-
It’s A Journey Of Discovery, Shaped By Every Experience And Every Interaction.”
In line with this belief, at Cambridge Court International School, we have always believed that learning transcends textbooks and classrooms. Our students absorb knowledge not just through structured lessons, but by engaging with the world around them. From the earliest stages, we see their minds forming powerful connections, setting the stage for a lifetime of learning. But can this process happen by chance?
Learning is more than memorization or academic exercises; it is a dynamic journey shaped by every interaction a child experiences. This raises an important question: How can our homes, schools, and daily lives become environments for both intentional and serendipitous learning?
The Science Behind Learning
By the age of three, a child’s brain forms around 1,000 trillion neural connections—double that of an adult—allowing for rapid learning and adaptability. Over time, these connections undergo synaptic pruning, creating a more specialised and efficient brain. With such immense capacity, children are always ready for new discoveries, often stumbling upon knowledge without even realising it. But how does this occur in practice?
Serendipity in Learning
Some of life’s most valuable lessons happen unexpectedly. Consider the story of Steve Jobs, who, after leaving college, followed his curiosity to chance encounters that led to world-changing innovations.
Homes as Learning Hubs
Simple daily activities at home, such as cooking or gardening, offer countless learning opportunities. When a child helps bake cookies, for instance, they may unknowingly learn about scientific concepts like chemical reactions or measurements, all while enjoying the process.
The Role of Unstructured Play
Unstructured play—such as building with blocks or creating imaginary worlds—nurtures critical skills like problem-solving and creativity. These habits of seeking solutions and thinking independently lay the groundwork for success in today’s rapidly changing world.
Encouraging Hobbies and Passions
Music, sports, art—when children are given the freedom to explore their interests, they often discover new skills and passions. Nurturing these experiences can lead to lifelong pursuits and profound personal growth.
Mistakes as Learning Moments
Failure is a powerful teacher. Thomas Edison famously remarked, “I have not failed. I’ve just found
10,000 ways that won’t work” when inventing the lightbulb. Mistakes teach resilience and problem-solving, shaping children through every challenge and success they encounter.
Schools as Platforms for Serendipity
While schools provide a structured environment, they also offer countless opportunities for unplanned learning. Group projects, extracurricular activities, and informal peer interactions all contribute to unexpected moments of discovery.
In today’s AI-driven world, cultivating a habit of curiosity, critical questioning, and learning through experience is essential. Structured education is vital, but accidental learning sparks creativity and resilience. For example, the microwave oven was born when a scientist noticed a chocolate bar melting during radar experiments—a moment of pure serendipity.
At Cambridge Court International School- ‘The Future School of India’ we embrace both structured and chance-based learning. Our curriculum, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and innovative teaching aids are thoughtfully designed to foster curiosity, encourage exploration, and help every child learn in meaningful ways-both planned and serendipitous. After all, it is through nurturing the habit of discovery that we unlock new pathways and possibilities for our students.
