What is the difference between having an experience and having understanding of something? I have been thinking about the answer to this for a while. It seems that there are many things that can make one have a conceptual understanding of something. For instance if you understand the concept of music, you do not need to keep learning over and over that music is a series of sounds that is usually pleasant to the ear. You can then build upon the concept and learn that there are many other things that go into the process of making music music. You can then begin to learn about timing and different sounds from instruments etc.
On the other hand, the difference between having an experience is usually far more helpful in learning about a subject that interests you. For example, I have been interested in Japanese culture and language for many years. I have been studying the language here at MSU and also I did some self studying before entering college. I thought that I had a really good understanding of what the culture is and how to interact with people etc. However, I found that when I actually visited Japan, the experience of physically being in another country and interacting with the people whom I had admired for so long, was completely different from what I thought I knew conceptually.
I found that having an experience can open your conceptual thinking on another level. Through experience, you can begin to understand different ideas within a field or interest area. You can learn more about the concepts that you think you grasp fully. By traveling to Japan and staying there for a short time, I was able to increase my conceptual understanding of the culture and the language that I love so much through experience. I now know that conceptual understanding and experience work hand in hand to enhance what is being taught.
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