The purpose of this essay is to suggest that by identifying what has influenced and shaped my worldview, I gain an understanding of the concept of self, who I am, and recognise it as an incessant process, which I can choose to impact upon. This understanding leaves me better equipped to choose how I learn and what I learn and the purpose and meaning I bring to my education and learning now. I will firstly discuss the concept of worldviews as defined by Hobson, (1996), Samovar and Porter, (2004), Leffin, (2004) and Rogers, (1967), who support the purpose of this essay. Followed by my own definition of worldviews and identifying what has influenced and developed my current worldview, both generally and specifically relating to learning and education. The main influences include; my religious convictions, upbringing, culture and socio-economic class. In concluding, I will explain what this awareness of my worldview has brought to my learning and education now.
             The concept of a worldview is defined by many as a philosophy of life, the way one perceives reality and acquires an overall concept of the world. Samovar and Porter, (2004, page 103) support this definition through their translation of the German world Weltanchaunung. "Meaning overarching philosophy or out-look, or concept of the world." They present the theory that an individual's worldview influences ones perceptions, belief and values, which intern governs their meaning of life and their behaviour within their culture. This theory emphasises understanding the cultural worldview, as it is through this culture we form a personal worldview. Hobson, (1996), Leffin, (2004) and(Rogers, (1996) also support this concept of world view but place the emphasis on the individuals concept of self, within their world view, in a sense suggesting that the world view one hold defines their 'concept of self'. There is a consistency among these three that eac...