- The distinction "learning" versus "discovery"
- Learning the principles underneath what works
- The need to "complete" in learning life
- Developing support from peers and others
- The use of DVD's and role modeling
THE DISTINCTION "LEARNING" VERSUS "DISCOVERY"
While we will be using a number of methods of learning, one special way of learning is the
use of discovery, wherein one "self-devises" what one will do and what is important.
In the "discovery" type of learning, one is given certain "distinctions", which are ways of
differentiating between concepts that were not available before, so that the person was not
previously able to see "the details" and would just see everything as an undifferentiated "blob."
Using these distinctions, usually given before any exercise, one then does an exercise or
"experience" that is like a life situation or at least a metaphor for it. Through this experience
the participant will often have a number of revelations about better ways of operating and give
up old ways of operating. The experiences can be quite poignant and deeply affecting. This
kind of education is extremely impactful and is recommended wherever possible. Then the
regular "learning" methods, such as learning from reading or seeing, can be used in order to
"complete."
LEARNING THE PRINCIPLES UNDERNEATH WHAT WORKS
By learning what principles work, one can create and understand life in a way that would not
be possible through "imitating" and/or learning one thing at a time.
THE NEED TO "COMPLETE" IN LEARNING LIFE
One might as well be driving a car with three tires (one missing) through life, if one accepts
"incompletion." But most people are not fully aware of the incompleteness of many of the key
areas of life. To be effective in life we need to have one complete an area so that it is fully
installed and working.
And, what's more important, than completing things like choosing values that work, making
key decisions about how to run your life, devising and using effective viewpoints, utilizing
one's strengths most effectively, and other such "foundational" life issues. "Catch as catch
can," from not so great sources, is very ineffective. Just look at how most people are
operating, not to mention the world!
DEVELOPING SUPPORT FROM PEERS AND OTHERS
When you can "train" a diverse group of people in the community who will then interact with
other members in a certain, higher way, one can get a multiplying effect, one greater than the
original number involved in the training. In addition, each participant now has a special peer
group of people who can support the participant in continuing the learned ways of operating.
Without that support, the effect can fade. With the support, the training is re-installed just
through the association with each other and having conversations that are constructive and
reinforcing.
Challenge Day is a great example. A diverse group with "representative" students from each
type of group participate in a one day workshop with students trained to facilitate the
workshop. Although the students wonder why they were brought into this seeming "uncool"
activity, they become so close at the end that the bully is hugging the bullied, rival gang
members embrace, and new levels of understanding are achieved. The lasting effect on
others who are affected by the core trained group is phenomenal, as better attitudes spread
throughout the school. (This workshop is also very experiential and uses "sharing" exercises
effectively to have people become more real with each other and much more accepting.)
LEARN YOURSELF AND TEACH THE OTHERS AROUND YOU
Or have them take the same courses, if it is feasible. For instance, a parent cannot teach
children good values and practices unless the parent knows what they are, practices them,
and knows the payoffs.
DVD'S AND ROLE MODELING AS A LEARNING TOOL
Part of the challenge is to get children (to age 30?) to pay attention enough so that they can
learn emotional "maturity" and life skills at the mastery level. Multimedia approaches that
appeal to their interests appear to be the direction to go.
For children of all ages, showing their heroes in any capacity should have interest. And if the
heroes illustrate what is good behavior and talk about what are good values to follow, in a
systematic and complete way, the likelihood of the children adopting those behaviors and
values skyrockets! Having several DVD's and role models involved can help to further
reinforce these.
The secret for availability is to have these on a website for "streaming" from the internet, so
that the distribution problem and the cost problem is overcome.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |