The Subtle Mindset Difference in Two Approaches to Learning
Why is it that some teachers embrace new approaches in a professional development, and others are resistant, even before the session begins? In the classroom, why do some students salivate for a new direction or the introduction of a new tool or skill, while others are more comfortable sticking to the status quo? Part of the answer surely revolves around the doubt and uncertainty that change produces in us. Many times in my life, I have resisted change even though I knew it was for my benefit. DNA, nature and nurture, the facilitator or conveyance of information seem to be other important components of this dichotomy.
The Langwitches blog focuses on this question and more specifically asks: What is the difference between waiting to be taught and willing to learn? Whether it be in working with students or teachers, it appears that a learner who is waiting to be taught is on a steeper learning curve and perhaps more difficult to work with than one who is willing to learn.
A major factor not to be underestimated is that the presenter of a novel approach has to be a practitioner of what he or she is proposing and have the concept/skill/approach/content/mindset deeply ingrained in his or her own being. In other words, the teacher/facilitator must be a model or very active learner of what is being conveyed. The teacher must be practicing what he or she is preaching.
In education, there may be too many of us willing to slide along without seeking simply to become better at what we do or keeping informed of innovations and evolutions in our profession. Would we want to go to a doctor (or lawyer, for that matter) who finishes his degree and then stops studying and keeping current in his field? Of course not. Should parents of our students expect anything less of us as educators?
But back to the question, the most important thing that I can do in terms of trying to develop myself, my teachers, or my students is to be an active practitioner of the skillset/mindset I’m attempting to transfer. Then, perhaps, those around me will be actively engaged and willing to learn rather than waiting to be taught.
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Image by Amarand Agasi
May 5th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
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