Sunday, April 29, 2012

Doodling for Dollars


Doodling for Dollars 
(Wall St. Journal, April 25, 2012)

Companies are encouraging their employees to “put down their smartphones and doodle their ideas and draw diagrams to explain complicated concepts. . . .”

To facilitate this, companies are installing white boards, chalk boards and writable glass all over the workplace.

This is a perfect demonstration of Learning Barrier Five – An Imbalance of Theoretical Knowledge versus Practical Experience, or in this case, the physical drawings, doodlings, and 3-D models.

Imagine trying to learn to ride a horse simply by reading a book and not getting on a horse.  Until you balance that theoretical knowledge with the practical experience of getting on a horse, you haven’t really learned to ride a horse.

The same phenomena can happen when trying to explain an idea or concept using only words.  Many times people need the practical experience of a diagram, drawing or 3-D model.

The next time you’re not understanding a concept or idea, don’t feel dumb, ask for a diagram or 3-D model.

Learn about other Barriers to Learning at: www.howtolearn-howtoteach.com


Sunday, April 22, 2012

Flattening the School Walls


Flattening the School Walls from Education Week Teacher April 18, 2012
http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2012/04/18/projbased_or.html?tkn=NZVFqKAh4pcArVkG95BHxBDNvSfdqTHSASwV&cmp=ENL-TU-NEWS1

"Principal Tom Horn has transformed a troubled alternative high school in Oregon by introducing a radical project-based learning model."
I applaud Mr. Horn’s change to the typical cookie cutter method of teaching, however there is nothing “radical” about this approach to learning.  The Montessori Method had been addressing learning with this model for over 100 years.

"He instituted a cohort design in which students remain with the same teacher all day."
In Montessori and Waldorf schools, the students remain with each other and their teacher for 3 or more years.  So again, there is nothing “radical” about this approach except that it is being instituted in a public school.

"At Kennedy, teachers’ first concern in engagement – keeping kids in school.  'You get kids hooked on personal interest,'"
This is a main tenet of the Montessori Method.  The student is always allowed to follow what interests them.

Virginia Koenig – Education Consultant

Monday, April 16, 2012

The REAL Benefits of Your Child Going to Camp

What Are the Real Benefits to You and Your Child of Going to Camp?

Did you know that many families go to camp as a family rather than sending the kids off along?  Camp these days are for ages 3 to 93.  Family camps include a week of the family experiencing camp together.  Some families make this their annual family vacation.

How does a parent go about choosing a camp for their child(ren)?  Sleep away camp or day camp?  Camp is an important experience on a child’s development.  Get them involved in researching and choosing the camp.

Research and evidence shows that children with a camp experience have higher self-esteem and self-confidence.  They seek out new learning opportunities.  Those who are active learners – they learn by doing – flourish in a camp environment.

Experience with nature is important for developing creativity and problem solving skills.  Camp also helps prevent the Summer Slide that can happen when kids are not challenged and learning during the summer.  Children who experience successes at camp are more likely to return to school more enthusiastic about learning.

Hear about more about how camp helps children succeed in life at:

Sunday, April 8, 2012

It's Impossible to Observe WHY

9 Secrets to Great “Family” Teamwork
Each family is a team, and as such they should be supporting and enhancing each other.

Secret #6 – It is impossible to observe why.  You can see what a family team member does, and how they do it, but you can never see why they do it.  Never make up “why”, ask questions to find out why.

Due to a family team member’s interpretation of words, phrases, moods, or events, they may be doing something that is contrary to the survival of the family team.  Assume the positive.  Assume they’re acting for the good of the family team, and ask why.

Roger and Virginia interview Dr. Robyn Odegaard PhD., on issues concerning the drama of upset relationships and disharmony in families, sports teams and the corporate workplace. “Doc Robyn” reveals the 7 No-Fail Secrets to Stop the Drama.

http://webtalkradio.net/2011/05/30/the-learning-curve-%e2%80%93-dr-robyn-odegaard-reveals-the-7-no-fail-secrets-to-stop-the-drama/