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| English: Method for learning and education. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Perhaps my varied subject matter stands me in good stead and has provided the background to this post.
Learning is at most times a frightening experience to most folk, when we young, peer support and parental support aid us in grasping subject matter, we can comfortably ask for assistance WITHOUT the embarrassment of ridicule or judgment.
What is learning?
Learning is the embracing of the following.
- Engagement of the mind.
- Engagement of the senses
- Engagement of the soul through aspiration and dreams.
- Adding to a persons skill set
- Most importantly, adding a batch of words to their vocabulary.
If one understands terms, words, names and phrases pertaining to a subject, then, it is safe to assume that you grasp the fundamentals of the subject matter, not grasping any of the aforementioned leaves holes in your interpretation and eventual understanding and use.
Having trained and instructed in Africa, where the greatest barriers to learning are:
- Language
- Cultural differences
- Literacy
- Poverty
KEYWORDS
I abhor folk writing away at supersonic speed in my classroom, I provide ample printed copy, my favorite saying in class " I am not here to engage the hand, I am here to engage the mind"
If I wanted to engage your hand I would shake it, kiss it or slap it with a high or low five. . .
I have found that with a subject that is new to delegates I prepare into my lesson plan a set of "KEYWORDS" with their translation. I summarize, explain and tend to dwell on these keywords, when my session is done, every single delegate has learned new words related to their profession and can interact with superiors and peers quite comfortably.
Proof of my success is the feedback document we ask delegates to complete are filled with their new KEYWORDS . . . . . .
"Engaging the mind is the key to education . . .
