teaching and learning

As a teacher I am continually learning about how people learn. If I were to ask you, “How do you learn?” I am confident that most of you would be able to talk about how you learn. I have asked many people over the years how they learn, as it helps me with my teaching.

In all of the answers I have received that speak about learning styles and effective teaching techniques, what is not said is starting to give me as much insight as the things that are said. This due to the fact that the way many choose to communicate today is one of the least effective means for teaching, persuading, or causing others to think.

Go through your Facebook homepage. How many people are updating their status with constructive observations on life? How many people are talking about what they like about a certain political candidate and praising his or her merits? How many speak of their untold joy about their job or family?

What about the comments on blogs? It seems that sarcasm, belittling, condescension (which means to speak down to you), and arrogance rule the day. Who learns anything that way?

We are so locked into an “either or world” and very few are able to move beyond to see the beauty of a third and higher way all together. We get so locked into one way of thinking and seeing. Black or White. Up or Down. Left or Right. Add your opposite here: _____________ or _________________.

As I continue to see the vast majority constantly critique, peddle fear, ridicule, mock, complain, or offer a-musing words; I have begun to wonder about learning. Perhaps people are able to speak in this way, because the truth is they have no concern about learning anything. Maybe their real concern is only to see their way of thinking triumph in the end.