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How Does This Child Learn?
Is It Different From the Way I Learn --
By Linda Blew Carlson
It is a rare person who thinks about 'thinking.' Most of us assume everyone
thinks the way we think. We believe that a difference of opinion occurs because
of experience, personality, or gender. Often we judge the other person to be
'stubborn,' 'hard-headed,' 'won't finish a job,' or 'doesn't care.'
Recent ICTech®* research indicates that people really don't go about the 'thinking' process
the same way. It also says that about 85% of the conflict and/or disagreement
between people results from misunderstanding.
"If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times!"
This phrase means you are creating misunderstanding -- not wrestling with someone who refuses
to 'see' things your way.
For example, a woman mentioned in a passing conversation with an expert in ICTech®, that her family was driving her wild over a small detail. She wanted the
shower curtain left open when they were finished with a shower so it could dry
without mildewing. No matter how many times she said it, no one seemed to
listen. They all drew the curtain back, bunching it into the corner of the tub.
At the expert's suggestion, she finally asked for a definition of 'open'
from each family member. They indicated that it meant the curtain was pushed
back, leaving the area open to view. The problem was not in disregard of her
request, it lay in misunderstanding. She assumed that spreading the curtain out so
the folds could dry without touching each other was 'open.'
The Facts Simplify Everything!
To send a message and have it understood clearly the first time would
uncomplicate our lives. In fact, most of us would recapture about 3 hours a day
which we use to clear up the misunderstandings that take place all around us.
School is no different. Most teachers spend a great effort to make everyone
understand their message. But this effort is wasted for the majority of students
since they misunderstand the message.
If they knew which of the 5 entirely different patterns (styles) a student was born to use,
their job would be a lot easier! If parents knew these styles, their job of
nurturing and support at home would be a lot easier, too!
Natural Style Puts the Sparkle Back!
Does your child enjoy learning? Is the enthusiasm still alive that is present
when most children enter 1st grade? If not, it could mean that he/she is being being
given information that doesn't fit that in-born (Natural) style!
To learn one must understand the information clearly in order to be able to apply it.
We assume that if we teach that 2+2=4, students will get it and know how to use it next time
they see the equation.
Johnny may be wondering what difference it makes to know this, while Susie
is thinking about who this effects. Jimmy may want to know why the answer is 4
while Janice is thinking about whether she wants to spend the effort to memorize
this or not. The easiest question to answer is in Fred's mind -- how to do it right.
Unfortunately Fred's question is common to only about 25% of us.
Beware of Assumptions
We have made the assumption that teachers have to be entertaining because
TV and fast food chains have spoiled us. We want action, we want excitement, and
we want it now. However, ICTech® research verified that if our Natural Style
is identified and information answers our natural mental questions, it becomes
exciting to us, worth remembering.
How different would your household be if learning was fun and interesting?
It can happen -- regardless of your situation -- it can happen! To make it work
you just need to identify and answer the natural mental questions for both you and the
listener. You start working with the REAL differences between people, the
way they listen to information as they learn.
~ ~ ~
Linda Blew Carlson is a educator and a
member of the team which did the research and discovered ICTech® (I-see-tek). It is possible
to identify and use the Natural Style with a simple 10-question assessment. You may
take this assessment free. |
