Subject: A Model and A Play - Similarities

Posted by Janice Hansel on 1/3/2010
In Reply To:A Model and A Play - Similarities Posted by Gene Bellinger on 1/3/2010

Message:

Gene,

Thanks for this analogy. I find it useful because it suggests the value of "learning as constructing" which is a key idea in education and brain research. It also brings to mind (especially in the case of social sciences,) the notion that the thing or concept that is being constructed is not static, and our understanding will benefit from having flexibility built into it. For example, an educational institution that supports the kind of learning implied by Gene's example is what I call an "agile institution." The instructor does not offer a thorough analysis of the play, or at least not before the students have a chance to construct (and perhaps validate) their own understandings and insights. Additionally, the teacher learns from the process of teaching, and from the students, so that learning develops among the participants to a new level for all involved.

Janice