Some times I think the phrase "I've been reading this book..." might make people at my school cringe because now I will want to talk with someone about what I've read. I'm going to use my blog and spare my colleagues...I've been reading this book...Making Learning Whole How Seven Principals of Teaching can Transform Education by David Perkins...pretty hefty promise! I like what I have read so far. His seven principals are:
- Play the whole game
- Make the game worth playing
- Work on the hard parts
- Play out of town
- Uncover the hidden game
- Learn from the team
- Learn the game of learning
It maybe to simple to say that he uses sports and game playing comparisons to get across the idea of learning sticks when you learn something compelling and in context. I've read the first couple of chapters and find a lot to think about with respect to designing learning expeditions. I think the most succinct quote might be, [conditions for learning are most favorable when], "its [learning] not in a vacuum. It involves the methods, purposes, and forms of one or more disciplines or other areas, situated in a social context." Thanks Mr. Perkins...that IS what we strive for in designing learning expeditions.
Something to ponder from Chapter 2. Mr. Perkins calls it "systematic archaeological digs into people's learning histories."
1. What is on thing you understand really well?
2. How did you come to understand it?
3. How do you know you understand it?
Do your answers reflect learning "wholes" like gardening, running, cooking, Spanish...?
Do your answers reflect doing, practicing, getting feedback, sticking with it...?
Do your answers reflect that you can "do it", teach it to others, explain what you are doing and why..."
I think the answers are revealing and illustrative of what learning actually sticks with learners and why? What do you think? Does anyone want to read this book with me?
Noreene
