Self-directed Learning and Learning Dispositions

We need to develop independent, self-directed learners who are able to adapt to the demands of this new world that is constantly in flux. Self-directed learning requires both capabilities (skills, strategies and abilities required for learning), as well as the disposition to learn.

Carr and Claxton (2002) recognised that learners must not just be able; they must be ready and willing to learn. It could be generalised that the relationship between capability and disposition is bidirectional and linear – ability in a particular arena generates success, which leads to a greater inclination toward the activity. Conversely, an inclination to persevere in an activity leads to greater engagement and the development of ability. The caveat to this is that,

“…the relationship is an uncertain one. Capability does not always produce disposition, nor vice versa. Education for lifelong learning has, therefore, to attend to the cultivation of positive learning dispositions, as well as of effective learning skills.”

While numerous writers have offered different opinions about the dispositions relevant for learning, Carr and Claxton (2002: 109) consider the three prime learning dispositions to be:

1. Resilience: the desire to persist with learning despite setbacks.
2. Playfulness: the ability to experiment and consider unlikely possibilities, a vital ingredient in creativity.
3. Reciprocity: seeking a variety of channels to express and exchange ideas.

Carr and Claxton (2002: 127) further suggest that the learning dispositions are “important building blocks for life-long learning” and that there is a need for educational settings that “exemplify and encourage their development”.

In the design of learning and learning environments, territories are often defined by learning objectives. It's critical to look beyond immediate objectives and offer avenues for the development of learning dispositions. This includes providing activities that build confidence and self-esteem, encourage search, exploration, enquiry, experimentation and play, rather than providing readymade answers. It's also important to ask why and how questions, to develop skills for justification of answers, and facilitate dialogue and discussion.

Reference:
Carr, M., & Claxton, G. (2002).Tracking the Development of Learning Dispositions, in Assessment in Education, Vol. 9, No.1, 2002. In Daniels H., & Edwards A., eds. (2004) The Routledge Farmer Reader in Psychology of Education (pp. 106 -131). RoutledgeFalmer.

Breaking patterns of learned helplessness

A few years ago I'd reached a serious low after a major upheaval and disruption in my life. I had to make a choice, between a rock and a very hard place. With little to guide me but instinct, I opted for change. It was a tough decision. The consequences were far reaching, for me, my family and my infant son, as it took me without preparation into unanticipated single parenthood.

The early years were hard. I was struggling to stay afloat and cope with the physical, financial and emotional strain of raising a child in India on my own. One day, a well meaning aunt in her well meaning way said these words to me:

"Your life is finished -- you took a bad decision and you ruined your life. Why not just admit it and give up? Not everyone finds happiness - stop trying to fight your fate."

Thank you dear aunt. Your words words created in me the sort of reaction physicists are trying to create in the Large Hadron Collider. The Big Bang. It accelerated the atoms of my being out of the terrible black hole of apathy and helplessness. It was time to give my fate a good kick in the butt. That day, I broke free. No more thought was wasted on wondering whether I did right or I did wrong. I decided to trust myself and believe I did what needed to be done.

Learned Helplessness is a self-perpetuating and self-defeating plague that fosters in people the belief that they are helpless victims of circumstance and that they have no control over the things that happen in their lives. It is a conditioning mechanism that engenders passivity and subjugation. It disempowers us and destroys our connections with hope and joy.

Ken McLeod explains it beautifully in his article, Learned Helplessness

Learned helplessness is often rooted in the home. As parents and teachers, we unwittingly subscribe to the system that fosters learned helplessness. We often pass on our own learned helplessness as an inheritance to our young. Recognising this first will lead us to a way out.

And yes, there is a way out. It involves recognising obstacles and learning skills to overcome them.

In McLeod's words,

"The cost, however, is high. We can only undo learned helplessness by severing our internal connection with the system that gave rise to it. "

Where else do we see learned helplessness? In schools, in educational institutions, and societies where differences and questioning minds are not tolerated. Wherever patterns of belief and thought have become calcified and brittle. Wherever hunger and poverty prevail. Wherever there is exploitation and corruption, violence and abuse.

To sever connections with such systems is to leave behind and let go of everything you may have ever known. It's lonely journey. And the only person you will please is you. But don't give up. And don't teach anyone else to either.

Go out there and fight your fate. The truth is no one else can fight this fight for you. Break free and discover a whole new world!

Explore the Universe

I'm an unashamed Dr Who fan.

For those of you who may not know, this is a science fiction TV series about the last of the Time Lords (Dr Who of course) travelling through time and space in his amazing Tardis which looks like a small blue box on the outside but hosts unbelievably delicious technologies on the inside. Apart from the multitude of extra-terrestrial beings he introduces us to, I like the series because its underlying ethos is about looking beyond our beliefs and accepting the different worlds "out there" and that it's not very different from "in here". A little mind-bending is always good for the soul.

Now, the Tardis has come to us.

The WorldWide Telescope will give many of us a glimpse of the universe as we sit at our computers. Check out the Web site and free downloadable software at:

Explore and remember to look beyond your beliefs!

A Revolution in E-learning

We are witnessing a revolution in E-learning, thanks to Oprah Winfrey and Eckhart Tolle. Nearly a million people are able to come together via Skype every Monday and take part in their amazing sessions discussing Tolle's A New Earth. Those who can't make it at the right time can always watch it on demand.

Oprah has actually created the collaborative, coooperative learning community that has been written about in educational literature for years. She has made it happen. Where e-learning is often perceived to be a lonely, isolating experience, she has shown how it can be an exhilarating, exciting, inspiring and social experience. She has broken barriers and crossed borders.

She has shown us how a whole country and a whole world can be brought together to learn and talk. Think of the possibilities! Is India listening?

Watch it now!

Enjoy!

Self Worth: The Antidote for the Dowry Plague

Dowry cases still continue to make headlines. There is however, little discussion about the underlying malaise that the dowry phenomena is really a symptom of: The inherent lack of self-worth in women.

This is belief that is planted and instilled in women from the moment of their birth. And we as mothers and fathers do much to strengthen and further entrench this false and damaging self-perception.

To many today, the lesser evolved of our species, the worth of a woman is measured by her (or her father's) bank balance and the assets she brings to the kitty. Is it not amazing how the fragile relationship between a man and woman who choose to make a life together and to raise a family, can be sustained by the payment of this toll tax?

It is not a new thing that for many, both men and women, marriage is a stepping stone to economic benefits. Call it dowry or call it marrying well. Money has always a part of the equation. So when do these expectations cross the limit and become criminal? Where is the line to be drawn? How is a girl to know and when is she to put her foot down?

It all boils down to being given a choice. Even today, how many women really have a choice? By offering women avenues to build their lives on their own, without having to resort to marriages based on dowry we will be striking at the root of it. And such evil must be removed from its roots. By offering women education and skills, we give them choices.

Women must be shown and made to appreciate their own self-worth and their limitless capabilities. Both men and women must recognise and realise this. Let us teach our children these values and eliminate this evil for good.

Read about an initiative that helped women set up their own businesses and gave them the confidence to make their own choices.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/17/MNUFV3EO3.DTL

Suppliers of Independence and Mobility

I saw this sign as I walked through the city centre in Llanelli on the way to the Tinopolis office. "Suppliers of Independence and Mobility". Oh how wonderful to be able to buy these in a shop! How many of us have faced and live with limits to independence and mobility? Some of us may even wonder what these words really mean. To be able to stand on one's own feet, financial, emotional, physical independence. To be able to move as one wills. Move physically, grow emotionally, explore, experiment, and find one's niche and place in this world. That's what education can provide. Independence and Mobility.

Adobe Tools

This is a good site for you if you're interested in learning something about web design tools from Adobe.

Design, Illustration and Photography

Ever heard of Moleskines? You can find out more at this site!

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