Why, why, why, why?

(Just a quick update from last week: The U2 concert was awesome!)

Okay, last Tuesday's class was so enlightening for me. As I said at the end of class, the exercise we did about what kind of learners we are really gave me a great sense of myself as a learner. I couldn't be more of a "why" person if I tried. My analysis of self is based upon Beatrice McCarthy's 4mat model: (diagram below as shown on www.aboutlearning.com)

I belong to Quadrant 1 and am labeled a "Type One Learner." As quoted on the website, the following are characteristics of Type 1 Learners.

• They learn by feeling their experiences, being present to them, trusting in their perceptions, and being open to sensory input.
• They take time to reflect and ponder their experience.
• They seek meaning and clarity.
• They integrate experience with the Self.
• They learn primarily in dialogue, by listening and sharing ideas.
• They excel in viewing these ideas from many perspectives.
• They have highly developed imaginations.
• They are insightful, absorbing reality, taking in the climate.
• They thrive on lots of reflecting time, especially when pondering new ideas.
• They seek commitment.
• They work for harmony and clue in to the needs of others with ease.
• They are great men-tors.
• They nurture others to help them accomplish their goals.
• They tackle problems by reflecting alone and then brainstorming with others.
• They exercise authority through group participation.
• If they are forced into a conflict situation (which is usually difficult for them), they deal with it through dialogue and a great deal of listening.
• They build trust through personal interactions.
• Their favorite question is "Why?"
• They seek to know the underlying values.

I am the type of person who rarely does anything without applying it to my experiences, and my life. I don't like doing work that holds no personal value. I don't particualrly enjoy learning about things that a) don't resonate with my personal experiences, or b) are rooted in some sort of emotional reality. I spend a lot of time in a process of introspection. I feel like I understand myself better than anyone else, because I constantly think about my life, my interactions with others, and what I learn. I'd like to believe that I am a good mentor, and I hope that my future students think I am, as well. My emotions and outlooks are also rooted in reality at all times.

I am very much a fan of dialogue in a classroom setting. The most successful educational experiences for me have come from courses that are rooted in discussion. I learn a lot from what others say, from what others perceive about themselves and from how others analyze texts or concepts. I find the process of discussion enlightening. I always need to know "underlying values." I need a basis of reality to understand.

And of course, my favorite question is why. Not because I enjoy being difficult, but in order for me to be successful, I need to have a reason I can understand and defend with every fiber of my being.

After I know the why, I do want to know the how, and sometimes, if I'm really feeling adventurous, I'll think of the What If.

I brought in the chart to work the next day, and got everyone involved in trying to figure out in which category they fall. It was an exercise that allowed me to learn more about my co-workers than I have before, and I am proud to say that it made me understand the co-workers (who belong to different quadrants) so much better than I did before.

I think the 4mat categorization of learning is going to be very beneficial to me as a teacher in helping me understand my students. Why? Because it allows for plenty more introspection. And that is a good thing.

Till next week. :)