This episode is the beginning of a brief few-episodes foray into the world of learning styles as a way to enhance learners’ experiences with perceiving and processing new knowledge and skills. 

We open this session with a quick review of the origins of classical schooling, it’s over 2000 years of acceptance as the norm in Western education, and the way 19th century America adopted the Prussian assembly-line system of schooling. Being aware of – and teaching to – individual students’ learning styles has been one very natural reaction to the Prussianization of American schooling in the past half-century.

The last few minutes of this 14-minute video post is the initial step of our investigation of Bernice McCarthy’s 4MAT system. I simply can’t wait for you to experience this thoughtful, incredible integration of teaching and learning best practices over the next few weeks. We will just scratch the surface in the videos, but you’ll find lots of resources below if you want to take a deeper dive into all this.

 

 

I know we are seemingly taking a break from our survey of the kinds of informal logic to which I believe (and hope you are beginning to believe, as well) our kids need some exposure from as early an age as is practical. But the learning styles piece seems particularly important right now as we all wait with bated breath to see what will happen with our nation’s schools in just a few short weeks. (I’m writing this in mid-July of 2020.)

But I do want to leave you with these two snippets: First, the truth facet of making great arguments (and there is a difference between a proper argument and a contentious quarrel) cannot be flippantly executed. For our arguments to be completely valid, our facts and data must be vetted. Sources should be trusted, impeccably researched, and as free of bias of any kind as possible. Of course, bias and perspective are important rhetorical components, but we have to monitor that and be consummately honest with ourselves and others about it.

As I thought might happen (and have anticipated excitedly), friends have begun suggesting ideas to me as they have proofed the first episodes of this blog. I am passing on a few interesting news sources that have come to me recently. They are all self-described as neutral and unbiased outlets and two of them land a quick-read email in your Inbox each weekday morning. The Flip Side and 1440 are those feeds. All Sides is more thorough, but is a well-curated overview of daily stories from a multitude of sources. Thanks to my buddy, Rick, for the tip…

The second little prize comes from Chris and is the following humorous graphic about logical fallacies: (I couldn’t find the person to whom credit should be given. If you know, please help me out…)

Thanks, Chris!

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Summary of video

  • A review of classical v. Prussian schooling influences
  • A quick survey of learning styles influences
  • Dr. McCarthy’s 4MAT system – an intro
  • The Why? piece
  • Connecting and Attending

 

Resources specific to this post

General resources