Another resonation (for me) associated with this thread* - folk don't all learn the same ways. There still are visual/aural/kinesthetic/etc. models floating about and through the teaching and learning business, which, in my considered opinion are over simplistic, but at least allows for difference. The overwhelmingly typical is start out bein' still and quiet, listen to and watch the expert, then get on with guided practice, which matches up well with maybe a fourth of students, and alienates about a fourth as well, right off th' bat, bang.
More o' my opinion, learning models that include how folks think, how folks process, and how folks interact with others... aha! match up better with reality, See Bernice McCarthy (4-MAT) and other brain research and learning types.
Try paying attention to the how the individuals in the group react when the teaching/learning style shifts - some perk up, some are 'bout the same, some bum out.
In the typical one mode only scenario, some of the brightest are systematically churned through, and often out.
I'm stunned how prevalent the sense based learning models still are, wow; now I feel nauseous, time to go for a ride.
*Reading this forum generates thought and reflection, thanks to all who participate!
Found myself coming back to this thread, as ideas were/are resonating, particularly, comparing/contrasting the times in my life when a) I've learned under the direct and focused tutelage of others vs. b) being in a situation where there's opportunity to observe and practice, but no direct teaching going on with me.
A few points float up from the gurgling goop o' my recollectin':
There are many many more instances o' the latter than the former, first off.
Second, of the cases where I was getting focused individualized instruction - whether straight one on one, or one of many where I got slices of "me" time - a subset o' those cases were actually worth a da... uhm, any good (hence, some o' were not good).
Back to the latter, that's how my two semesters of wheel was, mostly - short demonstration, now you all try it - with one on one for those asking for help and/or obviously struggling, otherwise, left to practice and learn. I'm not complaining (in case the teacher reads this!); no, really - time at the wheel, that's what it takes. Being right there in among'm vs. being alone, though, big huge difference! I could see and hear what was working and what fails, also see and hear variation in effective technique. There's also the opportunity to examine hundreds of other people's work and progression throughout the semester. There's also the social aspect, which I miss so very much. The dust, mess, smells (I can't be around some perfumes, body sprays, hair products, and such), the time required to get back and forth, the vindictive secretly breaking stuff, the grating musical choices (I did change the channel some...), heh, don' miss that.
Well, finding a teacher whose a gonna teach ya, and teach effectively what you want to learn (and/or what you need to learn, mind, especially where want and need aren't same), that doesn't happen often in life, in my experience.
Well II, finding a situation where one may effectively learn, oh, aye, good chance o' finding that, also good chance on making that happen. The big bang explosion o' e media can be part of that. A common/group/social situation can be huge difference maker.
Any road, enjoy the ride an' please post back on what you find.
