Golden Rule LO8628

Robert Bacal (dbt359@freenet.mb.ca)
Tue, 23 Jul 1996 21:39:46 +0000

Replying to LO8615 --

On 22 Jul 96 at 23:13, Ben Compton wrote:

. We saw benefits and weaknesses in both approaches. That
> discussion took place four hours ago; in hind sight, I'd say
> approach should be: Get or take action, and then explain the theory.
> It is important, however, that theory be explained. Otherwise, the
> person's ability to take effective action and to question the
> assumptions upon which the action(s) are based will be minimized --

If immediate behaviour change is required (action), then I suppose one has
no choice. However, my feeling is that actions first is a terribly
INEFFICIENT way of teaching/learning for anything but the most simple
tasks that never deviate from a set of required non-decision making
actions.

Teaching algorithms (rule based actions) means that the person has to a)
remember each one, and b) will be limited in responding to any situation
that is slightly different or not planned for, or for which no algorithm
exists.

Teaching the background to the algorithms (I am not sure it's theory)but
it is broader allows people to extend their learning. They can learn on
their own, or with minimal help.

As a trainer, and educator, I think the best deal is that both are taught
relatively simultaneously.

Robert Bacal, CEO, Institute For Cooperative Communication
dbt359@freenet.mb.ca, Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
(204 888-9290.

-- 

"Robert Bacal" <dbt359@freenet.mb.ca>

Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>