I found the research on indigenous learning styles showing that indigenous children are more attentive observers interesting (Silva et al., 2010). In the study mentioned in our textbook Mexican American Children who were from families where they were expected to learn by watching were able to create a toy that they had watched their sibling make the week before, with less hints than the acculturated children who were used to direct instruction.
My herbal teacher who was Cherokee said that in their tradition you were only taught once. His uncle, who was his teacher, never repeated anything he told him, and he was never to ask a question along the lines of what did you just say? He told us he didn't expect the same of us since we didn't have the ability to pay that close attention. Nevertheless the best way to get under his skin was to ask him a question about something he had just explained which clearly showed you hadn't been listening the first time. He believed there was a cognitive difference in ability to pay attention between those raised in an indigenous culture and those in the U.S. mainstream culture. Because we have so much information at our fingertips we pay little attention to what is presented to us in the moment, thinking that we can find the information later if we need it.
Personally, I learn best with a combination of direct instruction and observation and a chance to do it myself, with the last being the most important for full understanding and retention. I would like to sharpen my observation skills, I'm taking Drawing this semester and hope it will help me develop the ability to see, observe and analyze.
I was also intrigued by this section, Rosanna. Being an attentive observer is a learned skill, and unfortunately, I think very few people can learn it later in life. Just today I was sitting in one of my classes. Though the subject isn't the most interesting, the teacher is phenomenal. His lessons are always thoughtful and engaging. We play games, watch videos, and talk about real-world applications. I found it sad, however, when most people were disengaged with what he was saying as we were sitting in groups. I personally strive to be an active listener. I listen/make eye contact out of respect and because I learn best when I pay close attention.Your instructor's remark is a testament to his observational skills! Though I think he was overgeneralizing when he said you didn't have the ability to pay close attention, he does have a point. I do think it's possible to become better at observing, however. Life moves fast--pay attention, or you'll miss it :)
ReplyDeleteWhen my herbal teacher explained the difference between the dominant American culture and the Native American culture in attentiveness I realized i had an advantage over my classmates. I grew up outside of mainstream American culture without some of the things he blamed for creating a short attention span - TV, video games, internet etc. Instead my father read aloud to us almost every evening and at least weekly I went with my family to church, both of which I think helped me to develop listening attentiveness. I learned to simply listen without being entertained with visual stimulation.
DeleteI think when we actively listen our teachers teach better. It is very difficult to share knowledge with people who are not listening.