Category Archives: Learning

Reality Check: Play and Learn

In Choice Theory, Dr. Glasser connects learning with the human need for fun. He described fun as the reward that we get when we learn something. Think about the joy of figuring something out for the first time. It’s delightful … Continue reading

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Reality Check: An Attitude About Forgetting

Last post, I used a personal example to discuss the challenge of forgetfulness. I had devoted considerable time learning how to use a piece of software. But by the time I needed to use that knowledge, it seemed that all … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Disillusioned Learner

Barb tried gardening last year for the first time. It was awesome! Barb was ecstatic with her beautiful tomatoes and huge cucumbers. Her marigolds flowered and her sunflowers were so very sunny. Barb was hooked. All winter, she said, “I … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Choosing a Mindset

For someone with math difficulties, I often recommend the website www.khanacademy.org. I suggest the site because it offers opportunities to practice: you can work as much or as little as you want, and you can progress quickly or slowly. It … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Jimmy meets Mrs. Crabapple

Ever since he was little, Jimmy wanted to be a pilot. Now, he’s finally ready for that first step on the road to realizing his dream. It’s time to go to ground school. Jimmy’s never been academically inclined. High school … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Perception and Schooling

Perceptions we form about ourselves during school days can influence us long after what we’ve learned at school is a dusty memory. Brandon has the perception that he can’t do math. Where did he get that? Perhaps his parents told … Continue reading

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Behavioural Choices and Learning

Last column, I introduced the learning challenges of Suzi and Simon. Suzi used to perceive learning as fun until that day when she missed the introduction to algebraic equations. Now, she fears that she’s lost that and every future math … Continue reading

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Learning, Power, and Fun…

“Fun is the genetic reward for learning,” according to Dr. Wm. Glasser in his book, Choice Theory. Glasser connects play and fun to learning through his theory that the need for fun was built into our genes as a reward … Continue reading

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The Most Wonderful Time…

Is this the most wonderful time of the year? Or is it…the most dreadful time? I’m referring to the new school year, of course. While I’m sure that most students are filled with excitement and anticipation, 

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The Pure Teaching Agenda

Whether it’s back in the past or going on right now, every one of us has experienced teacher-learner relationships. While school might immediately spring to mind, there are plenty of places where teaching and learning occur—at work, with our friends, … Continue reading

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