3. The What of Learning

at 'need' resolved having our need fulfilled. As we are born totally dependent the second domain is very closely related, so close it could be considered the first. Connection* is about connecting with others and our environment, initially we do this to fulfil our needs. Connection allows us to fulfil basic needs such as hunger and touch, both are essential for our growth. Without either we will fail to thrive and will die.

As we continue to grow we begin to develop complexity in our needs (hunger distinguished from thirst), we begin to connect and interact with our body and environment more. This exploration and growth entails the development of the third domain, create. Initially it is creating meaning and language, then we begin to create 'objects' and create specific outcomes as we learn to create our reality.

Our care, connection and creation continues throughout our childhood, physiological growth and development. At some stage we begin to contribute to our environment. Our care extents from 'caring' for our self to 'caring' for those around us. Our connection develops from connecting for physiological to emotional to social need fulfilment.

Our Contribution develops as an extension of this creation as we begin to contribute to our family, social circles and society. General we think of our job, however it also includes what we do within the home, family and community in more diverse ways.

2) I further propose that we gain most in life when we learn both generic and field specific skills. (still developing this idea as it moves us from the broad four C's to the specific of what we will gain most from learning Content). Generic skills are considered by 'General Capabilities' in school curriculum. While field specific skills is the 'Content' or 5th C.

Key Generic Skills:

Self Care, Self soothing and regulation (self care once gone into stress/anxiety/overload)

Distinguishing self care - needs, self soothing (comforting, relief), self accomplishment (achieving)

Emotional awareness/ intelligenceCommunication skills, which includes Literacies Numeracy and ICT (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d59eG1_Tt-Q&list=PLvzOwE5lWqhSgJVgg7VfRkBisbmm-BFUL&index=8)

Confidence: Build Confidence in ability to learn- to adapt- Life Long Learning.

Thinking skills (Evaluation, distinctions, openness, lateral.....)

Relationship skills

Team participation skills

Identification of values and subcultural fit.

Content:

While generalised content is important for having an understanding of our society and how it operates (numeracy, science, literacy, social/cultural) the rapid speed of the changes in our society these days means the traditional content may not be quite so relevant. For example literacy today, to be of value, needs to include technology literacy and information literacy.

Even more important are the skills of learning how to learn, especially self-directed and adapt, maintaining self-awareness of marketable skills, project management and self-promotion. Self-promotion related to knowing and providing evidence of one's skills, talents and abilities.

3) At the same time it is about what we want to learn, what interests us, what inspires us. What is relevant to us. For this is what will grab and hold our attention allowing maximum learning. Life is more fulfilling if we are contributing in a way that is also satisfying and fulfilling.

* Sir Ken Robinson also notes the importance of connection with oneself, and others, in education check out his 4 minute You Tube. Imagination and empathy and the importance of relevance, or personal interest The Art of Teaching

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nature_

http://www.casel.org/social-and-emotional-learning/outcomes

Copyright Dr Janelle Sheen March 2014 last updated May 2016