Education and Society Are Changing

Touch Points

When we come in contact with the world, we "touch" the world. Touch points are where we make contact. Thomas Frey, founder of the DaVinci Institute, states that physical touch points are

• the shoes we walk in
• the bed we sleep in
• the chairs we sit in

We "touch" the world through the above.

How do we touch the world in which we live in education?

The Classroom

The accepted touch point in education is a school. We feel we are learning if we are in a school. While most educators will state that learning takes place in a classroom, other activities also promote learning:

• homework
• reading assignments
• writing papers

Classroom Problems

While it is an accepted fact that learning takes place in a classroom in a school, there are some problems with this. The teacher controlling the classroom also is in charge of

• the time when learning takes place
• the students who will participate
• the lighting
• the sounds
• the media used
• the tools
• the pace
• the subject matter
• the results

Frey believes that the classroom is not necessary for learning. Learning takes place when we wake up in the morning. We even continue to learn while sleeping. Learning is happening every minute of the day.

Learning tools include:

• computers
• electronic newspapers
• video magazines
• handheld televisions
• cell phones
• MP3 players
• video games
• artwork

Even if we are watching a movie, we learn

• the plot
• about the characters
• the setting
• the drama
• the resolution of the problem
• the popcorn in the theater
• the theater seats

Maslow

In 1943, Abraham Maslow wrote a paper titled, A Theory of Human Motivation. Maslow observed human behavior. His theory states that we as humans have basic needs. These needs must be fulfilled to progress in society. The needs are from the basic to the higher needs.

Maslow's Hierarchy appears in the form of a triangle with the basic needs being the foundation and the higher needs forming the top tier. If the needs of the foundation are not met, the higher levels may not develop. For example, a child that is concerned about food and safety (levels 1 & 2) will not be learning (level 5) or realize potential (level 7). Level 1 must be in place before level 3 can be achieved--just like a house needs a foundation in place before the building begins. The first four foundation steps are

• 1. Physiological: hunger, thirst, bodily comforts
• 2. Safety-security: out of danger
• 3. Belonginess and Love: affiliate with others, be accepted
• 4. Esteem: to achieve, be competent, gain approval and recognition

Maslow continues with higher levels. These are now possible because levels 1-4 are met.

• 5. Cognitive: to know, to understand, and explore,
• 6. Aesthetic: patterns, symmetry, order, and beauty,
• 7. Self-actualization: to find self-fullfillment and realize one's potential,
• 8. Self-transcendence: to connect to something beyond the ego or to help others find self-fulfillment and realize their potential.

Maslow's ultimate conclusion is that the highest levels of self-actualization are transcendent in their nature and may be one of his most important contributions in this area of society. Frey's next installment will explain his vision of the transition from generalized education to individualization.

[Source: Thomas Frey, DaVinci Institute, with permission]

Related articles: The Future of Education, Changing Education, Education Roadblocks and Gaps, Paradigm Shift in Learning, Confidence-Based Learning, Future Look of Education.

Read previous articles on Educational Issues.

Copyright article 2007 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.

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