[Ailist] Re: How much theory to give

[Christopher Szecsey]

Colleagues,

I agree with both Bryan and Rob.

Let's remember that people have different learning styles, that some people
learn best deductively and others inductively. Learning styles might be
individually/personality based, organizational emphasized, and/or culturally
oriented.

In any one diverse group of participants, we cannot say one approach is the
way or "one size fits all," whereas some combination of the two, both
theoretical concepts and practical learning, will most likely respond to the
needs of the greatest number.

Actually, after 12 years of working with AI around the world in many
different cultures, I am convinced that it is not one or the other in any
particular sequence, but the interplay of both over time. As Bryan suggests,
we need both approaches for learning and processing.

Cheers,
Christopher 

Christopher Szecsey
Consultant/International Development
em: mszecsey at sonic.net 

Phone:   707-874-2230
Fax:       707-874-2272

-----Original Message-----
From: ailist-bounces at lists.business.utah.edu
[mailto:ailist-bounces at lists.business.utah.edu] On Behalf Of Bryan Kidd
Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2007 4:14 PM
To: ailist at lists.business.utah.edu
Subject: RE: [Ailist] Re: How much theory to give

Dear Rob and All

> Obviously we need to calibrate, but thinking is as important as
experiencing
> in the right way.

Rob, you make an extremely important point here.  It is my belief (validated
by a decade of experience) that thinking and experiencing each enhance the
other.  Thinking about concepts helps people understand their experience
(this is not a new idea - see most experiential learning models, e.g. Kolb),
but the reverse is also useful; our experiences help us think (this is also
embedded in most lexperiential learning models, but is often less apparent.)
I've been involved in some programs that either over-emphasise thinking, or
over-emphasise experience.  Striking a balance between the two is essential
for changed behaviour.  Perhaps this explains why some overly-academic
programs are difficult to transfer to daily activities, and why some
overly-experiential programs fail to have a lasting impact.

In sum, I guess I am agreeing with Rob ("It depends") while adding that the
balance needs to be thoughtfully designed and adapted following feedback (a
combination of thinking and experience.)

Regards.

Bryan Kidd, CEO
Thoughtful Leadership.  Resources for new approaches to leadership!
www.thoughtfulleadership.com


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