Habits of Mind (Anjana)

The observation class has helped me a lot. Somewhere in my mind the theory that I read, is being correlated to the practical observation class, and, I feel enlightened :-).

My topic for HOM is "Taking Risk". I would like to share with you that, I think, I have been able to successfully incorporate the following theories I have come across:

• Blooms taxonomy
• Edgar Dales Cone of Experience
  
• Learning styles and
• Learning stages
  

If I have classified "risk" correct, it comes under the Affective Domain (Blooms Taxonomy)
I will try to give children as much as direct experiences (cone of experience)
Will incorporate the audio, visual and the kinesthetic styles (learning styles) and
Understand the four painful stages that children go through.

I will first start off by drawing attention of children by telling a story that incorporates the attitude of risk taking...ex Alibaba and the forty thieves
Then discuss about the story and introduce the word "risk" to them. Here they are passive listeners and my children are aware of the word  risk.

Then I try and give them direct experience of taking risks through games...ex the hoopla game and the pyramid game, where I give them the awareness that
Risk is

• Uncertainty of something happening or not happening and
  

• There is one sure possible outcome -- Win or lose.

Here my class becomes interactive where the children participate actively in the games. Now that their spirits are already high playing the games, I interact more and ask them their opinions and instigate them to give more examples where similar situation of taking risk arises.

Beyond this Ratnesh, I am not too sure, once the concept has been given to them (that is my children become consciously competent)... will they be able to internalize this ie. will they become unconsciously competent thus developing risk as an attitude???

• Note: If I am to deal with older children I would play the game of monopoly with them. Also would give them more examples relating to rain, learning swimming or cycling etc.
• My main objective throughout  would be to develop decision making and critical thinking skills in children.
• I have tried to incorporate my observation in Minis class of first creating awareness...give them experiences at appropriate places...and then to reflect and reinforce.

I think I am being too theoretical, (can I ask for more observation sessions?) but at the same time sure too, I will put this into proper, efficient and effective use. 

Anjana