What is Learning?

“Learning is the process in gaining information from the environment, modifying existing information, adding information to that already processed, deleting information, and organizing information in such a way that it can be maintained and used in further processing.” Unknown Author

It is amazing how important the unimportant must become, when trying to avoid the truly important!

Scroll # 2 Mastermind Alliance

Scroll #1 Definiteness of Purpose

The Stockdale Paradox

This is a must read story. It is by Jim Collins, author of the book, "Good to Great."

http://www.jimcollins.com/lib/goodToGreat/ch4_p83.html

Flow visual

1. Csikszentmihalyi saw optimal activities in the "flow" channel moving outward as skills are gained, and certainly before apathy sets in - clearly this parallels Vygotsky's theory of proximal development in learning situations.

2. Here Csikszentmihalyi summarized the results of his empirical research in terms of the main feelings reported for the various combinations of skills and challenge in the various activities undertaken. http://austega.com/education/articles/flow.htm

Flow...do you have it?

The following man received the “Thinker of the year award in year 2000.

“Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a professor…who has devoted his life's work to the study of what makes people truly happy, satisfied and fulfilled.”“Mr. Csikszentmihalyi (pronounced chick-sent-me-high-ee) is chiefly renowned as the architect of the notion of flow in creativity; people enter a flow state when they are fully absorbed in activity during which they lose their sense of time and have feelings of great satisfaction. Mr. Csikszentmihalyi describes flow as "being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and you're using your skills to the utmost." http://www.brainchannels.com/thinker/mihaly.html

Flow occurs when a person?s skill level is perfectly balanced to the challenge level of a task that has clear goals and provides immediate feedback.
Almost any activity can produce flow if these elements are present, says Csikszentmihalyi, and making them a constant part of your life can enhance your work, personal relationships and leisure time.
Csikszentmihalyi…”has studied the lives of thousands of people for more than 30 years in search of what makes people’s lives meaningful and satisfying. He’s found that most people live at two extremes they are stressed by work or obligations or they are bored by spending their leisure time on activities such as watching television. But, says Csikszentmihalyi, people can live richer, happier lives by learning new skills and increasing the challenges they face each day.”
“'A typical day is full of anxiety and boredom,' says Csikszentmihalyi. 'Flow experiences provide the flashes of intense living against this dull background.' “
http://www.apa.org/monitor/jul98/joy.html

How does it feel to be in "the flow"?
1. Completely involved, focused, concentrating - with this either due to innate curiosity or as the result of training

2. Sense of ecstasy - of being outside everyday reality

3. Great inner clarity - knowing what needs to be done and how well it is going

4. Knowing the activity is doable - that the skills are adequate, and neither anxious or bored

5. Sense of serenity - no worries about self, feeling of growing beyond the boundaries of ego - afterwards feeling of transcending ego in ways not thought possible

6. Timeliness - thoroughly focused on present, don't notice time passing

7. Intrinsic motivation - whatever produces "flow" becomes its own reward