I'm reading The Adult Learner by Knowles, Holton and Swanson for my Masters degree class, and I came across psychologist Carl R. Rogers' five "basic hypotheses" of learning.
Number 5 is the one that resonated with me today:
"The educational situation which most effectively promotes significant learning is one in which threat to the self of the learner is reduced to a minimum, and differentiated perception of the field is facilitated."
Hmmm...
If "threat to the self of the learner is reduced" equals creating a safe environment and "differentiated perception of the field is facilitated" equals enabling a shift, then Carl R. Rogers suggested that coaching would be the most effective educational situation.
As much as I love classrooms, I agree that they are not optimal for creating a safe environment. Many people will not open up in a group setting, no matter what you do.
And it's hard to 'create the shift' in a room full of people, as well.
I'll be honest - I enjoy teaching and facilitating groups a lot more than I enjoy coaching.
Coaching is fun, but I learn more in group settings. I also feel that I make a bigger impact in groups.
I'll have to think about this quote and observe the dynamics in both settings before I decide whether I agree or not...
What do you think?
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