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What is a Natural Critical Learning Environment
People tend to learn most effectively (in ways that make a sustained,
substantial, and positive influence on the way they think, act, or feel) when:
- They are trying to solve problems (intellectual, physical, artistic, practical, abstract, etc.) or create
something new that they find intriguing, beautiful, and/or important;
- They are able to do so in a challenging yet supportive environment in which they can feel a sense of control
over their own education;
- They can work collaboratively
with other learners to grapple with the problem;
- They
believe that their work will be considered fairly and honestly; and
- They can try, fail, and receive feedback from expert learners in advance of and separate from any summative
judgment of their efforts.
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Doesn't some learning of this nature come simply
from curiosity?
Yes, but we can view curiosity as a kind of problem, a positive problem,
a thirst for knowledge not yet fulfilled.
The Natural Critical Learning Initiative is a group of educators interested
in promoting the use of natural learning environments, teaching and learning practices that promote and allow natural learning.
We include some interested folks in a number of places around the world. You can be a part of this effort too by joining the
growing conversation.
How is Natural Learning related to Active Learning ?
The
Active Learning movement has contributed much to the ideas that make up the concept of Natural Learning, but active learning
has stopped short of recognizing what is most powerful in its meaning. Natural Learning advances our thinking to the next
level.
Active Learning recognizes that it is best to have people actively involved in their own learning.
Natural Learning recognizes something important about the nature of that action. The action is most effective if the
learner decides to do it because she thinks it will help her satisfy a need to know, help solve a problem that she regards
as important, intriguing, or beautiful--not simply because someone told her to go talk with her neighbor.
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Examples
Can you give me some good examples of Natural Critical Learning Environments?
People Learn Best and Most Deeply
When:
* They try to answer questions or solve problems they find interesting, intriguing,
important, or beautiful;
* They can try, fail, receive feedback, and try again before anyone
makes a judgement of their work;
* They can work collaboratively with other learners struggling
with the same problems;
* They face repeated challenges to their existing fundamental paradigms;
* They care that their existing paradigms do not work;
* They can
get support (emotional, physical, and intellectual) when they need it;
* They feel in control
of their own learning, not manipulated;
* They believe that their work will be considered fairly
and honestly;
* They believe that their work will matter;
* They
believe that intelligence and abilities are expandable, that if they work hard, they will get better at it;
* They believe other people have faith in their ability to learn;
* They believe that they can
learn. Go Here for Additional Links on This Topic
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