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Reflecting on Kind Learning Environments: The Good, The Bad, and The Growth
Kevin Ng
October 10, 2024
Hi Friends!
Last week, I introduced the concept of kind and wicked learning environments. Today, I want to dive deeper into my personal experiences with kind learning environments and share some reflections on their impact.
Growing up, I was immersed in kind learning environments. Whether it was learning piano or navigating school, the rules were stable, feedback was immediate, and information was mostly complete. When I hit a wrong note on the piano, I knew instantly. In school, there were clear right and wrong answers, and feedback came quickly. These environments provided a sense of control and clear rules of engagement.
I've found that kind learning environments can be incredibly beneficial:
1. Rapid Learning:
The clear feedback cycle allowed me to learn and improve quickly.
2. Motivation:
Seeing clear progress boosted my confidence and kept me motivated.
3. Mastery:
For skills with clear standards, kind environments can lead to quick mastery.
As an entrepreneur, I've realized the value of creating kind learning environments, especially when onboarding new team members. Providing clear expectations, quick feedback, and a sense of progress can significantly boost employee satisfaction and morale.
However, I've also noticed some potential drawbacks of always learning in kind environments:
1. Reduced Adaptability: It can be challenging to adjust when rules suddenly change.
2. Overconfidence: There's a tendency to expect all systems to remain stable over time.
3. Difficulty with Ambiguity: Real-world problems often don't have clear-cut solutions.
4. Narrow Problem-Solving Skills: We might struggle when faced with open-ended challenges.
5. Reduced Resilience: Always expecting immediate feedback can lead to frustration when it's not available.
6. Risk Aversion: The comfort of clear rules might make us hesitant to take necessary risks.
I've noticed these tendencies in myself, my colleagues, and team members over time. It's made me realize the importance of balancing our learning experiences.
My takeaway?
While kind learning environments are fantastic for building foundational skills and confidence, we shouldn't limit ourselves to them.
It's crucial to recognize when we're in a kind environment, take advantage of its benefits, but also intentionally seek out different perspectives and challenges.
I'm curious about your experiences. Have you noticed the effects of kind learning environments in your life or work? How do you balance the benefits with the potential limitations?
Until next time, keep learning – and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone!
Kevin Ng
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