Southwest TJEd Forum 2010 - Part 2

Julie Early - "Adult Phases of Leadership Education"

I think I learned the most immediately applicable information from Julie Early. She describes the Phases of Learning for Adults as "skill sets". I realized as she spoke that I really have gone through Core and Love of Learning, placing me now where I want to be in Scholar Phase. I had tried to PUSH myself out of Love of Learning and into Scholar a little too early. Now, I look back and realize that was acceptable in some ways, as long as I learned the skills needed in each phase.

Core Phase:

1. Set a spectrum of Truth - usually at the extremes - Right and Wrong, True and False, Good and Bad. Many adults have this, but it is important to go back periodically to make sure our core skills are in place. Should adults go back to core? Of course! Starting off in extremes is normal.
2. Work and Play - Adults learn more from work than play. We should work on relationships and not engage in "selfish play". Self-help books are often a part of this phase. Roles are distinguished and building self-worth through work is important.

Love of Learning - it's about discovery:

Signs that you are in Love of Learning as an Adult:

1.  Bounce around in books.
2. Don't finish all the books you start.
3. "Flitting" from thing to thing (can get expensive).
4. Love of Learners LOVE rules - ("But 'how' do I do it?" - looking for specific how-to steps)

Things to focus on:

1. Structure Time, not Content
2. Keep a Commonplace Book - Notebook with notes on readings, observations in nature, etc. (I keep several actually for rough draft essays on the books I'm reading, personal mission discovery, and daily to do notes.)
3. Groups are more important in this phase. Join a book discussion or mentored class.
4. Focus on Reading, Writing, and Discussing.

Scholar Phase - study deeply:

1. Work is part of their education - think about your studies while you work.
2. Learn through study and discussion.
3. Focus on Principles instead of Plots or Rules.
4. They begin to see the middle ground of grey and stop thinking so much in absolutes.
5. Fill in the holes of your education.
6. Begin to have a sense of mission.

One other KEY that I learned from her speech was this:

Crisis will come and it will shake up our education - that is normal and expected.

Part 1 - Carol Shippy and Dr. Andrew Groft

Part 3 - Dan Ralphs