Learning curve
We begin to learn as soon as our senses take in information from our environment so this process starts before we are born. Whenever the information changes, we assimilate the change and we learn.
Therefore, as we continue through through life, we will be at various times on a learning curve.
The next section of this website is about ways of promoting the learning curve, allowing us to learn at a faster and more efficient rate.
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What are learning curves? |
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How can we deal with change? |
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How can we use creativity? |
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The learning curve will be very steep at times because much new information has to be taken in over a relatively short time.
At other times the learning curve will be less steep because learning is taking place at a more leisurely pace.
When we are learning very little new information the learning curve can be virtually horizontal, and these periods can be thought to be lacking in challenge and rather dull.
Rate your learning curve as 10 [very steep] 6 [quite steep] 2 [not very steep] if you experienced any of the following:
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10
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6
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2
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taking up a new course of study |
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working on your computer |
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starting a family |
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being promoted at work |
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planning a holiday |
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visiting the seaside |
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taking your driving test |
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moving to a new country |
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writing an assignment |
Which experience[s] gave you the steepest learning curve?
You may have found that the learning curve is always steepest when the degree of change is steepest.
Written by Kate Brooks © 2001
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Today we face a different world for which we must seek a different future.'
[Michael Gorbachev, 1988]
Change is a part of life and as such not new to human experience. What is new is that in the 21 century, change is occurring at a frightening rate. The faster the rate of change the less able we are to deal with it and the more vulnerable we become to stress.
In order to cope with change, we need to be both stable and centred within ourselves but we also need to be flexible and responsive to circumstances. As the tree in the proverb, our 'roots' need to be firmly anchored in the ground while we bend and yield to the fiercest storm.
Just like the storm, change can be both stimulating and terrifying. It can generate new ideas, fire us up with excitement and provide us with interesting opportunities and challenges but it can also fill us with fear and uncertainty.
The resulting anxiety can cause us to reject change, 'play safe' and even become more rigid in our thinking - the very factors that prevent us from responding creatively to change.
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Creativity is not just about writing new novels or painting new pictures or composing new music. We are all creative - the single thought that flashes through your mind comes about as a result of creativity.
Creativity is an attitude of mind, characterised by an openness of thinking and a willingness to challenge assumptions and established beliefs.
However, we deliberately harness our creativity and use it to help us solve problems.
In their Creativity Process Model, Russell and Evans make the point that creativity involves a series of the following stages:
• Preparation
• Frustration
• Incubation
• Insight
• Working Out
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Preparation
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Where the basic groundwork is carried out. A stage to analyse the task, gather data, look for patterns, try out ideas, question assumptions. Many problems are not solved because of insufficient groundwork and research. This stage may need returning to is the problem becomes stuck'.
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Frustration |
Where the process is held up by an inability to resolve the issue. A stage characterised by boredom, irritation, despondency and self-doubt. We need to recognise this stage as crucial to the creative process and instead of dreading it, learn to value and use it.
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Incubation |
Where the problem is put on hold. A stage to switch off, day dream, to stop conscious thinking and leave the resolution to the unconscious. The part of the brain that is normally inaccessible except in sleep can be used to help resolve problems. Many great scientists have used dreams, day dreaming and visualisations in this way such as Albert Einstein who went for a walk and rested under a tree only to day dream about the theory of Relativity.
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Insight |
Where inspiration is experienced. A stage charactersied by a rush of ideas, the 'bolt from the blue' answer, the sudden flash of understanding. The insight appears to come out of nowhere but it occurs as a result of all that has gone before.
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Working out
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Where the insight is tested and implemented. A stage for methodical thought and using established techniques to prove the validity of the insight. Many people may come up with the same concept but only those who follow through are credited with its inspiration.
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