Smart learning

The term Smart Learning understands Ellen J. Langer , psychology - a professor at Harvard University , "is new or unknown to actively turn to be open to learning situations to look at issues from ever new angles and to create themselves their own learning strategies" (as the Description in the book published in German with the same title).

Mindful learning

Smart learning ( mindful learning ) is based on Langer's concept of mindfulness . This word is mostly translated as mindfulness / attention ; However, Langer understands the term mindfulness in a larger context; therefore the German word Klugheit appears to be an appropriate translation.

The seven myths of learning

In her research she shows how myths and basic attitudes not only make learning difficult, but also teaching. The seven myths she explores in her book Smart Learning are as follows:

• The basics should be learned so well that they become second nature.
• To be attentive means to concentrate on one thing for a period of time.
• The satisfaction of needs must be postponed.
• The training does not go without mechanical memorization .
• Forgetting is problematic.
• To be intelligent means to know "what is going on out there."
• There would be right and wrong answers.

Clinging to these myths and attitudes leads to creativity being stifled, questions stifled and self-respect undermined. But wherever these myths are effective, according to Langer, there is an opportunity for intelligent learning.

literature

• Ellen J. Langer, Smart Learning. Seven chapters on creative thinking and acting. rororo-Sachbuch, 2001. ISBN 349961121X