“In our days of ‘alternative facts’ I think myth busting is needed more than ever. So let’s bring in some fine examples of myth busting for learning professionals”
Ger’s Learning Notes #07
Myth busting
Some research suggests that a goldfish has a longer attention span than you do. How do you think you stack up? Find out more in this edition of the learning notes where we’ll be myth busting.
I promise you that you will feel better after reading the first notes by Patti Shank and Josh Kaufman. I’m not sure how you will respond to notes 3 and 4 by Ryan Tracey and Bonni Stachowiak - they might poke you a bit to get you out of your comfort zone.
I’ve got my sons to thank for this edition’s theme: myth busting. One of the fun things of being a parent is that kids introduce you to so many new, interesting and fun things. My sons always wanted to watch ‘Mythbusters’ on TV with me. Every episode was fun to watch with them and we all learned a lot.
Here's a trivia for you. Did you know that Mythbuster Jamie Hyneman received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Twente for his ‘Mythbusting’ work? I think it’s well deserved and a clear statement that myth busting is an important function in our society.
In our days of ‘alternative facts’ I think myth busting is needed more than ever. So let’s bring in some fine examples of myth busting for learning professionals.
(1) Attention and the 8 second attention span
by Patti Shank
What’s it about?
There is this popular idea that the human attention span has shrunk from 12 to 8 seconds. So what? The idea also states that goldfish have a 9 second attention span!
Why read it?
- Patti Shank does some mythbusting here in a very clear and fundamental way – as only Patti Shank can do.
- She delivers us a clear 5-level model to better understand attention.
- She provides us her first tips on how to use the conclusions in learning design – and the promise for a follow-up article on ‘designing for attention’, next month.
Where to find it?
https://elearningindustry.com/8-second-attention-span-organizational-learning
(2) The first 20 hours – how to learn anything
by Josh Kaufman
What’s it about?
The idea of the 10.000 hours rule to become an expert is too simple to be true. As Josh Kaufman shows us often good is good enough without becoming an expert. In these cases a 20 hour learning approach might do the job.
Why read it?
- It gives great background info on the 10.000 hour rule and explains the original research on ‘deliberate practice’ by Anders Ericsson.
- It’s a practical and positive way to reframe our thoughts that we can learn a lot in 20 hours.
- It explains the 4 building blocks of how to get the most out of the 20 hours learning approach..
Where to find it?
(3) Five games every e-learning professional should play
by Ryan Tracey
What’s it about?
Ryan Tracey does some mythbusting here around gaming. He shows gaming has become mainstream and not an activity exclusive for young folks. He advises that you, being learning professional, should be gaming.
Why read it?
- While gaming has become mainstream and a part of life for many people, learning designers should be aware of the power of these games and how they can be useful in learning design.
- I agree with Ryan that the best way to explore is to start doing – so play the game and experience the experience.
- Ryan is so kind to share his 5 favorite games and his opinion how they relate to learning.
Where to find it?
https://ryan2point0.wordpress.com/2017/04/03/5-games-every-e-learning-professional-should-play/
(4) Two persistent myths about teaching and learning
by Bonni Stachowiak
What’s it about?
Bonni Stachowiak debunks two persistent myths related to learning: ‘learning styles’ and ‘the learning pyramid’.
Why read it?
- Bonni is sincere in her approach sharing that she took the myths for granted earlier in her career. That creates a connection to the reader: didn’t we all?
- After a brief explanation, links to additional resources are shared in this post providing more background info.
- Bonni puts the conclusions in perspective and gives direction on how to go forward.
Where to find it?
Ger Driesen
Loves to connect people, ideas and inspiration in the global learning community.
On the wish-list to learn: Forging (yes, as forging steel)
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