Chapter highlights: |
|
Most books start—logically, we might add—with an introduction that sets the stage for what’s to come and then lays out, in overview, the contents of the volume. We’ll get around to that soon enough. You have our word on this. However, we’ve always enjoyed the openings to thriller movies that hit you with a teaser to arouse your interest before moving on to the title, opening credits, and the rest of the movie. Prepare yourself, then, for a couple of challenging teasers.
You’ve got 60 seconds to learn the following 18-digit sequence. One error and the bomb explodes. Time yourself. Ready? Go!
4 1 2 5 2 7 2 4 6 0 6 0 3 1 3 0 2 8 |
Now, cover the number sequence. You have 30 seconds to write down all 18 digits, in order, with no errors in the following box. Go!
How well did you do? How easy or hard was it? Almost no one can do it, especially under time pressure. Is there any way we can make the learning task easier? Here, once more, is our number:
4 1 2 5 2 7 2 4 6 0 6 0 3 1 3 0 2 8
And here are clues to accompany it. Please pay close attention. Your life depends on it!
Read the sequence again as you try to retain the numbers. The total of the two readings should take about 60 seconds.
Now, once more, cover the numbers. Take 30 seconds—no more— to write down the sequence in the space below. Go!
And here’s the correct answer:
4 seasons in a year; 12 months in a year; 52 weeks in a year; 7 days in a week; 24 hours in a day; 60 minutes in an hour; 60 seconds in a minute; 31, 30, or 28 days in a month |
How did you do this time? In our tests with various learners, most do far better when they actively work out the clues than when they just study the numbers. There’s a reason for this—one that we’ll explain later.
Up for another challenge? The other day we received the following invitation to a party in a city we had never visited. Please read it through without trying to memorize it. You should spend about 30 to 45 seconds on it. Then cover the note and answer the questions that follow the invitation.
Hi, here are the directions: From the airport, take the road that leads out of the rental lot and follow it past the barrier around the lot until you get to the end where you connect up with the road out. Take the road, and just before it veers right, you’ll see a triple fork. If you take the left branch, you’ll head west and away from the lake. Don’t do that! Straight puts you under the viaduct and really off track. Take the right branch and bear right at the next fork to the roundabout where you go not quite halfway around to the second road. It’s 379 East, although it really goes south, so don’t worry. From then on, it’s a straight shot. Cheers, André
Answer these questions without referring to the note:
We asked for clearer directions. Our friend’s sister sent us the map you’ll find on the next page (figure 1-1).
Study this map for about 30 to 45 seconds. Then, come back to this page and without referring to the map, answer the same seven questions as before:
Turn the book over to find the correct answers.
Answer Key:
|
Was it easier that time? Once again, in our trials we found that almost everyone had errors in the first attempt. However, nearly no one erred once they had seen the diagram.
We presented these two learning challenges for the following reasons:
Before we give away too much of the story, why don’t you participate once more?
In table 1-1 are sets of paired statements. Please check the statement in each pair that most closely corresponds to your personal experience of learning (check only one from column A or column B each time).
From our own experience in learning and from trying out these statement pairs with a lot of adults, we suspect that you checked most of the statements in column B and few to none in column A. No surprise. What does astonish us, however, is that those who teach for a living (instructors, teachers, professors, trainers) also check almost all the column B statements, but when we observe them teaching or training, they act as though column A statements were true!
Table 1-1. Paired Statements |
Column A | Column B |
|
|
Time and again, we see almost a complete reversal between what people say about how they learn and how they try to help others learn. Quite the paradox! It’s also one of the main reasons for writing this book.
Enough teasing. Let’s see what this book is all about. A lot of traditions, myths, and misguided—although well-intentioned—principles and activities in training create barriers to effective learning. We have produced this book for two main reasons: to dispel these counterproductive beliefs and practices that harm the instructional process and to help you to be the most effective trainer or instructor you can be. Here then is what Telling Ain’t Training: Updated, Expanded, and Enhanced offers you:
Are you convinced? Even fired up? Then let us turn to the beginning—the introduction.