Listen to the extended MP3s of Dr. Mel Levine discussing how his philosophy about learning evolved, including: Interest in Medicine, and Difference The Lives of Animals Learning Issues -- and Change Productivity and Happiness Preparing for Adulthood Confronting Problems Future of Schools Levine is described as: The doctor who has been described by an educational journal as a cross between Dr. Spock and Dr. Dolittle lives near Chapel Hill, N.C., on a farm that he shares with 240 geese, 40 pheasants, 12 peacocks, 10 swans and 16 donkeys. Levine's observations of animals and children resonated with our experience working with adults, too. Namely, people respond to diversity, movement, music and variety. The doctor is less concerned with focusing on what happened in the past to a child; instead, he accepts their situation and works with them to understand themselves... as they are today. "I...
Everyone needs a little guidance before leaping off the cliff of creativity and brainstorming a way to break the fall! These simple rules are reflected in the methodologies of IDEO, ThinkShop, Russell Williams Group and many, many others. Pick and Choose Defer judgment. After an idea is submitted, "Yes, and….!" is the only response allowed; avoid "No, but...!" statements. Have fun with the problem. Reframe liabilities; turn them into assets. One conversation at a time. Group thinking requires group listening. Encourage wild ideas. Just behind a crazy idea is a workable concept. Build on other's ideas. (A.K.A. piggyback, hitch hike, add-on) Dream the future into the present. Start all ideas with “I wish…” Draw big. Use colors, icons, shapes, arrows, annotations and images to make your abstract vision a concrete concept. Use big sheets of paper or whitewalls. Designate a diligent scribe. Make sure...
One of the best mindmapping tools out there for the Mac. Plenty of helpful suggestions for using the tool, including a nice overview of Buzan's 10 Laws of MindMapping. www.nova-mind.com Affordable and adaptible, this package syncs up with OmniOutliner and converts bullet point lists directly into colorful, changeable mindmaps. Graphics, fonts, colors, shapes and flexible branches make this an excelent for those who like the speed of automation AND the ability to make aestetic touches. Perfect for students and teachers to synthesis books, lesson plans, lectures, hierarchies and such. If I had this tool when I was ten-years-old, I would have instantly realized that visualization is a powerful tool for getting stuff done (as well as fun!).
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