Knowledge When Properly Applied…
Knowledge is an acquired disposition to behave in a way that is congruent with expectations. Knowledge when properly applied can help us achieve our goals and make good on our words. When knowledge is improperly applied, it brings about disaster for the one who possesses it.
One of the key ways knowledge can be improperly applied is through bias. Bias can be a tough thing to overcome and requires that person who possesses the knowledge to work hard in order to avoid letting their biases guide their perceptions of others or themselves.
The introduction by Drake University professor Dr. Mitch Vilos to his book titled "Knowledge Matters" provides an excellent example of bias. In the introduction, Dr. Vilos shares that he was preparing for a speaking engagement when he learned of the death of one of his former students, who was only 30 years old, due to melanoma cancer. He describes his speech as a wake up call and goes on to say:
…much like many other physician-scientists, my work had become more about research than people. I thought that I would use the opportunity to share with my audience how important it was for physicians to understand the scientific basis for disease prevention, treatment and prognosis.
As I began my talk, I realized that there was a better way to address my audience. Not only had I been focusing too much on research (another of my former students had just died), but I was also too focused on myself as an individual and less on the larger picture of what could be done for patients.
Other biases can be even more problematic in terms of bad application. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a popular personality assessment tool used in forecasting careers and job success. The MBTI is considered to be a good tool for career counseling and other counseling situations. It has also made its way into the private lives of many, who have deployed its use as a means of self-analysis and personal growth.
The MBTI is very popular in spiritual communities, where the positive aspects of the assessment are often highlighted, while the negative aspects are often ignored or minimized. As with any tool, a person's decision to implement it or not should be based on an independent assessment of that person's situation and purpose. Obviously this can prove challenging since bias can get in the way of that self-assessment.
A free online assessment of the MBTI can be accessed at http://www.16personalities.com/. [June 17, 2017: Per the feedback received, you can now find the same test at https://www.the16types.com/.]
The more fundamental problem with the MBTI is that there are 16 personality types. Each of these personality types is considered to have a specific preference regarding how they would like to learn things, should they choose to learn something. However, the behavior and learning styles of different personalities can vary greatly and those who choose to use an MBTI assess that their style of learning most resembles that which follows a specific type number with them on this scale.
I want to provide a few examples of common types and how they might differ in some ways as it relates to learning styles.
For example, type 8s are often portrayed as energetic, assertive and aggressive. 8s can prefer to be taught by someone who is direct, is on time and uses real-life situations and examples to illustrate the topic being taught. They might also prefer visual or hands-on instruction.
They might need a quiet setting that allows them the space they need with minimal outside stimuli or interruptions. During breaks between lessons or at the end of lessons, 8s might enjoy engaging in activities like sports or games of chance involving physical contact with others. They might not find the idea of studying really fun or energizing, but they can make it a part of their lives by volunteering to assist with research and development in the company. 8s will find that learning is often more effective when they are allowed to take what they have learned and apply it to their daily lives.
As another example, type 7s often have difficulty making decisions. They prefer to take action instead of discussing options or waiting for others to decide what should be done. They are often successful in situations where there's a small group because they don't like being alone when making important decisions. They are very goal-oriented and like having detailed plans on how tasks should be completed. They prefer to be taught by someone who can give them information regarding the whole process, not just one step at a time.
7s can learn best in small groups with lots of physical activity breaks and they might enjoy learning via team projects. They need to know that they will have plenty of opportunities to practice their new skills. They might find that learning is fun if it is tied in with something enjoyable or practical, rather than educational as an end in itself.
They need a lot of positive feedback and to see the results of their actions or decisions as soon as possible.
It's important for 7s to be challenged and work hard, but it's important for them not to become too competitive since they already have enough pressure on themselves.
Other personality types—like 2s and 9s—might be considered more quiet or passive. They might prefer to learn from someone who has a gentle, patient and kind approach, since they are often very sensitive to the feedback they get from others.
They might benefit from a smaller classroom that allows for more personal interaction with the instructor. They might enjoy learning about topics that will allow them to make new friends or find new opportunities for work or volunteer opportunities where they can help other people. It's important for them to be challenged in a way that provides support.
2s and 9s might learn best in a quiet, smaller setting where they will be encouraged to reflect on their own thoughts. They might benefit from being taught by someone who is very encouraging and supportive.
They may need to be challenged but are sometimes best as a silent partner. They prefer not to be assigned tasks or projects that are too large until they are ready for them, which could take many months or years. 2s and 9s often prefer to listen and learn from others instead of teaching others what they have learned.
Another example is types 3 and 6 . While 3s tend to be creative, original thinkers, 6s tend to be very organized and structured people who like to keep things orderly.
Conclusion
3s can learn best in a creative, low-pressure environment that encourages them to be independent and pursue their own interests. They might enjoy learning about topics that will allow them to make new friends or find new opportunities for work or volunteer opportunities where they can help other people. It's important for them to be challenged in a way that provides support, especially if they are forced to work with others on projects.
6s can learn best when someone takes charge and points out the areas where they need improvement. They might benefit from being taught by someone who is very encouraging and supportive while they are making their transition into a leadership role.
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