tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904219782540965444.post281616432026433593..comments2024-03-14T04:06:54.124-04:00Comments on GENKAKU-AGAIN (adam fisher): among friendsgenkakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12135705172119950326noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904219782540965444.post-54430932373578077902011-11-15T13:30:38.937-05:002011-11-15T13:30:38.937-05:00Nice article.
Makes me want a cup of coffee to go...Nice article.<br /><br />Makes me want a cup of coffee to go with the apple pie.<br /><br />* * * * * * *<br /><br />I do want to put a different view out regarding the relationship people can have with a teacher and the sangha gathering around that teacher. It is primarily based on the research of those partial to a "learning styles" approach to education as well as the practices based on learning styles approaches. It is also based on the anecdotal observation of the array of spiritual paths and practices within Buddhism and also within other meditative and non-meditative spiritual traditions.<br /><br />In learning style research and as a matter of fact we see that different students function better in different environments and with different approaches. Relevant here is the wide group of people who function best in a collegial, informal environment -- they need to be treated as equals even though the knowledge is far from equal. Also relevant is the need for some students to be in classrooms with strictness, clear lines of authority, clear rules and sets of consequences.<br /><br />There are many other factors and details that make up learning style including lighting level, temperature, degrees of neatness, self-initiated study of a large curriculum vs. proscribed study of the curriculum, etc., etc.<br /><br />Zen practice in my experience is subject to the same factors relevant to learning style theory.<br /><br />So you and, to a degree, I believe we would thrive better in a collegial sangha where the teacher(s) behave in a certain way.<br /><br />But others will thrive, or believe they will thrive in a seemingly strict top down sangha.<br /><br />What is less well studied, at least as far as I know, is teaching style. For example, can a teacher who personally prefers an informal collegial approach really be effective with a group that prefers strictness and well defined organization, likewise the numerous other combinations.<br /><br />So I wish you well in your quest for Zen friends. I wish others well in their quest for Zen military academy, etc., etc.<br /><br /><br />For more information regarding Learning Styles See<br /><br />http://www.learning-styles-online.com/overview/<br />A fair attempt at an introduction<br /><br />http://www.learningstyles.net/en/about-us<br />I studied learning styles with Dr. Rita Dunn. Her ideas were popular for several years in the school district were I taught.<br /><br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_styles<br />Note: The article seems categorically against learning styles!<br /><br />The late Dr. Rita Dunn used to point out that many opposed Learning Style theory despite the fact that numerous articles and reviewed studies were done. The organization that took over some of her work now says that over 850 articles based on quantitative and experiential research conclude that theory is valid. Most likely problem is that most learn style advocates turned their ideas into money making operations which interfer with other money making operations. The same can be true of virtually every other idea in education.Franknoreply@blogger.com