Thank you for your toastmaster's speech on taking initiative. Very interesting and thought-provoking. The way you are encouraging initiative - don't automatically stop after completing the task you are "told" to do - is similar to the way in which I have taught students how to find better solutions to a variety of (non-mathematical) problems. The first answer they think of is not necessarily the best one, and is not a stopping point. I suggest that they think of 3 possible solutions, compare them and then pick the best of the 3; they will have a better solution than if they stopped after the first one. I think this procedure also helps prepare people to work in teams when their companions come up with different ideas. They are prepared to consider more than one solution, and not to treat other possibilities as threats to their ego or ability.
Wishing the best for your family in your current challenging situation. Stay well.
Thanks for the tip. I would like to hear about your experience with boys and teams. My grown son hated group projects. Eddie isn't in a situation where it's an issue.
I taught at a college level, late teens/early 20s. By that point, many students had already formed a habit of thinking a problem was solved after one idea, and spent "discussion" time simply trying to sell their own idea rather than comparing and evaluating it. The "3 ideas" method helped to solve that particular issue, improving discussions and solutions. It might be beneficial to start a habit of evaluating several possible "right" answers at a younger age, but I haven't taught kids (except in karate!) so don't know for sure.
Golden advice: "When he looks for an excuse to slack off, saying that he is done with a chapter, I tell him no. You are never done. There's always another chapter. This is the lesson that he has to learn. Studying is a continual process. It's not a question of doing what the teacher asks, it's a question of doing all you can, to make yourself the best you can be."
Although I've said similar things in the past to my 16 yo, I'll read this to him for reinforcement.
So, now I have all the info on your early adulthood; good review on taking initiative. Important for any leader! (Especially if you're in the Ukranian Armed Forces!)
What a wonderful way to raise a child! Thank s for sharing your method and your expectations.
Thank you for your toastmaster's speech on taking initiative. Very interesting and thought-provoking. The way you are encouraging initiative - don't automatically stop after completing the task you are "told" to do - is similar to the way in which I have taught students how to find better solutions to a variety of (non-mathematical) problems. The first answer they think of is not necessarily the best one, and is not a stopping point. I suggest that they think of 3 possible solutions, compare them and then pick the best of the 3; they will have a better solution than if they stopped after the first one. I think this procedure also helps prepare people to work in teams when their companions come up with different ideas. They are prepared to consider more than one solution, and not to treat other possibilities as threats to their ego or ability.
Wishing the best for your family in your current challenging situation. Stay well.
Regards,
Camilla in Canada
Thanks for the tip. I would like to hear about your experience with boys and teams. My grown son hated group projects. Eddie isn't in a situation where it's an issue.
I taught at a college level, late teens/early 20s. By that point, many students had already formed a habit of thinking a problem was solved after one idea, and spent "discussion" time simply trying to sell their own idea rather than comparing and evaluating it. The "3 ideas" method helped to solve that particular issue, improving discussions and solutions. It might be beneficial to start a habit of evaluating several possible "right" answers at a younger age, but I haven't taught kids (except in karate!) so don't know for sure.
Golden advice: "When he looks for an excuse to slack off, saying that he is done with a chapter, I tell him no. You are never done. There's always another chapter. This is the lesson that he has to learn. Studying is a continual process. It's not a question of doing what the teacher asks, it's a question of doing all you can, to make yourself the best you can be."
Although I've said similar things in the past to my 16 yo, I'll read this to him for reinforcement.
So, now I have all the info on your early adulthood; good review on taking initiative. Important for any leader! (Especially if you're in the Ukranian Armed Forces!)