Torrance Haley

Natural Human Learning Process

       Our brains are the most complicated and gifted machines ever. The brain has the ability to reach high levels beyond our imagination with dedication and hard work. This is a Natural Human Learning Process (NHLP). Rita Smilkstein is a Ph.D. and author of “We’re Born to Learn” explains that there are six stages in learning. These stages are things we do on a normal without thinking. The brains learning abilities could be endless without ceilings based on our motivation. Dr. Smilkstein explains how our brains nine areas are similar to trees and firing spark plugs. If we continue to push ourselves our brains will grow at a rapid pace. She also explained that our bodies produce good chemicals and bad chemicals. We must feed our brains with knowledge and interesting facts to keep it developing with greater potential.

       Just as Dr. Smilkstein explained, I went through all six stages of the NHLP learning my primary job. I remember my first time operating heavy equipment vehicles. I started off being afraid and timid to operate. Nervousness would have my hands and forehead sweating from the fear of mistakes. It took time, practice as well as a few mistakes but, I progressed and improved each time. Within a matter of years, I was sought out to complete tasks and missions based on my level of expertise.

       According to Dr. Rita Smilkstein, there are six stages to the NHLP. The first stage is the Motivation Stage. This is the beginning stage in which we watch and show interest to particular things or subjects. The Start to Practice stage is the second stage we enter. During the second stage, we practice and go through a learning process of trial and error. Stage three is the Advance Practice stage. Advance practice stage is when we began to read more into lessons and build confidence in the things we do. Skillfulness kicks in and starts stage four. During this process, practicing becomes a little easier as well as a source of enjoyment. We also began sharing the things we’ve learned. Stage five is the Refinement stage. This stage is referring to improvement, natural pleasure and creativity. The last stage is the Mastery stage. During this last stage we are able to teach, recognize and accept higher challenges. Through these six stages our learning causes our brains to build, grow and form. Our knowledge and learning abilities are processed through these orders throughout our lives. Dendrites are similar to tree branches. Dendrites only grow when we learn. This process increases our knowledge and understanding. The more we learn, dendrites grow forming larger networks. Students who have had the chance to build dendrites will normally become A and B students over those who were unable to grow larger networks. We have close to 100 Billion brain cells that function as a network. The soma is the cell body or hart wood which grows an axon. This axon extends outward like the branches of a tree. This process happens during learning. The axon terminal and axon bulbs serves as a root system for the soma. The more you learn the more the axon will grow. The soma produces dendrites. These are fibers that grow out of the soma like tree branches. Each axon is covered with a myelin sheath that acts like tree bark. The myelin sheath protects the axon from being damaged. Inside the axon’s tip of the axon bulb, vesicles are produced containing neurotransmitters.

       Neurotransmitters are hormones that react when being stimulated. When hormones are being produced, the neurotransmitter creates synaptic firing. Synaptic firing takes place at the end of the axon bulb. There is a tiny space between called the synapses gap.  An electrochemical message is formed relaying information. This firing causes your brain cells to extend at a rapid rate forming chemical hormones produced by the neurotransmitters. Hormones provide fuel for the synaptic firing. The body produces good chemicals called endorphins and bad ones called norepinephrines. When norepinephrines are produced, we lose focus and concentration. This is called flight reaction. When we are learning synaptic firing will take place. When we are stressed or procrastinating synaptic firing will not happen. This is very similar to a spark plug. The brain needs sparks to grow.

     Overall, there is a lot we can learn about ourselves and the six stages of the NHLP. Dr. Rita Smilstein explained our brains being similar to a tree branch. When we get motivated hormones are firing like sparkplugs increasing your level of understanding. No matter what we do in life there is no such thing as perfect. James Maddison University toolbox identifies areas that we may make improvements. I have a few areas that I could improve in but Organization being top priority. I always have a busy schedule of things I need to complete before the day ends. I try my best to complete all of them but one or more gets pushed over to the following day. With or without, time schedule or not, list of priorities and lesson plans, I find a way to figure things out slower than needed. I normally try to check in with my professors once a week. During that time, I ask questions to ensure that I’m tracking all assignments. Sometimes my mind has a tendency to mislead me and my thought process. Once I refocus things get complete. The end result completes all six stages in the NHLP. Remember, We're Born to Learn.

                                                                                                                            Torrance D. Haley

Works Cited

Smilkstein, Rita. We're Born to Learn: Using the Brain's Natural Learning Process to Create Today's Curriculum, 2nd Ed. Thousand Oaks, Cal.: Corwin, 2011.

Landsberger, Joe. “Finding the Right Study Space.” Study Guides and Strategies. N.d. Web. 9 May. 2016. <http://www.studygs.net/location.htm>.

Time Management and Multitasking

       We go through life doing things that are placed in levels of priority without knowing it. Those that do prioritize are better organized then they think. Steve Mueller explains Stephen Covey’s time management matrix also known as “Eisenhower’s Urgent-Important Principle.” Mueller breaks down Coveys’ matrix from his book “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” into four quadrants. Quadrant one are things of importance and urgent, quadrant two are things important but non urgent, quadrant three are things that are not important and urgent, non important and non urgent completed the fourth quadrant. 
       Sarah Sparks wrote an article for Education Week “Studies on Multitasking Highlight Value of Self-Control” about multitasking and being an academic success. Children are most likely to use more than six types of media simultaneously when school is out.  Although the children were involved in a lot of things, they had a hard time paying attention to anything in particular. According to Steven Yantis, it’s impossible for the brain to be in two different places at once. It will take the brain twice as long to process the information when trying to multitask. When a person tries to do two things at once, a bottleneck effect takes place in the prefrontal cortex. For example, whenever a phone call or text message is received, a person must change focus to something different. Once that individual’s concentration is broken, it will take a few moments to get back on track. Most of the kids from the original marshmallow test would not eat the first marshmallow, they were willing to wait a few minutes and receive two marshmallows. This reference by Sarah Sparks is a reflection of having self control that others lack. Some people are adjusted to being busy in my opinion. Multitasking is a good way to start something but not maintain. Eventually, their main focus will need to be placed on one particular thing to complete it. When this happens, other things will become secondary. Meetings, appointments, social events, community service, church and exercising are important but are not priorities. I am normally at home when I am not at school. I find myself being distracted by phone calls, family members, social media alerts or friends and neighbors needing help. Whenever I get distracted, I am normally thrown off track for a few minutes to hours. I have to refocus and back track a lot because my environment is open invitation for these things. Social media websites, video games, channel surfing, over sleeping, certain phone calls and negative people are placed in my last but least category or fourth quadrant. These are things that I try to avoid. As a parent, my children are top priorities. No matter what I’m doing, I will refocus things to check on my children. Steve Mueller who is writes for Planet Success explains that quadrant one should only contain top priorities and things that need immediate attention (urgent/important). Things such as deadlines and emergencies are placed in the first quadrant. The other three quadrants can be adjusted according to their situations. Non-urgent but important things, Urgent but not urgent enough to be a priority and things that are last on the list of things to do or perform. Once you place these things into perspective, your “Multitasking and Time Management” will be better.
     Attempting to use Stephen Covey’s may seem simple to some and difficult to others. My life seems to be stuck on repeat, over and over. I try to using a time matrix to stick to a time frame most of the time. My Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are almost identical, like my Tuesdays and Thursdays. I have to place certain things as top priorities based on time schedules and needs. Even though I break things down into a list of priorities, do’s, and do not’s, time is always thrown off track. I find myself changing things from top priorities to my second quadrant of important but non urgent. At the end of the day, all things get accomplished. I guess my matrix and four quadrants are working.

                                                                                                                              Torrance D. Haley

Works Cited

Sparks, Sarah D. "Studies on Multitasking Highlight Value of Self-Control." Education Week, 15 May 2012. Web. 11 Apr. 2016. <http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2012/05/16/31multitasking_ep.h31.html?tkn=PTWFGpBwR5o7bKrnCvQZswL8Vr%2BlUoJB%2B62c&cmp=clp-edweek>.

Mueller, Steven. "Time Management Matrix Archives | Planet of Success." Planet of Success, 9 Oct. 2015. Web. 11 Apr. 2016.<http://www.planetofsuccess.com/blog/2015/stephen-coveys-time-management-matrix-explained/>.

Communicating as a Professional

       It is important to use proper grammar at work as well as anything involving other individuals. In the summer of 2012, The Wall Street Journal started a discussion about grammar gaffes in the office. It was in reference about using phrases differently or incorrectly. Someone told me that many of us talk and write as we speak. This is an example of what the article was speaking of in the paper. Many of us learn bad habits. If it were possible to have someone correct us all the time on our grammar, we would not make as many mistakes. We would have that second sense kick in as a reminder to our mistakes before we make them. Alison Griswold stated, “Our language and the words we use have changed over the years.” (Adams). One of the things that we have to be aware of is, not everyone thought in the same manner. Some speak English as a second language and others could have a learning disorder. These things may play a part in a person’s writing and use of wording. How we market ourselves, says a lot on how people will see us. I think Alison Griswold is right that some people pass judgement without knowing the whole story.

      Our grammar says much of who we are. We should all do better making sure that we are grammatically correct when dealing with others. Our words play a big part on how people perceive us. Sometimes people with language barriers and learning disorders are not given second chance. They are compared and judged along with everyone else for their actions. Proper punctuation can be a determining factor for an individual being hired for a job. Lynne Truss said that “she has a zero tolerance approach for grammar mistakes that make people look stupid”. This may be harsh word but understood as a supervisor. It should be a concern for companies to assure proper grammar is being used in the work place.  Over all, we are responsible for our mistakes and professional communication.

                                                                                                                         Torrance D. Haley

Works Cited

Adams, Susan. "Why Grammar Counts at Work." Forbes, 20 July 2012. Web. 10 Apr. 2016. <http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2012/07/20/why-grammar-counts-at-work/#1b16ec884431>.

Weins, Kyle. "I Want Hire People Who Poor Grammar. Here's Why." Harvard Business Review: HBR Blog Network, 20 July 2012. Web. 10 Apr. 2016. <https://hbr.org/2012/07/i-wont-hire-people-who-use-poo>.