Embracing Messy Learning
In the Infinite Learning Module, specifically focusing on Library as Classroom, the concept of learning being messy really resonated with me. As someone who has been in classrooms and homes working with special needs children and adults, I can attest that the statement of learning being a messy process is true, not just for the students, but for myself as well. I loved the statement author Joshua Block said regarding understanding the cycle of learning; “I am slowly learning to embrace the struggles that students experience as they engage with authentic work. If I don’t allow learning to be messy, I eliminate authentic experiences for students as thinkers and creators. I find it important to regularly remind myself that frustration leads to insights and that learning is not necessarily the equivalent of mastery” (2014). Also important was the author’s emphasis on stepping back so that students can critically think through the process, but also being present for help when needed. With the special needs students that I work with, teaching them task analysis techniques (breaking down skills/projects into smaller, more manageable chunks) is critical for learning, specifically in understanding how each step along the way leads into the completed assignment.
The Embracing Messy Learning article also reminded me of growth vs. fixed mindset concepts for learning. Psychologist Carol Dweck defines growth mindset as “when students understand that their abilities can be developed” (2014) while having a fixed mindset is “the belief that abilities are innate and unchangeable” (Pilat & Krastev, n.d.). The learning process involves frustration, critical thinking, and problem solving; if students are prompted through the entire process, there is no sense of accomplishment or true understanding of the task.
References
Block, J. (2014). Embracing messy learning. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/embracing-messy-learning-joshua-block.
Eduro Learning. (2021, April 20). The importance of messy learning with Patrick Holt. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CVlb2W3ULc
Pilat, D. & Krastev, S. (n.d.). Fixed mindset. https://thedecisionlab.com/reference-guide/psychology/fixed-mindset
4 Comments
Lilia
Hi Claire,
I love this! I enjoyed reading your blog about embracing messy learning and how learning is a process that’s not always instant. It gives people the chance to make mistakes and try, try again.
-Lilia
Valancy
@claireburke thank you for sharing your own experience with messy learning! For myself, true learning and exploration of a topic has never come without effort, frustration, and a sacrifice of some kind–the psychology quote you shared definitely resonates with me. Also, I really appreciated the grace of flexible deadlines this semester, as it allowed me to engage with content when I was capable of doing so; it felt like an acknowledgement of messy learning. I think libraries can embrace the “mess” in order to facilitate some actual learning.
Louis Waters
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! The definitions of growth mindset and fixed mindest you shared from Carol Dweck do a great job of highlighting the value of messy learning. I think its very common for people to shut down in the early stages of learning something new because, on some level, they feel if they do not already know something or how to do soemtihng that are incapable of ever truly learning. The demands of professionalism require putting some distance from the early learning process, you’re not supposed to let on that you might not have ever known or had mastery over whatever it is you are teaching or doing. Messy learning helps ease the anxieyt and break down the barriers between teachers and students. It allows everybody to recognize that confusion, doubt, anxiety, and frustration, the mess, in other words, are all necessary and even postitive parts of the learning the process.
Carlee Hayden
I love reading about people supporting messy learning! I think it is one of the best ways to learn within a space. I oftentimes have trouble thinking about ‘trust the process’ when I am creating and realize that although I struggle through the process, I almost always come out on the other side. Great job!