Leaders of Learning

Review of GSE2x: Leaders of Learning, offered by Dr. Richard Elmore at Harvard-x, and MOOC Edx.

Before this class I used to think more highly of online Learning, but now I have achieved a balance in my Theory of Learning. Leaders of Learning (L.O.L. – also ‘Lots of Laughs’) explores learning methods, cultures, and leadership styles. It also explored organizational structure, physical design, and optimizing resources for “Personalized Learning.” It’s useful for any occupation, any ‘Walk of life.’

Before this class I thought less of Traditional, ‘Brick and Mortar’ school rooms, and favored more Digital Learning for children (under 19). Now, I am convinced this is matched by personality, income class, and age. I now appreciate Traditional learning much more. In pure digital learning, the Human element goes away. It would be great to meet my Fellow (online) classmates at the end of this class for a Coffee, a drink, or some celebration. There’s NO (deep) Human connection in the Digital learning space. No exchange of handshakes, smiles, jokes, or business cards at the end.

In Ages 1-6 – we want to PLAY. At Ages 7-20 – we want to Learn. At ages 20-66 – we want to Work (get married, have children, buy a house, work hard at a Job.) God created us to get joy, fulfillment and pleasure from all three (3) of these activities. The happiest and healthiest Retired people stay very active in all 3 energy spaces. They continue to Learn, Play, and Work after they retire.

It is truly amazing (almost Miraculous, supernatural) that Richard Elmore incorporated all these various (3) Blended learning styles into a single course. He packed a Truck load of rich (Concentrated) learning and blessings into just 6 weeks. Some of it was ‘Play,’ other parts were ‘Work’ (Quiz, essays), other parts just ‘Learn’ (absorb new truth, see Videos). He used all three (3). Good Job, Richard !

Before L.O.L. I took a MOOC called -

HDS1544.1x: Early Christianity: “The Letters of Paul.” It features (emerging Rock-Star) Prof Laura Nasrallah. She’s a rock-star because she teaches about the “Rock of Ages” (Cleft for me). Dr. Elmore is the "KING of Education." Laura is the “Queen of Religion.” Together, they make a great Pair.

Laura dwells on character development, Richard on Vocational Training, and entering the work force. We need both ! Richard makes the class achievable by dishing out a steady pace of HW. No real surprises here if you ‘Hit it’ 4 hours a week, or just 30 min a day. If you fall behind, expect to get hit by a bag of Cotton Balls, or smacked with a (digital) Marsh-mellow. [ Low points on your Score Board. ]



If you take 1544.1x (on St. Paul), be sure to wear Concrete Shoes so you don’t get blown away in a “Mighty, rushing wind !” (Acts 2:2) Stay up on your HW. Don’t fall behind - in the many ‘Readings.’ (I did – and paid the price for it, and sorely regret it.) You don’t want the Princeton Tiger to get her ‘Virtual Wooden Ruler’ out of her desk drawer, would you? ?

This course was an eye-opener to the way my brain thinks, learns and ultimately the way I express myself and why. It's liberating to finally understand how I personally absorb and retain information and that every person does it differently. Find out what your method is and you have a better chance of internalizing the information you want to learn. The course also introduces a philosophy of learning as seen through the experiences of various teachers who have revolutionized the ways they pass on knowledge to maximize student benefit.

For anyone not entirely satisfied with their learning technique, I recommend following through the entire course and completing all assignments to gain greater understanding of what learning method is most helpful to you. I also recommend this course for those interested in techniques of teaching from the point of view of those in the field. Even though the material is not heavy, the course providers offer suggestions on further reading for those interested.

Eu recentemente concluí o curso "Leaders of Learning" da Harvard University via edX e fiquei impressionado com o impacto que teve em minha abordagem à gestão e liderança. Como gerente de vendas de uma loja de roupas de alto padrão no Shopping Iguatemi São Paulo, estou sempre buscando maneiras de melhorar a eficiência da equipe e aumentar a receita.

Este curso me proporcionou insights valiosos sobre como liderar e inspirar minha equipe de vendas de forma mais eficaz. A abordagem analítica severa e o foco no desenvolvimento da equipe foram particularmente úteis. Aprendi a enxergar detalhes importantes que antes passavam despercebidos e a tomar decisões baseadas em dados sólidos.

Além disso, as estratégias de liderança apresentadas no curso me ajudaram a lidar melhor com situações desafiadoras, incluindo a comunicação com superiores. Aprendi a abordar essas interações de maneira mais eficaz, o que tem sido fundamental para o sucesso da minha gestão.

No geral, "Leaders of Learning" é um curso excepcional que recomendaria a qualquer pessoa interessada em melhorar suas habilidades de liderança e gestão. Estou ansioso para aplicar o conhecimento adquirido no curso em minha loja de roupas e continuar impulsionando o desenvolvimento da equipe e o aumento de receita.