Malcolm Gladwell Opening Keynote at NECC

Malcolm was the keynote kick off for the NECC conference on Sunday evening.

He discussed learning environments, and how it takes a lot of time to establish quality learning environments that provide for networking with students.

His premise for his keynote was "The 10 Hour Rule". It takes 4 hours a day for 10 years to work hard at something. It does not come down to ability, it comes down to ATTITUDE! Learning is simply what you put into it!

There are times that will be ROCKY! But it is those times that you can build upon those failures you have experienced. We must compensate for our weaknesses. Our hunger and effort to do something are better motivators for us than struggling through our weaknesses. Effective learning takes overcoming the obstacles that have gotten in your way.

You must have RESPECT for difficulty! Many entrepreneurs in this world typically struggled with dyslexia as students. They were able to overcome and become great leaders in our world because of their attitude to learn to overcome their weaknesses. Their hunger and effort won out! The reason they overcame issues with dyslexia that Malcolm shared:
1) They surround themselves with people who will help them.
2) They delegate.
3) They develop excellent problem solving skills over time.
4) They develop excellent oral communication skills.
They try harder, which compensates for weaknesses in talent.

Malcolm also shared that learning strategies are not linear. Learning is messy...it's zigzaggy! It must have trial, errors, and experimentation! And with that, teachers must incorporate feedback. This feedback must be timely and effective. After all, learning IS feedback! Failure equals learning, and if we provide our students with feedback to help them grow, they will, and will acquire a deeper understanding of their learning.

Your learning environment is not an atmosphere where learning takes place. It is an atmosphere that should be set for HOW learning takes place.

What are YOU doing for your learning atmosphere?