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2 - Levels of learning: one, two, and three

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 February 2010

James G. S. Clawson
Affiliation:
University of Virginia
Mark E. Haskins
Affiliation:
University of Virginia
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Summary

The human mind needs cognitive stability. Therefore, any challenge to or questioning of a basic assumption will release anxiety and defensiveness. In this sense, the shared basic assumptions that make up the culture of a group can be thought of at both the individual and group levels as psychological cognitive defense mechanisms that permit the group to continue to function.

Recognizing this connection is important when one thinks about changing aspects of a group's culture, for it is no easier to do that than to change an individual's pattern of defense mechanisms. In either case the key is the management of the large amounts of anxiety that accompany any relearning at this level.

– Edgar Schein, Organizational Culture and Leadership

Human learning occurs on at least three levels. At Level One is Visible Behavior, the things that people say and do that can be captured on film. At Level Two is Conscious Thought, the things that people are aware they're thinking but that they do not choose to reveal at Level One. At Level Three are the Values, Assumptions, Beliefs, and Expectations (VABEs) that people hold about the way the world should be. VABEs are often “preconscious” or “semiconscious,” yet they often reveal themselves at Level One. (See Figure 2.1, in which only that above the underline is visible.)

A major question for educators is where to begin with instructional intent.

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Chapter
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Teaching Management
A Field Guide for Professors, Consultants, and Corporate Trainers
, pp. 26 - 33
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2006

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