Clark B. Montgomery M.Ed. Extension Cohort Learning Task #2 June 4, 1999

SEEKING OUT USEFUL INFORMATION

A. 1) Mezirow, J. (1991). Transformative Dimensions of Adult Learning. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers. 2) Fleming, J.E.A. (1997). How Learning In Residence Fosters Transformative Learning and Connected Teaching. Midwest Research To Practice Conference in Adult, Continuing and Community Education. 3) Richardson, J.G. (1994). Learning Best Through Experience. Journal of Extension, 32, 4) Fast Company, 1997-1999.

B. Materials I have acquired from the web, purchased or otherwise own, I will highlight significant text. Typically the context of these reading contain are self limiting in terms of time spent, pages read, etc. per session (as opposed to a good novel that might get read in 1-2 days). Consequently, its not overwhelming to journal and reference highlighted material following these brief sessions. Loaned or checked-out materials require journal/referencing almost as they are being read. I noticed in reading the techniques of other cohort members the use of "tabs" on owned material. I would have never thought of that, what an excellent idea.

C. My educational goals are not necessarily become a more effective educator, but come to understand the learning process in a practical and pragmatic sense. There is a difference between the two. One will obviously lead/contribute to the other, which has practical benefit. However, my personal goal is of a more inquisitive nature. I'm of the lay opinion that organized information transfer is made far more complicated than it actually is. Systems (K-12, higher education, Extension) let far too much baggage get in the way of maximizing the effectiveness of their efforts. Those limitations are both internal and external. I'd like to find out if these ideas of mine have substance.

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-- Anonymous, June 04, 1999