In the comments section, state: 1) three things you have learned so far from your readings that you feel may be useful as you plan for the future; and 2) your opinion on the utility/usefulness of a trade book (Pink's AWNM) in place of a traditional textbook at engaging students in the course objectives - for comparison, see Joe Moran's Interdisciplinarity (2002), which is much more focused strictly on interdisciplinarity (no need to comment on the price... yes, Pink's book is cheaper).
Deadline to comment is Thursday, 09/24/2009, 11:59am
Deadline to comment is Thursday, 09/24/2009, 11:59am
1) How we are reaching critical mass in our information age and starting the new conceptual age, I'm going to thrive in this new age.
ReplyDelete- That the left hemisphere specializes in text and that the right brain specializes in context.
- How you need both hemispheres to lead a healthy happy successful life.
2) I think the approach of using a trade book is immediately more engaging. I also think it encompasses the whole idea of IDS being a largely in part a different way to approximate college education.
1. The book has taught in not a direct way that to attain as much knowledge as possible is a powerful tool instead of just learning a trade.
ReplyDelete2. Also that creativity is useful in all aspects of life not just for art work.
3. And the logic behind why a human would never be able to beat a computer chess game
I think that it is far more effective especially in upper level courses to use a book like pink’s because most of the things that you are going to get in your regular textbooks you can find on the internet and you don’t know utilize to the full ability, versus reading a trade book.
1) The first thing I have taken from the book is that our society is making a shift and some of the skills that were so valued are being downgraded.
ReplyDelete2) I have learned that everywhere you look there are opportunities to advance designs. I really like the new idea I have in my mind where everywhere I look I notice the flaws in design.
3)I have learned that the causes of this shift in the way we think are autmomation, asia, and abundance.
I really like the book I think it is far more engaging then most textbooks. It really is eye opening read that talks about a subject that I personally have never been exposed to. A normal textbook does not compare because I would not be enjoying reading it like I have Pinks book.
I.)
ReplyDelete1.) Pink has been explaining the importance of respecting and developing Right-Directed thinking as we enter the Conceptional Age; its emerging importance and global relevance can help narrow the old disconnect--between Left-Brain and Right-Brain people and careers.
2.) In this context and transition, “creativity and design” require skills/talent from both sides of the brain; our educational resources may need educational environments outside of the old paradigms that don’t fit into the direction we are heading (Conceptional Age).
3.) Right-Directed thinking involves recognizing and appreciating empathy and meaning in an educational context; this could translate on a global scale and provide opportunities to improve relations within countries and between countries, economies, and .
Many, many U.S. jobs were outsourced over the past 30 years outside our country. This new direction/trend of Right-Directed thinking—designing to appeal to a purchaser’s emotional appeal—can help create demand for more Right-brained people. I am one of these Right-brained people and feel that I can market myself in the present as well as stay relevant in the future.
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II.) I think a trade book is more practical. The trade book can help us flesh out and develop our hands-on skills (not just being “book smart”). I consider my Interdisciplinary Major (albeit Liberal Arts) a functional degree where I can roll up my sleeves and apply my skills in the moment.
1)One thing I have learned so far from my readings are that there is a promising future for people who are right-brain oriented. I used to think that right-brainers would have to find a way to suppress their creativity at work and only use it for down time rather than to actually make their money. Another is that so much extensive research has been done on the topic. I never knew that there were so many people on which to do the research, and that it was such an issue that the research had started in the first place. The third thing I’ve learned is that creativity is necessary for entering the new age. During my lifetime, people have been earning their living doing things such as law or business, and that’s the way I thought it would always be. That idea was pretty disappointing to me. I thought I would have to go through school and my career hating every second of it. I thought that was what everyone did. It’s nice to know that having a career doesn’t mean you have to hate your life, but that you can do what you are most comfortable doing and still earn a living.
ReplyDelete2)I think using a book such as Pink’s is much more beneficial than a traditional textbook. From my general experience, textbooks are not something students enjoy reading. When you don’t enjoy what you read, it is much more likely that you will either not retain the information or simply not read it at all. Everything about the book is better. It is a much easier read than textbooks and doesn’t make you feel like you are reading for an assignment, but that you are reading for pure enjoyment. This is a great strategy, and I hope professors in the future will use it to their advantage.
1) One thing I have learned so far is that everything that I have worked for here at UCF is “not sufficient” anymore, for the most part, to get a good job. I have taken many upper level mathematics classes, computer science classes, and physics and chemistry classes to be competitive, and now it seems like I need to engage more R-directed thinking, of which I abhor. The second thing I will mention I have learned is what I need to do and what I need to be in order to be sought after in this new Conceptual Age, and I feel these questions asked “
ReplyDeletea) Can someone overseas do it cheaper?
b) Can a computer do it faster?
c) Is what I’m offering in demand in an age of abundance?”
are infinitely important when trying to consider what to do with your life. I feel that what I try and answer these questions, I see that I am not competitive, and hopefully will make the necessary changes to become competitive. The third thing I have learned so far are what changes have occurred in the SAT and other similar tests that I took when I was younger. Now there are additional parts, and even new tests, like the Rainbow Project. I am realizing that when these young kids come into the job market, that they seem to be better prepared for life. How great for them.
2) I am actually quite impressed with Pink’s AWNM versus a traditional textbook because I believe that not only does our book give great information, it actually attempts to prepare us for life and what is coming, and not just tell you about what has happened and heap you with a ton of information. I think AWNM is quite useful in the fact that it tells you what you can possibly do in the future to be more competitive and possibly improve yourself to get a career.
1.
ReplyDeletea) In the coming conceptual age creative thinking will dominate the work environment. This is an encouraging thought as my degree really lends itself to creative problem sloving. It has also reaffirmed my confidence in my choice to pursue a more liberal education rather than a specific degree.
b) Pink cites the recent rise of abundance, automation and, “Asia” as some of the primary reasons for increasing necessity of conceptual right brain thinking. I feel the underlying message is to be aware of your surrounding and current global trends. If you are well informed you can adapt in an ever changing work environment which I feel is one of the most important keys to success.
c) I love Pink’s essential six senses, those being design; story, sympathy, empathy, play, and meaning. Utilizing these six senses can really bring any piece of information to life. Whether your goal is to educate, sell a product, or entertain employing these six different aspects makes your audience retain the information much better than strict left brain modes of conveying a message as it engages and involves the viewers.
2. Scraping the textbook and replacing it with a trade paperback was a fantastic idea. I feel it is a much better way to convey the themes of the course because Pink’s book is infinitely more interesting than 90% of the textbooks I have been forced to read over the course of my college career. All the objectives of the curriculum are met through an engaging narrative which, in my opinion, serves as a quintessential example of right directed thinking triumphing over traditional left brain ways of thinking.
1. The first thing I learned is that many companies are now searching for people with MFA's instead of MBA's. I found this interesting and the reasoning behind it when viewed from the angle of increased right brain thought makes perfect sense.
ReplyDelete2. The Rainbow Project was another interesting find for me. I greatly appreciate that people are searching for ways to slaughter the SAT. Personally I find it to be a poor measure of a persons potential and its nice to see that others agree and are working to find a better solution especially when its based on testing humor.
3. My final insight was that money only goes so far and that it soon becomes the meaning behind it all that matters the most. I feel that in a sense I have already reached this. I started college wanting to get a graduate degree and make the big bucks. Now I just want to be happy and enjoy myself. If I could make enough to survive by playing music and be able to travel the world sharing my music with others that is all I need.
As for the book itself I think its likely much better than any standard text for a college course. Most textbooks are boring and dry. This seems to be an easy read that flows well and makes sense.
1)
ReplyDeleteI. First, it's been interesting to learn that emotional skills, such as empathy, are becoming more valuable in the current and future workplace. Such skills have often been overlooked in favor of textbook knowledge, so it's a relief to know that one of my biggest assets can actually be put to use in a career setting.
II. The shift of interest in recruiters, from MBAs to MFAs, clarifies the fact that "art"/design careers are becoming more valued. However, as someone involved in the arts, and considering a future career in an art related field, this puts the kind of competition that I should expect into perspective.
III. Finally, it has been interesting to note that the careers once held in the highest esteem, information careers (doctors, lawyers, etc.), are not the only means to success. Furthermore, curricula is starting to encourage R-Directed thinking within these fields.
2) Personally, I believe that a trade book can offer more knowledge to a student in contrast to a normal textbook. Traditional textbooks seem rather limited in their scope, focusing in on very specific ideas, without necessarily being relevant to the reader's particular situation. In contrast, I feel that trade books are able to help the reader understand the information at an applicable/"real world" level.
1) three things you have learned so far from your readings that you feel may be useful as you plan for the future:
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that many corporations were focusing on the art side of a product. I was surprised at how much knowledge work was going to Asia; I thought is was mostly customer service. Third, I am picking the right industry (Health) to work in because it can't be shipped overseas to take care of a patient!
2) your opinion on the utility/usefulness of a trade book (Pink's AWNM) in place of a traditional textbook.
I'm really enjoying this book as a text book. I find I read it differently than if I had bought it for just a nice read. Each chapter has very real-life applicability and I enjoy the humor. It's engaging for me. The structure of the verbage isn't as dry as another text and he really believes in his work. It's inspiring.
Danielle Dennison
ReplyDeleteThis book has indeed taught me a lot, however, it has also confirmed ideas that I already knew or believe in. Therefore, in some respects I may not be learning something "new" but rather digging in further to some concepts with which I am already familiar. I have enjoyed the examples and stories shared so far. For example in this chapter (4) and the previous (3) there were examples used based on studies and practices in the medical field. I have enjoyed learning about these new studies. I have confirmed, rather than learned that the academic world has a lot of catching up to do with the real world. Finally, I feel reassured that since my passions are training / developement / service / and leadership that I will be able to hopefully develop a strong career that cannot be replicated by a computer or a person in another country who is willing to do it for less.
I am grateful for this book as opposed to a textbook. It has been shown that people will be more productive when the work is something they WANT to do. The subject of the book is something I enjoy and could see myself reading on my own without being prompted by the course. Therefore, I am getting more out of what I am reading becuase I am intrinsicly motivated.
In the comments section, state: 1) three things you have learned so far from your readings that you feel may be useful as you plan for the future?
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the book by PINK, I have come to the conclusion that there are allot of opportunities out there in the real world.
1) The first most important thing that I have learned is that engaging in R- Directed thinking is very important in todays society.
2) I thought it was interesting how Pink said that most of the jobs in our country are being limited due to people in other countries doing the same work but for less money.
3) Communication is very important and is something that we use and will use almost everyday of our lives.
2) your opinion on the utility/usefulness of a trade book (Pink's AWNM) in place of a traditional textbook at engaging students in the course objectives - for comparison, see Joe Moran's Interdisciplinarity (2002), which is much more focused strictly on interdisciplinarity (no need to comment on the price... yes, Pink's book is cheaper).
When I found out that we were going to be using this book rather then a textbook I was pretty excited because one of my friends read it already and said it was a great book. After reading the first four chapters I really do like the book so far and it makes me want to keep on reading. I like how the words are written and the stories are told. Overall a great book.
1)
ReplyDelete**I now realize how fortunate we are to be learning in such a diverse environment. An IDS major really helps an individual cope with different teaching styles, communication, and completely opposite ways of thinking. We also now have the ability to use the three separate components of our major and see the whole picture of our degree.
**Use and showcase your inner creativity. Art is in every business.
**The impact of Automation, Asia, and Abundance has and will have on the valued jobs of today’s time.
2)
I really enjoy the use of a trade book rather than a textbook. Textbooks are really useful for certain subjects and in the capstone course we learned a ton of useful information about Interdisciplinary Studies. For this course I love that we are learning about what will be useful in the future and how to better prepare ourselves for the future.
Three things I have learned so far in Pink’s “A Whole New Mind” are
ReplyDelete1. A bit more on how our brain works in comparison to our right and left hemispheres which reinforces my appreciation to not have suffered from a stroke from my massive blood clot I received a year ago in my right brain hemisphere.
2. That only 4 to 10 percent of our career success in life has to do with our IQ.
3. How happy I am that my future career cannot be done oversees or by a computer and we will always have demand for it.
Your opinion on the utility/usefulness of a trade book (Pink's AWNM) in place of a traditional textbook at engaging students in the course objectives.
Well for one, I have a hard time in sitting down and making myself read any textbook. So there is a good chance that if we had a traditional text book I would not benefit from it to the fullest. By having “A Whole New Mind” as our book I believe it reinforces even more right brain thinking versus regurgitating information from a traditional textbook.
The three things I have learned from readin AWNM: The way our two sides of the brain work and what the history of it.
ReplyDeleteThe amount of jobs that are being outsourced thanks to the advancment of technology and hoe simplistic they really were.
The most major CEOs use laughter and right brain ideas to run a compeny and be sucsseful.
And I have used paper backs for text in class and the good thing about it is that it takes away the whole we have to cover this point because a good percentage of people want us to cover it. With the Trade book you get more of a on hands experince as well instead of a book done mostly out of research and not really from experince but that from others which lose vaule when told over nad over again.
In the comments section, state: 1) three things you have learned so far from your readings that you feel may be useful as you plan for the future
ReplyDelete1. One thing I have learned which was the most surprising to me was that we have switched to
R-Brained thinking. Being that I am R-Brained, I got really excited and hopeful! Welcome to the Conceptual Age!
2. I could not believe that ARt programs were in so high of a demand and now harder entry level programs.
3. I loved the idea of the Rainbow test. I am a R-brained thinker and have never done well at standarized tests, but if I were to take a test on creativity and imagination I know I would do well.
2) your opinion on the utility/usefulness of a trade book (Pink's AWNM) in place of a traditional textbook at engaging students in the course objectives - for comparison, see Joe Moran's Interdisciplinarity (2002), which is much more focused strictly on interdisciplinarity (no need to comment on the price... yes, Pink's book is cheaper).
Other than the price ;) Pink's book is very easy to read and very engaging. I most definitely enjoy a book like this in comparison to an extremely boring textbook. Good pick ;)
1) a)The fact that different types of tasks require thinking from different sides of the brain and sometimes tasks usually geared by L-Directed Thinking need a little twist of R-Directed Thinking.
ReplyDeleteb)The discussion about automation made me realize how easily artificial intelligence could take over many of the jobs people have here in America. I also realize that things such as creativity are being used more in fields many may not associate creativity with.
c)Though details are important, putting all the details together to form the big picture is the most important.
2) To me trade books such as Pink's "A Whole New Mind" make you think about things in context of the real world. With text books you get things that are so factual and most of the time hard to read. Trade books are more interesting and go into ideas that make you think about how they might be relevant in your own life.
When it comes to course objectives the fact that these trade books are very much easier to read makes not only reading them for class seem like less of a task than having to read a textbook, but retaining the information and understanding the ideas being portrayed becomes much easier as well.
1)a) In this conceptual age, there are six aptitudes (six senses) that are essential: design, story, symphony, empathy, play, and meaning. According to pink, people have long spent their lives pursuing wealth, but today, people are pursuing meaning.
ReplyDeleteb)I find it immensely useful to know that R-directed think is becoming the dominant way. Employers are becoming increasingly interested in R-directed traits like creativity. Professionals like accountants and engineers are being replaced by computers (good by SAT-ocracy).
c) In the last 30 years, our country has been inundated with shopping centers, food choices, etc. Pink stresses it is simply not good enough to just have a product that does its job well; it ALSO has to be appealing to the eye (hello R-directed thinkers).
2) My L-directed brain appreciates and retains information when it is presented in a way that is new and creative.
Textbooks are impersonal and boring, but Pink’s book is engaging because it features real life examples and humor.
I believe Pink’s book pales in comparison to the average text book because it doesn’t have the pressures associated with having to read and understand something like Joe Moran's Interdisciplinarity (2002).
Never have I read a text book and cracked a smile after a humorous antidote is attempted in order to get a point across.
1) three things you have learned so far from your readings that you feel may be useful as you plan for the future; and
ReplyDeleteThings that I have learned from reading Pinks book are:
Sometimes alternative methods are just as good if not better than the traditional. This book is a perfect example of that, we are gaining just as much if not more from this book over a traditional text for a course.
It is not good enough to be just as good as the rest. In these changing times it is important to have a edge over the rest.
Some of the qualities that I have possed for a long time are more valued than some have told me. For many years people have told me that some of the things that I do could come back to bite me in the rear. Some of those I am now learning that they will prove to be great to have.
I think that it is a great idea for courses to use trade books such as Pinks. The reason that jumps out first off is not having to read many long chapters filled with useless information evey week. Too many times I have had classes that assigned big books that werent interesting, and gave too much infomation that werent important to the class.I believe that more teachers should use books that would get students to want to read them, not have to read them. That would be great.
1) three things you have learned so far from your readings that you feel may be useful as you plan for the future
ReplyDelete•The first thing I have learned is the usefulness of the creative mind. I have for many years been under the impression that there is no place for a creative mind in our society. This is mainly because I went to school for graphic design and was unable to find a job that allowed me to use my creativity. After reading the first few chapters I see that we are slowly recognizing the need for creative thinking in almost all facets of our society.
•The right and left side of the brain although different can’t function independently. Much in the same way most applications that require creativity also require a measure of traditional conservative thinking as well.
•It was very interesting to learn that there is a shift in the desired degrees from MBA to MFA. I believe that this is the key to future success not only for the corporate world but also for the continued advancement of our nation.
2) your opinion on the utility/usefulness of a trade book (Pink's AWNM) in place of a traditional textbook at engaging students in the course objectives - for comparison.
•I believe that using books like “A Whole New Mind” expands our views to the real world. R. Pink is obviously a seasoned professional. He offers real world experience whereas textbooks are a bit more narrow minded and sometimes are oblivious to these factors. I also enjoy a break from the hard-line writing of the textbooks. Pink’s writings are a little more laid back and easy to read and therefore comprehend.
1) three things you have learned so far from your readings that you feel may be useful as you plan for the future:
ReplyDelete* I thought that Pink's three questions to ask yourself were actually very useful (Can someone overseas do it cheaper, etc.)... these are questions I've been rolling around in my head since I read them, and have actually given me a lot of insights into my own choices.
* I thought the section about the design-oriented public high school was fascinating, and I think the change in the students shows that encouraging R-brained learning can facilitate not just happiness but success.
* The demonstrations of how the different sides of the brain work, like in the section towards the beginning about the tests with reactions to photos, show me that I have a lot more to understand about how my own brain works.
2) your opinion on the utility/usefulness of a trade book (Pink's AWNM) in place of a traditional textbook at engaging students in the course objectives:
I think that, for a course like this, Pink's book may be more useful than a traditional textbook - - not only does it explain the importance of R-brained work and integration with L-brained work (which is arguably crucial to interdisciplinary studies), it _demonstrates_ this by clearly teaching these concepts in an R-brained way.
One of the things that I have learned that I think is beneficial to my future would be to engage in R – directed thinking. This is a good idea because it gets one out of the normal way of thinking and to start being creative. Another thing I learned that took me by surprise is that only 4 to 10 % of career success is due to your IQ. This again, has to relate with using the other side of your brain and being creative and new. Pink says that Asia is a big part of the reason that we are all thinking different. I agree with pink, and im glad that we are at the point of thinking different and creativity.
ReplyDeleteI think that pinks book is way better then the old text. The old texts was pretty cut and dry material and never lead the student to think outside the box. It was strictly interdisciplinary and pinks book displays this, and more. When I heard that this was the text for the class I was very excited, i think its better then a dry ext. One of the reasons being because before this class I have read this book already. I bought it for a good read, and ive had it around for quiet some time. Now its my text, its great !
1.) There are definitely some things that I have taken and considered from this book. First of all, the idea that we are not only competing with others within this country for jobs but with other country that can often do the same jobs for less money. Also, I like the idea of approaching things from a more right brain thinking process. I think that I have always been more of a right brain person and I love the idea of utilizing these concepts in the new age. With that same idea, I like how Pink takes many different things into consideration when it comes to communication and conveying a message such as emotions.
ReplyDelete2.) I would definitely say that this book as opposed to a traditional textbook is an easier and more interesting read. Maybe it is more of a right brain approach, but I have never enjoyed reading books that just state the facts.
1. Three things i’ve learned so far from the reading that I feel may be useful for my plans in the near future are the difference between using the “left-brain” vs. the “right-brain” and how the “right-brain” is more of my character since I have plans to be a teacher in the near future. Secondly, I’ve learned that SAT and how it access to the good life depends on the ability to reason logically, sequentially, and promptly. Thirdly, I’ve learned about the importance from the agricultural age to the conceptual age.
ReplyDelete2. In my opinion, the utility/usefulness of a trade book (Pink's AWNM) in place of a traditional textbook at engaging students in the course objectives is that it really illustrates how I can related to important matters in my near future. It’s not your typical boring textbook that you will only read to do assignments; it really is an interesting and enjoyable book that I find very beneficial for my near future.
I also appreciate Pink's classification of the upcomming "Conceptual Age". The three former periods that he discusses--Agriculture, Industrial and Information--have been anlyzed and classified through humanities and historical studies. It's new for me to hear predictions about the future, which debately are the most import one to consider.
ReplyDeleteOf the six senses that are discussed, I was particularly taken by Syphony. While I love data analysis, I definitely see that without intepretation, the whole effort is meaningless. Symphony can not just be applied to the job market, but also to everyday life. I typically find that the most well-adjusted individuals are the ones who really grasp this concept of "seeing the whole picture". This is one aspect of R-Directed thinking that I feel very strongly about, despite my being a predominantly L-Directed thinker.
As far as the utility of A Whole New Mind, I much prefer the more reader-friendly expository book as opposed to the information-heavy textbooks I'm used to. And, based on the nature of this class, it seems like a good fit. We're here to cultivate discussion and get to know different sides of our selves, and I'm not really sure that is something a textbook can provide. In fact, I surprised that such a textbook even exists!
I have learned that the job market is changing, that people are considering different skills more valuable, and that even the most academic jobs are becoming creative. This is useful because I am beginning to think that I may enjoy a job that is more traditional even if it means working from 9 to 5 which is something I swore I would never enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI have always enjoyed non conventional books more because they show the information in a more applicable way and they stimulate the mind more. they show the students how the information can be utilized not just what the information is.