From: Eugene Matusov
Submit: Post Comments
VisitDate: 00/00/96
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Date: 04 Dec 1996
Time: 14:48:50
Remote Name: pax-ca6-19.ix.netcom.com
Hi Duane--
You wrote about an interesting event of kid ignoring your guidance. One think is often good is include yourself in considering this situation. In my view, it is often very important important for kids to fail in their activities. This failure, espacially when it is safe for the kids (like at BU) is a very important learning experience. I don't knowthe game you are referring quite well, but in Oregan Trail, one of the most important learning for the kids is to see consequences for their decisions. Moreover, the decisions are not seen by kids unless the face with the consequences. In Oregan Trail, I believe it is very important for the kids to fail many times.
Adults very often provide "false resque" for the kids trying to save them from failures in the activities. "False resque" can rob kids from learning by taking away kids' ownership and responsibility for the activity.
I think your guidance was very good when you tried to attract Erich's attention to the link between his failure in the game and his ignoring important info on the display. You could actually ask him why he lost the game and make your own analysis with him. It may take time for Erich to learn to see the causal link between his failure and info on the display. You should be patient.
Duane, you can find info about kids by clicking on icon Kids List.
Eugene