Class InfoLike all groups, every class has a culture which comprises a set of norms that guide the behavior of class members. Listed below are the values that will guide everything we do and say in this class. Be sure that you understand each one, because you and I will be expected to live out these values when we are together!
Thoughtfulness embodies fidelity and fairness, both to ideas and to persons. A thoughtful person thinks deeply about ideas at the same time she honors the thought and ideas of others. A person is not thoughtful if he is kind, but foolish, nor is someone thoughtful when she is insightful, but arrogant or indifferent toward others. Thoughtfulness involves upholding responsible, open, considerate discourse and acting courageously to stop those who are thoughtless. Thoughtful people honor ideas, but most of all they honor other people. They are kind and considerate, even when they must disagree or correct another person.
Enlightened learning involves a search for truth and a willingness to consistently and critically examine one's own knowledge, thoughts, and beliefs. Research shows that people who cling to their own opinions and ways of thinking end up learning very little. They are also not very creative. Enlightened learners are not possessive of their ideas, insights, or knowledge, but openly and actively search for and explor new points of view, even when the new views contrast sharply with their own. Enlightened learning requires both hospitality -- openly sharing insights and knowledge with others -- and charity -- really listening to the ideas and insights of others. Enlightened learners are toughest on themselves and their own thoughts and ideas. "Let learning be your guide" will be a mantra for us and by it we are referring to enlightened learning.
See the research listed below for scientific evidence that working for grades stymies learning
Justice underlies all healthy, vibrant groups and communities. Justice underlies the "Ask more" mission of the Mendoza College of Business, and it is the essence of the mission and spirit of the University of Notre Dame which emphasizes learning that becomes service to justice. At its heart, justice requires that we recognize and curtail the lesser angels of our nature (such as our propensity to act only in our own self-interest) and that we strive to live more fully, each day, to enrich the lives of others.
You will need one book:
Other good books on innovation include:
I hope that you will "let learning be your guide" in this class. There is a ton of research that shows if you work for a grade you will learn a lot less than if you simply strive to learn. But, alas, we have grades. Here is the break down:
Here is some fascinating research on why grades don't work very well and why positive moods & emotions have many important benefits for us, including enhancing our learning and creativity.
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