Session Eight - Saturday 26th May 2012

The heatwave continues in East London but that doesn't stop the Emerging Scholars arriving bright and early on Saturday morning for a day of Crafty Listening facilitated by Michael Mallows.

Michael covered a number of topics during the day. We listened and we took part in exercises.

We learned how we make meaning in the world and how we delete, distort or generalise information when we speak and listen and the impact this has on how we experience events. We learned how our belief in our capability makes us more likely to move towards something. We analysed the drama triangle (and the roles of victim, rescuer and persecutor) and the nature and use of System 1 and System 2 thinking. We used VAKOG (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic, olfactory, gustavory) to describe events.

All of us, teachers and students included, spoke freely and shared personal insights through developing metaphors, and creating anchors. The day ended with a relaxation and deep breathing exercise.

The girls have increased their awareness of listening skilfully, their clarity and articulation in communication and asking the right questions. It has helped all of us improve our ability to sift information and think first. We became very clear about the distinction between System 1 (rapid, decisive, emotive) and System 2 (effort, considered) thinking and committed to using this tool in school and life.