Education: Vulnerability & Enthusiasm.

Yesterday I wrote about Rhythm & Attention as being two of the four themes important in education. Together with Vulnerability & Enthusiasm these are according to me the four words basic for educational settings.

When people feel that they can be themselves, that there is a basic safety guaranteed and also felt, people allow themselves to show who they are. When you feel that you can show your vulnerability and not being seen as weak, or unable, but as a human who also has feelings, this is really strong. It makes the people see their own vulnerable sides, and makes them want to help to co-create a different reality.

Then enthusiasm is a good starting point. When being surrounded by enthusiastic people who see you for who you are, who you are as a being, as a person (and not a student-number), things are looking differently. All of a sudden one can see the possibilities of bringing you, as also a vulnerable person to a next level. 

One of the best (enthusiastic) talks on TED about this is from Brene Brown, the power of vulnerability. 

So for me the starting points of a good learning environment are these four themes: Rhythm & Attention and Vulnerability & Enthusiasm. Facilitating a good rhythm, giving the needed attention, being vulnerable and being enthusiastic works. Think about it and try it.