Intellectual wellness presentation, Life long learning

1. Learning in the Open
A framework for intellectual health and wellness
MFSE/PSP Health and Wellness Week, Naples

2. The morning conversation
 Personal Wellness dimensions
 Intellectual Wellness
 Learning in the Open dimensions
 The first few steps
 Discussion
Ralph Mercer Learning in the Open © 3/8/2015

3. Wellness Dimensions
Beliefs
Emotional
Environmental
PhysicalVocational
Social
Intellectual
Ralph Mercer Learning in the Open © 3/8/2015

4. Intellectual
health and wellness
The willingness to learn, improve skills and seek new
challenges in pursuit of lifelong learning contributes to our
Intellectual Wellness.
Ralph Mercer Learning in the Open © 3/8/2015

5. Quick Self Assessment
 Are you open to new ideas?
 Do you read for self improvement?
 Do you stay current in your vocation?
 Do you look it up?
 Do you accept a challenge?
 Do you have a hobby?
 Do you share what you know?
 Do you have a goal?
Ralph Mercer Learning in the Open © 3/8/2015

6. Intellectual Wellness Benefits
 Improved emotional stability,
 Heightened problem solving skill,
 A raised sense of curiosity,
 Increased job performance,
 Set a good example for your family,
 Critical understanding of personal values,
 Greater self confidence, and
 Desire to learn about the world around you.
Ralph Mercer Learning in the Open © 3/8/2015

7. Learning in the Open
Dimensions
Balance
Lifestyle
Mind
BodyEthos
Body
• Physical
• Diet
• Environmental
Mind
• Intellectual
• Vocational
• Social
Ethos
• Beliefs
• Values
• Attitude
Ralph Mercer Learning in the Open © 3/8/2015

8. The First Few Steps
 Adopt a balanced lifestyle
 Have a specific goal
 Build your personal learning network (PLN)
 Make a measurable and attainable plan
 Adopt good learning habits
 Record and reflect in a journal
 Share with others in your PLN
Ralph Mercer Learning in the Open © 3/8/2015

9. Have a Goal, Make a Plan
 Smart
 Specific
 Measurable
 Achievable
 Relevant
 Time bound
 Plans should be reviewed and maintained regularly. Use a journal to track a daily
activities and actions associated with the goal. Record food intake, steps walked,
distanced ran, your ideas and reflections in your CPB, or other creative outlet. The
key is to integrate intellectual wellness into a balanced and holistic lifestyle.
Ralph Mercer Learning in the Open © 3/8/2015

10. Personal Learning Network
 Technology extends resource availability
 Develop peer-based social network
 Find a mentor
 Surround yourself with positive role models
 Find experts that share
 Individually tailored
 Continually evolving
Ralph Mercer Learning in the Open © 3/8/2015

11. Your
PLN
Social
Networks
Knowledge
tools
Authoritative
sources
Common
interest
groups
Online
schools
Info
resources
Curation and
creation
Personal Learning Networks
A technology
mediated
network of
personalized
learning
resources
Ralph Mercer Learning in the Open © 3/8/2015

12. Commonplace Book
 I prefer the concept of the Commonplace Book instead
of a Journal or Diary
 First used in the 17th century by notables Francis
Bacon, Mark Twain, John Milton, John Locke and many
others
 CPB’s were eighteenth century information
management devices and unique to its creator's
particular interests.
 Fast and easy to use and it doesn’t require a cell signal
Ralph Mercer Learning in the Open © 3/8/2015

13. Commonplace Book
Ralph Mercer Learning in the Open © 3/8/2015

14. Self Regulated Learning
 A self-regulated learner (SRL) is defined as a learner
who independently and actively assumes control over
his or her learning with a clear plan to regulate and
enhance their learning habits
 The three phases of SRL are:
 Planning Phase
 Action phase
 Reflection phase
Ralph Mercer Learning in the Open © 3/8/2015

15. Planning Phase
 Task analysis
 Develop achievable goals
 Develop a realistic time management plan
 Set goals milestones and expectations
 Use calendar functions to schedule self reflection
 Construct PLE
 Be prepared to adjust
Ralph Mercer Learning in the Open © 3/8/2015

16. Performance Phase
 Self-correcting
 Schedule and timeline self discipline
 Record and curate performance in CPB
 Experiment with new ideas and techniques
 Expose yourself to conflicting views
 Adapt and adjust PLE
Ralph Mercer Learning in the Open © 3/8/2015

17. Reflection Phase
 Self-critique
 Seek peer critique
 Reflect on content and discussions
 Critique what you read and what you write
 Share, teach and create from the reflections
 Use the experience to build a better learning plan
Ralph Mercer Learning in the Open © 3/8/2015

18. Learning in the Open
Framework
Balance
Lifestyle
PLN
Mind
CPB
Body
SRL
Ethos
Through the Holistic integration of:
• Mind, Body and Ethos
• Personal Learning Networks
• Commonplace Books
• Self Regulated learning practices
Allows the practitioner to develop
intellectual curiosity and actively
strive to expand and challenge their
mind with creative endeavors.
Ralph Mercer Learning in the Open © 3/8/2015

19. Ralph Mercer
learningintheopen@ralphmercer.ca
Skype: mercer.r
FT: ralphmercer@me.com
+39 349 0736291
Ralph Mercer Learning in the Open © 3/8/2015