Instructions! Have you tried to set something up by following the directions, only to find that it did not work? First, I usually blame the instructions. Then, upon further inspection, I realize that I may have skipped some of the steps. By the third try, I usually get it to work great.
Yes, we hear all the time that by making errors great discoveries are made, but I just want to follow the instructions correctly so I can get the digital camera set up!
A day does not go by that I don't have to follow new instructions or work with someone grappling with a set of instructions they need to perform. I was making so many mistakes that I went to have my eyes checked. I have suspected family members (no need to name names) whom I thought should have their ears examined. In my case, I did not need glasses. And, alas, for most of us, the problem is mental not physical.
For example, why is it that 25% of the people applying for a particular job when told 'if you are going to fill out an application, you need to use a pen' used a pencil. (Job search -- follow instructions, don't be unhireable)
As I performed some google investigation into this subject, I found many studies on reading comprehension, but not so much on reading accuracy. I believe there is an important distinction. Based upon the MS Corporation's Encarta World English Dictionary's definition of these words, I grasp and, yet, make errors.
com·pre·hen·sion n 1. the grasping of the meaning of something 2. an exercise consisting of a set of questions on a short text, designed to test students' understanding of it
ac·cu·ra·cy n 1. the correctness or truthfulness of something 2. the ability to be precise and avoid errors
Rather than the 'why', I found the 'how' in my googling--for those of us who block the instruction, don't worry, many have written instructions on how to follow instructions.
Remember this "learning tool" used by so many teachers to traumatize second graders. The following year only to get crushed yet again by this "teaching aid" with the exact opposite message. And, then there are all the instructions that have been poorly translated from other languages.
Those who allege past abuse is to blame, the mental block will be much worse. The key is to move forward into the present and to learn that following directions and completing a set of tasks is achievable and rewarding.
To determine whether you really do or do not follow directions, there are games to test direction taking skills:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/words/grammar/texttypes/instructions/game.shtml http://www.boreme.com/boreme/funny-2007/the-idiot-test-p1.php
More remedies... how about a wiki devoted on How not to follow instructions. This article introduces the concept of felt-sense. I will interpret this as the critical element of focus and patience--which is indeed food for thought for those troubled with instructions.
Mastering instructions is age-old advice, not just modern day need. Daniel Hawk of the Manataka American Indian Council wisely explains:
Following instructions is not just for some but also for all who wish to accomplish the good things in life. By being able to follow instructions, we are able to learn and to teach.... So always accept instructions with your wellbeing in mind.
By starting with reading the instructions accurately, in the end, you will be master of many things and perhaps as per Daniel Hawk--be able to instruct others on all of your great discoveries.
Yes, we hear all the time that by making errors great discoveries are made, but I just want to follow the instructions correctly so I can get the digital camera set up!
A day does not go by that I don't have to follow new instructions or work with someone grappling with a set of instructions they need to perform. I was making so many mistakes that I went to have my eyes checked. I have suspected family members (no need to name names) whom I thought should have their ears examined. In my case, I did not need glasses. And, alas, for most of us, the problem is mental not physical.
For example, why is it that 25% of the people applying for a particular job when told 'if you are going to fill out an application, you need to use a pen' used a pencil. (Job search -- follow instructions, don't be unhireable)
As I performed some google investigation into this subject, I found many studies on reading comprehension, but not so much on reading accuracy. I believe there is an important distinction. Based upon the MS Corporation's Encarta World English Dictionary's definition of these words, I grasp and, yet, make errors.
com·pre·hen·sion n 1. the grasping of the meaning of something 2. an exercise consisting of a set of questions on a short text, designed to test students' understanding of it
ac·cu·ra·cy n 1. the correctness or truthfulness of something 2. the ability to be precise and avoid errors
Rather than the 'why', I found the 'how' in my googling--for those of us who block the instruction, don't worry, many have written instructions on how to follow instructions.
Remember this "learning tool" used by so many teachers to traumatize second graders. The following year only to get crushed yet again by this "teaching aid" with the exact opposite message. And, then there are all the instructions that have been poorly translated from other languages.
Those who allege past abuse is to blame, the mental block will be much worse. The key is to move forward into the present and to learn that following directions and completing a set of tasks is achievable and rewarding.
To determine whether you really do or do not follow directions, there are games to test direction taking skills:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/words/grammar/texttypes/instructions/game.shtml http://www.boreme.com/boreme/funny-2007/the-idiot-test-p1.php
More remedies... how about a wiki devoted on How not to follow instructions. This article introduces the concept of felt-sense. I will interpret this as the critical element of focus and patience--which is indeed food for thought for those troubled with instructions.
Mastering instructions is age-old advice, not just modern day need. Daniel Hawk of the Manataka American Indian Council wisely explains:
Following instructions is not just for some but also for all who wish to accomplish the good things in life. By being able to follow instructions, we are able to learn and to teach.... So always accept instructions with your wellbeing in mind.
By starting with reading the instructions accurately, in the end, you will be master of many things and perhaps as per Daniel Hawk--be able to instruct others on all of your great discoveries.
