|
A candid, lively and enlightening interview with American
educator Steven Rudolph (Educational Director, Jiva) on
the recent publication of his book, The 10 Laws of
Learning (TTLOL), by our Sr. Content Writer Ranjit K
Sharma. Put in print by international publishing giant
Random House (India), TTLOL is the first comprehensive
parenting book for Indian parents, which helps them in
creating better learning environments for children and
making them champions in life. Here is the transcript of
the interview taken at Steve’s office suite at Jiva,
Faridabad.
Q. Why is it called the Laws?
A. As I understand it, laws are universal, while
principles are applicable only in specific contexts. I
believe the points I raise have a universal appeal. In
fact, they are equally as valid for adults and employees
as they are for and children. And just as relevant for
people of Icelandic nationality as they are for Indians!
Q. There are many books on parenting. How is your book
different?
A. All of the books I’ve found on parenting are
based on a Western psychological paradigm. This book
incorporates elements of Eastern thought as well as
Western thought. It draws extensively off of traditional
Indian knowledge systems in a way that provides a deep,
holistic perspective. Second, although the Laws are
universal, this particular rendering is specifically
tailored to the Indian context. Indian parents have been
struggling for years to interpret books that are written
for American or British audiences and for contexts that
are extremely different than their own. All of the
examples I use are ones that come from my work with
thousands of parents and children right here in India over
the past 15 years.
Q. When did you postulate the Laws? Was it after
a Newtonian apple fell on your head?
A. No, no apples. It was a child in the seat behind
me on the train who hit me with his toy car.
Q. Are the Laws separate from your Theory of
Multiple Natures? Please explain.
A. My Multiple Natures (MN) theory is different
from the 10 Laws, although it does factor in. MN is a
corollary to Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences (MI)
theory. MN explains what people do with their
intelligences—how they are inclined to act. These natures
include Protective, Educative, Administrative, Creative,
Healing, Entertaining, Providing, Entrepreneurial, and
Adventurous. MN is useful in understanding the unique
natures of each individual so they can figure out their
life paths—especially when it comes to careers. The 10
Laws discusses how to create environments for children
that are conducive to learning. One of the laws (Law 2:
Teach your children to believe in themselves), deals with
helping kids identify their natures using MI and MN.
Q. What is the USP of TTLOL?
A. I think there are a few: it is simple, comprehensive,
practical, engaging, fun, and highly affordable (only
Rs.99!).
Q. What is the role of parents in their children’s
upbringing?
A. To help kids become self-reliant. This can be
done by learning to identify their unique natures and by
creating environments that are conducive to learning.
There’s a lot more of course (to teach them values,
integrity, etc.), but this is the essence.
Q. In this busy world of today, how do you expect
parents to be contributing?
A. It’s not the amount of time, but rather the
quality of time that parents spend with their kids that
makes the difference. In other words, it’s their presence,
not their presents. However, most importantly, they must
be role models and set examples for their kids, because,
as the saying goes, “Children are natural mimics who act
like their parents despite every attempt to teach them
good manners.”
Next >
|
