NOTE ON SPONTANEOUS LEARNING "IN SITU" VERSUS LEARNING THE ACADEMIC WAY

Abstract

In "The Story of my Life" by Helen Keller* it is repeatedly stressed that Helen Keller made such remarkable strides in her learning abilities that the question was raised to her teacher Anne Sullivan Macy whether all of her rapid progress could be ascribed to her talent and intelligence. Miss Sullivan herself states in this book, "Helen is a wonderful child, so spontaneous and eager to learn" (p. 263). Then she describes the method by which she was able to teach her and reach her so deeply and fast, which, indeed, has all the earmarks of "in situ" learning, using the child's spontaneity as her guide. Quoting again from Miss Sullivan's reports: "I am beginning to suspect all elaborate and special systems of education" (p. 260). "Since I have abandoned the idea of regular sessions, I find that Helen learns much faster" (p. 261).