15.55 The wonderful difficult learning model

Learning in whatever context, has differing value.

Low difficulty, low value learning is not challenging, nor, often is it worth doing, as the return is negligible. Low value difficult learning, and difficult for a multitude of possible reasons, is even less worth doing - why struggle to achieve so little?

Then to the higher value options in the matrix. High value, low difficulty is the attractive box, where strong returns accompany not particularly challenging efforts.

The final option is high difficulty, high return, where I have found the most return on investment often lies, as the stretch is greatest.

There is so much in this simple model. It is dynamic - in any coaching conversation for instance, all four boxes could be in evidence during 30 minutes.

Sharing the model with a learner or a client helps clarify intentions and navigate the way to mutual outcomes. This is not a polar extreme model - at any time we may be operating at a marginal position and moving from one box to another, other times deliberately working at the far end of a box.

In this learning conversation with Rebecca Norton a lot 'though never in the time all, options and issues around the use of this model are explored.

I hope you find this of use - do get in touch if I can help further.