Methodology

 

OUR APPROACH TO LEARNING

4tNox does not just deliver content. 4tNox specializes in creating course content, and in the process we give diligent attention to how students learn best. Although a single method of instruction may be effective for one set of students, 4tNox utilizes multiple methodologies in order to maximize the benefits gleaned by a broad range of students with various interests, needs, and learning styles. The courses are designed to encourage repetition as well as self-directed learning. We use scaffolding techniques in progressive modules and continually guide the students through the discovery process. A certain level of domain knowledge is assumed, but the assumption is always followed by direct access to domain knowledge at the point when students need to confirm their understanding of concepts. Student self-direction, immersion, and interactivity levels will be determined by their motivation and interest in a certain topic or subtopic. At other times the course will require at least a minimum amount of interactivity to proceed.
Our combination of teaching, self-directed learning exercises, simulated experiential tasks, and database gaming technology provides students with a flexible learning environment that addresses multiple learning styles in an interactive and fun setting. Using this approach, we can create more “aha” opportunities for students. These “aha” moments, when lesson usefulness clicks into meaningful focus for the students, will empower them when they draw on this understanding in their future life circumstances.

PEDAGOGY

Pedagogy is the art or science of being a teacher. The term generally refers to strategies or a style of instruction. For our purposes, pedagogy is an accumulation of methods used to convey knowledge to students effectively. Students are taught. A master teacher who is an expert in a discipline adds tremendous value to the student learning process. Students may not even be aware of the gaps in their understanding, but a master teacher can lead them to the questions they need answered to clarify their learning. We have great admiration for these master teachers and support strong teacher-led pedagogy. Our course mentors lead students to a clear comprehension of concepts by using their past experiences as models of the concepts in action. Training sessions also feature misguided characters whose poor decision-making illustrates what damage can be done. Whether through positive coaching by the course mentors or negative reinforcement by the misguided character, we enjoy teaching (and are glad some poor decisions are made in a simulated environment before any real damage can be done), and students enjoy meaningful learning for which they can see an immediate use in their lives.

ANDRAGOGY

Whereas pedagogy literally means to lead the child, andragogy is man-leading. It consists of learning strategies focused on adults. Andragogy was developed into a theory of adult education by the late American educator, Malcolm Knowles.
4tNox taps into the andragogy learning strategy as it moves students toward independence and responsibility for their own learning. Students’ own experiences and observations serve as a rich resource for their learning, and the training modules include opportunities for reflection and problem solving. Individuals learn what they need to know, so 4tNox courses are organized around life applications, and since people are performance-centered in their learning, the simulations in the 4tNox training are an ideal learning tool.
4tNox implements all four andragogy principles of learning in its course design:
  • Adults need to know why they need to learn something.
  • Adults need to learn experientially.
  • Adults approach learning as problem-solving.
  • Adults learn best when the topic is of immediate value.
When do students make the jump from child learners to adult learners? Which disciplines or courses are better for pedagogy? Which for andragogy? It is difficult to quantify an exact answer because the prior knowledge and capabilities of students vary, but 4tNox taps into the double power of using both – teaching directly through the pedagogy of master teachers and the andragogy of problem-solving, experiential learning.

IMMERSION/SIMULATION

People are designed to learn, and learning starts for each of us as soon as we are born. This learning continues throughout one’s life and mostly occurs as a person is immersed in his surroundings using his natural learning system employing his feelings, thoughts, and experiences. 4tNox courses allow learners to step deep into the life situations which impact them and benefit from the natural learning which occurs from being immersed in the context of a topic. Along with immersion techniques, 4tNox courses build in repetition to move concepts from students’ short term memory, where the ideas can be quickly forgotten, into their long term memory. As students retain the 4tNox lesson information, they have opportunities to put their newfound knowledge to practical use in their lives.
Airplane pilots complete significant components of their training by means of simulators which replicate all aspects of flying a plane in order to provide effective learning without the dangerous consequences of making fatal mistakes in the air. 4tNox simulated environments likewise allow students to explore true-to-life decisions and techniques while protecting them from costly missteps. 4tNox simulation training gives students the learning without the risk.

INTERACTIVITY/GAMING

4tNox uses a simple database that provides a type of gaming system feel. Training modules use a "score/possible score" and, in the case of Life Finances, a running budget and balance sheet that tracks how a student is doing. Instead of a player's powers getting stronger or weaker, in Life Finances the player's balance sheet gets stronger or weaker. Additionally, a player needs to complete certain tasks completely and demonstrate his correct understanding of those related concepts before he can advance to the next stage.
Students make choices. Choices have consequences. Those consequences are quantified in the score, stage of advancement, and, in some cases, the financial statement. In Life Finances, instead of just calculating a loan payment, the students will calculate a few loan payments and be given multiple options from which they are to make decisions. The choices will affect the students’ balance sheets and cash flow statements. Students are presented with choices throughout the course and get to see the consequences in a holistic way during and/or at the end of each module.