By Frank Palatnick.
The next element in Mendeleev’s table of elements is ‘ Helium ‘. Helium is the second most abundant element. It is believed to have been formed during the ‘ Big Bang ‘. Large amounts of new helium are being created by nuclear fusion of hydrogen in stars. Helium is named for the Greek god of the sun, Helios.
In the facilitative arena, that element is called ‘ helping the student arrive at the ‘ Aha ‘ moment ‘. In other words to arrive at the ‘ Big Bang ‘ moment. What is the ‘ helping ‘ element. The helping element is comprised of various components or particles and sub particles. In nature, elements are made up of protons, neutrons and electrons.
In the facilitative arena, elements are comprised of empathy, proactive ness, and nurturing. In order for the student to arrive at the Big Bang ( nature ) or Aha ( facilitative ) moment, all particles must be present. To help the student successfully, the facilitator must understand the student. In other words, get to know how the student understands the world and how the student uses that understanding. The facilitator must be pro active.
The facilitator must actively want to help. It must be more than a need. It must be a ‘ want ‘. A ‘ need ‘ is a required neutral action. A ‘ want ‘ is an emotional positive action. The facilitator must also understand concepts on the same level as the student. To help the student arrive at the ‘ Aha ‘ moment the facilitator must bring it out from the student. In other words, the student must be guided on the right path with the right tools to stimulate his or her creative part of the brain.
If given the right tools and the instruction on how to use those tools there will be many ‘ Aha ‘ moments. The ‘ helping ‘ element must be used by not only the facilitator but all stakeholders. Parents, who are the travelers first guides, must use the helping element from the time that the traveler starts his or her journey.
They must help the traveler with the location of all the tools needed to start the journey. For example, the parents must see that the traveler has a stimulating and loving environment. Relatives and friends must help by assisting the parents as much as they can on that journey by, when possible, relating with the traveler in a motivating way.
The school and community must continue, also when possible, to motivate and guide the traveler with the right tools. The travelers journey through his or her career must also help by working together. The helping element must not be allowed to decay.
The next element will be ‘ Lithium ‘.
