Learning, Knowledge and Human Development MOOC’s Updates

Essential Update #2

Option #2 What do we mean by the social mind? In what ways is thinking 'inside your head' also social thinking? How do community and culture shape learning?

When we say social mind we mean that althought each person individually has their own opinion or thinking about something, the environment in which they find themselves can significantly affect it. People but also children in order to be accepted in the community often change their mind to the one that is generally accepted and does not differ from others. In order not to differ from others, they often advocate attitudes with which they themselves do not agree. Children are often told by their parents from bith what is generally acceptable, for example how they should dress. Unfortunately, children are often not allowed to do what they want, but are forced to do what makes society happy. Through childhood and growing up such a way of life and the imposition of opinion leaves a mark on further life and the development of self-esteem and self-confidence. When we work in a group where there are a lot of people we have the opportunity to hear diverse thoughts on a particular topic. In this way, children, but also adults have the opportunity to get acquainted with opinions that are not only generally accepted but go beyond the "normal". Throught group work, children learn that everyone has the right to their own opinion, and that if their opinion is different, it does not necessarily mean that they are wrong. By talking to people within the community we get to knowndifferent cultures and learn about them. It is very important to know and teach others that we are all equally important no matter what country we come from or what culture we have.