To preface this post before I get way too into it, I’ve been scrutinizing myself over this blog. The pressure of what my “very first blog post will be oh nooo…” The feeling that anything I really have the urge to talk about is too unrefined and as I’m writing it the appeal starts to wear off, and I think, “this really isn’t the kind of idea I should make into a formal statement."
It’s like losing your virginity! And just like losing your virginity, you just sorta need to do what feels right so that you can move on with your life and stop wondering “What if?”
This is about something I talked about for way too long over text with a friend of mine, about how I have a weird quirky way of learning things. The reason I have the urge to delete this post immediately before some kind of keyboard gnome can post my possibly unrefined and embarrassing personal thoughts, is that this topic seems sort of like a cross between frustration and also narcissistic obsession. But oh well I feel like I have to start writing something on here for my own sanity because everyone I rant to needs to get on with their day, but a blank page loves you unconditionally. Accept me, blank page.
Anyways, Grasshopper Learning
I read an article a few years ago, I think it was recommended to me by a teacher, about an old education concept of “Grasshoppers” and “Inchworms”. It’s stuck with me ever since, when I feel stumped on a concept I’m trying to learn I think back to this article to help give me a compass to overcome my obstacle.
The idea is that there are two groups of people: Grasshoppers like to “hop” from one concept to another based on their interest in it. It doesn’t matter the difficulty level of the subject or that it requires pre-requisite knowledge to attempt, the Grasshopper will attempt to learn it.
Inchworms operate how most educational programs are designed, chronologically. For Inchworms to succeed in learning, they need to build a basic foundation and then add more difficult concepts over time until they master the subject.
You can clearly get a picture of what these two types of people could be like, Grasshoppers are impatient and curious, and Inchworms are relaxed and thorough. Obviously, I am a Grasshopper. And yes, I’m definitely impatient and curious, much to the dismay of my close friends who get caught in the hallway after I just read about fusion reactor research progress.
The thing that interests me about this topic is that based on the description, Inchworms have a seemingly superior method objectively compared to the Grasshopper. They do not attempt challenges beyond their skill level, thus wasting less time and building a more well rounded education.
And this is exactly how Grasshopper types feel about themselves, until they discover that they are Grasshopper types. Without a label, Grasshoppers feel broken, misdirected and maybe they get called lazy or stupid. But both learning types offer invaluable traits to each person, and I think this is why this topic burns on my brain so much.
The Advantages:
Grasshoppers are more likely to think of unique solutions. The reason Grasshoppers are so carefree about tackling effectively random topics on a whim is because they are able to apply concepts from other areas of their knowledge to help them understand a new concept. It’s like, if you haven’t used a fork before, but you can write with a pen, it isn’t too difficult to apply the concepts since a fork is similar in shape and use to a pen. Grasshoppers are able to apply that kind of “jump” in understanding on a broader level however, sometimes in ways that are invisible even to them, the concept just “makes sense.” Because of that, they can get bored quickly and skim over easier stuff to find something challenging.
On the other foot, Inchworms have an advantage over Grasshoppers. Even though Inchworms are slower to eventually master the highest level of a concept, Grasshoppers can lack essential or key components that can keep them from even starting projects. Inchworms have consistent, guaranteed knowledge that means that they will provide a solution and they will do it with assured success. They also have less personal feelings about projects and will work regardless of their interest or personal gain.
I started writing this without really knowing why I wanted to. It was just on my mind. I hope to more consistently put some of my thoughts here, that I usually only share with close friends, to help me and to help others who struggle with similar subjects as me. For all the Grasshoppers out there, there is nothing wrong with the way you learn. Take your strengths and weaponize them, and be mindful of where you lack interest or commitment and avoid those situations.