The Kübler-Ross model suggests suggest that the patterns of grief are one way of describing the basic patterns of integrating new information that conflicts with previous beliefs.
“All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.” said Schopenhauer of the learning process.
I’m not sure he’s right – he had some barking-mad ideas … yet corresponds to the five stages of grief in the Kübler-Ross model with ridicule being denial, opposition being anger and bargaining, and acceptance being depression and acceptance.
It is hard to deny social-media for educators is awash with people seeking satisfaction, and though we are more free to do what we want – we’re still can’t simply will it.
Denial
- This is high-school, high-stakes tests, so games are not relevant to the way we teach.
- We’re not in charge of curriculum, if change is needed, they would tell us.
- I don’t have gamer-kids here, these just are my students.
Anger
- I can’t believe you think games are academic!
- Why is no one showing us more about using games!
- It’s just going to consume more time we don’t have!
- This is just a waste of my time!
Bargaining
- What about I just change grades to points?
- Can we just talk about it next semester when I have more time?
- To do this, can’t you lighten my teaching load?
- I suggest we ask the parents before we decide anything.
Depression
- Sigh. We’ve done all this work on blogs, wikis and now you tell us these tools are not so powerful?
- There’s so much in this, it’s really hard to get my head around.
- What’s the point, it’s just another thing that won’t last.
Acceptance
- Lets take a look at the ideas in a way that doesn’t compromise our goals or professionalism.
- Lets look at the scholars we already know about’s theories and ideas about games, play and imagination.
- Wow, kids who play games develop skills we can use to teach them even better.
Playable 