Let’s say you have been assigned to carry out a task that is outside the scope of your knowledge or experience. Do you feel motivated to explore something new? Or do you feel overwhelmed having the thought to go through unknown challenges? Take a look at this ‘Learning Zone Model’, and identify which zone you are in.
Tom Senninger, a German educator reintroduced ‘The Learning Zone Model’, a visual model based on Lev Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development. ‘The Learning Zone Model’ illustrates four learning zones which reflect different levels of challenge when attempting to gain new knowledge. The four zones include; the comfort zone, the fear zone, the learning zone and the growth zone.
- The comfort zone
This zone is where things are comfortable, controllable and provides us with a safe space to reflect on knowledge and make sense of things. Often, when things are becoming familiar, we feel reassured and we tend to not take any risks. Nonetheless, our opportunities to learn and grow are limited while being in this zone.
- The fear zone
Of all of our emotions, fear is by far the most challenging one that faces us in no time. We find ourselves stressed out the moment we decide to step out of our comfort zone. This is the zone where emotions are filled with pessimism, including, lack of self-confidence and fear of other people’s opinions, and that the learning process is not taking place anymore.
- The learning zone
The learning zone lies beyond the fear zone. This is where all development occurs and it will take some time and effort to reach this learning zone. We feel more confident and prepared to overcome obstacles when in this zone compared to being in the comfort zone. We also have the capacity to learn new things, take on new challenges, and become ready for progression.
- The growth zone
Through learning and determination, we will eventually enter the growth zone. We begin to learn after we overcome our fear of undertaking challenging tasks. However, learning alone is not the ultimate goal, but to grow. With an open mind to identify new approaches to face any challenges, we will realise our potential and feel more certain setting advanced, stimulating goals.
Some tips to step out of our comfort zone productively:
- Explore a diverse way of life and expand your network as it offers new perspectives and challenges your ways of thinking,
- Do self-reflection on your comfort zone to identify what areas you want to improve in,
- Establish a better relationship with failure and disappointment; and
- Expand your professional development skills and knowledge to advance your career.
Getting out of your comfort zone leads to your professional and personal growth. At Comeandsee Global, our broad-ranging and interactive online courses empower you to upskill and learn at your own pace and time transforming your learning into a time-worthy experience.
Reference:
Senninger, T. (2000). The Learning Zone Model – ThemPra Social Pedagogy. [online] ThemPra Social Pedagogy. Available at: The Learning Zone Model