Chess vs. Poker Learning
Think school prepared you for life? Think again. It's time to trade in your chessboard for a deck of cards and learn how to navigate the unpredictable game of life.
In her book "Thinking in Bets," Annie Duke makes a compelling argument: life isn't like chess, where all the pieces are visible and there's one right move. Instead, it's more like poker, where you have incomplete information, multiple paths, and success depends on making smart decisions amidst uncertainty.
This analogy extends perfectly to learning.
Chess ♟️ vs Poker 🃏 Learning
Chess Learning is the traditional education model. It's all about memorising facts, following rules, and finding the single "correct" answer. The curriculum is laid out like a chessboard, with each topic neatly compartmentalized. Success is measured by how well you can regurgitate information on tests.
Poker Learning, on the other hand, mirrors the real world. It's messy, unpredictable, and full of unknowns. Problems are ambiguous, solutions are multiple, and there's no single "right" way to approach them. Success in Poker Learning depends on critical thinking, adaptability, and the ability to make informed decisions even when you don't have all the facts.
Example
Imagine a history class where students memorise dates, battles, and leaders, then regurgitate them on a multiple-choice test. That's Chess Learning.
Now picture that same history class transformed. Students debate the causes of a war, analyze primary sources, and propose alternative outcomes. That's Poker Learning in action.
The Limitations of Chess Learning ♟️
While Chess Learning has its place, it falls short in preparing us for the complexities of life.
Memorization Over Mastery: The emphasis on rote learning often stifles curiosity and deeper understanding. We become adept at regurgitating facts but struggle to apply knowledge in novel situations.
Risk Aversion: Chess Learning rewards playing it safe. There's little room for experimentation or taking risks, which can hinder creativity and innovation.
Unprepared for Reality: The real world doesn't hand us neatly defined problems with clear-cut solutions. Chess Learning leaves us ill-equipped to navigate the ambiguities and uncertainties that life throws our way.
The Power of Poker Learning 🃏
Poker Learning, with its emphasis on critical thinking and adaptability, is the key to thriving in an ever-changing world.
Embracing Ambiguity: Poker Learning teaches us to be comfortable with the unknown. We learn to gather information, analyze options, and make decisions even when the path forward isn't clear.
Problem-Solving Prowess: Instead of memorizing answers, we learn how to ask the right questions, break down complex problems, and develop creative solutions.
Adaptability & Resilience: In Poker Learning, setbacks are inevitable. We learn to embrace failure as a learning opportunity, adapt our strategies, and bounce back stronger.
Lifelong Learning: Poker Learning fosters a growth mindset. We understand that knowledge is constantly evolving, and we develop a passion for continuous learning and self-improvement.
How to Bridge the Gap 🌉
So how can we embrace Poker Learning and prepare ourselves (and future generations) for the real world?
If you’re a learner (Aren’t we all!):
Seek Challenges: Step outside your comfort zone and tackle open-ended problems and projects.
Embrace Failure: See setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.
Cultivate Curiosity: Ask questions, explore different perspectives, and never stop learning.
Practice Decision-Making: Seek out situations where you need to make choices with incomplete information.
If you’re a learning designer/educators/trainers:
Real-World Relevance: Incorporate real-world scenarios and case studies into your teaching.
Collaboration is Key: Encourage teamwork, discussion, and the sharing of diverse perspectives.
Experiment & Reflect: Provide opportunities for learners to experiment, make mistakes, and reflect on their experiences.
Assess for Application: Shift the focus from rote memorization to assessing how learners can apply knowledge and think critically.
In a Nutshell 🌰
Chess Learning has its merits, but it's time to recognise that life is more like a game of poker. By embracing Poker Learning strategies, we can equip ourselves with the skills and mindset needed to navigate the complexities and uncertainties of the real world.