Part Three of Three

The three basic symbol systems are mathematics, language and the arts. These systems are interrelated and form the primary transmitters of culture, knowledge and understanding from one generation to the next. Without all three of these systems, the extent of communications would be severely limited, and this would in turn limit the actualization process. These symbol systems can be described as follows:

1. Mathematics involved the process of understanding abstract relationships, measurable quantity and various types of relationships among phenomena. It is the tool for understanding the mechanics of the physical environment.

2. Language is used to communicate information and ideas. It is the tool used to comprehend and interact in the social environmnet.

3. Arts refer to all artistic forms; music, dance, theater, painting, sculpture, poetry and literature. The function of art is to express visions of possibilities. Artistic tools assist the self in structuring the unknowns of the external environment and the unrealized dimensions of human potentialities.

Creativity allows growth. Growth is change. Change is seen through the release of potentiality into actuality. The educator can make a remarkable impact on this formula for learning by balancing learning activities between providing explanation or demonstration and guiding the interaction with the environment in himself. This discovery will delight the child and make him glad to be in this learning environment. The result will be a positive and happy attitude toward learning.

By Sharon Jensen, M.S. Ed.

Adapted from the Research of the ANISA Scholars