Remember that old adage about what happens when we assume something? (Hint: break the word down into smaller parts and you’ll get it!). Seriously, making assumptions can impact how we approach and learn information. Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and I spend this episode of KUT’s podcast “Higher Ed” exploring why we make assumptions; how they affect learning and problem-solving; and how we can approach education with a more open mind. A “Higher Ed” podcast listener wrote in expressing frustration with the fact that she often gets the puzzler wrong because she makes assumptions – that turn out to be incorrect – about the parameters of the puzzler. She asked Ed and me to discuss why people are so quick to make assumptions, and what mental cues or habits we could employ to stop making them.
Listen on to find out how to lean less on assumptions and to hear the newest puzzler. It is actually a “classic” that definitely requires fresh thinking.
This episode was recorded on April 20, 2018.