Since the pandemic began, we lost a number of potential new students because we made the decision to stay online.
We're good with this. The safety of our community is our #1 priority. If prospective students don't understand, we're simply not the right choice for them right now. It's all good.
For younger students, 4-5 years old, there is often an assumption that online lessons will never work.
It doesn't matter that the trial lesson is free, so there is no financial risk.
It doesn't matter when I tell them we have had several successful young beginners start online lessons during the pandemic.
There is no discussion. Online lessons are not on the table.
We're good with this, too. Again, we're not for everyone.
But, it raises an interesting point. What if they're wrong? What if online lessons for a 5-year-old could be life changing, and they will never know?
Of course, it could very well end up being a disaster as expected. But why not put the theory to the test?
We all do this with something in our lives; avoiding the thing we are certain is wrong.
There was a study done that illustrates this beautifully. I heard it on a podcast, and then could never find the study again. I'll come back and cite it properly if I can find it.
The study participants were seated at a computer with a number sequence - 1, 3, 5.
The task was to figure out the pattern for numbers going forward after these three digits.
They could type any numbers they wished. The computer would tell them if the typed numbers fit the sequence or were incorrect. There was no penalty for incorrect guesses, and there was no limit on guesses.
As expected, 97% of the participants typed, "7, 9, 11, 13." The computer indicated these were all correct.
And so, their final answer on the test was that the pattern was odd numbers, or "plus two."
And...all 97% of the participants were wrong with this answer.
The correct answer was any positive number.
Had the participants tested the numbers 6, 8, 10, etc., they would have figured this out. But, they didn't take the time to try out the wrong answers to confirm their final answer.
Confirmation bias is a real thing. We are prone to believe and read anything that confirms whatever we believe to be true.
So, diving into what we believe is wrong could be a potentially life-changing learning experience. Even just to confirm we're right.
If you are a vegetarian, wouldn't it be interesting to read a book about a 90%-meat diet? Just to see why the other side believes it's right?
On the surface, it might seem like a waste of time.
But, you can either learn more about why you're right or learn from being wrong.
In any case, it's an interesting thought...right?
And so, my challenge to you, dear reader, is to go forth and dare to be wrong today. See what it feels like. Uncomfortable as it may feel.
And by being wrong, you just might end up being right.