Archetyping
A
mental technique to promote better
learning. Archetyping is based on the influence of
role models in the individuals process of learning. In short, a role model imbues the learner with not only
motivation, but a
template to use in times of
confusion. Even so, the fear of a learner insisting on total duplication role model is entirely redundant, since all
mentally stable individuals are quite capable of applying a role model to their own situations.
In
essence, archetyping seeks to construct a
fictive role model, which the learner can use as guidance. Aware of the 'archetype' being entirely
fictive, the learner furthermore has the option of expanding on him/her/it, if needed. A common pre-made example is the
adventurer Indiana Jones. Despite being an
archaeologist, 'Indy' is interesting, and even succeeds in making
archaeology look interesting. Using Indy as an archetype allows the learner to mentally asociate the
profession or
study with excitement, often enough to increase motivation significantly.
A custom-made example is the
Healer archetype, usable for students of
medicine or related fields. The Healer is envisioned as a
saviour, reaching into the ill or wounded, finding and pulling out darkness and pain. The drama (which is in fact kept minimal here) is entirely intentional, giving an
emotional perception of a very technical profession. Allowing the learner to invent his or her own perception of 'darkness and pain' allows the invented role model to be used more flexibly, even grow according to the learners needs.
Creating archetypes for different fields of study or professions is more a challenge to
imagination than any form of
analysis or even
psychology.
A note: By suggestion from
Zarkonnen, I went through some papers to find an archetype I once constructed for
programmers and other
creators of
technology, such as various branches of technical
engineers. I found three:
Puzzler: A cute one suggested by a girl (equally cute), the Puzzler is envisioned as a
puzzle-wiz. Constructing
programs or
electronic gadgets is envisioned as putting a lot of pieces together to form the proper
picture. Definitely not an archetype I would normally use, but it may fit some.
Magician: My first attempt at doing one myself. The Magician controls
energies and
matter and recombines them to perform certain
tasks, such as bringing
knowledge (i.e.
data) from one place to another, or make
mechanical arms move on their own. I remember envisioning
components (or, in programming,
commands and
routines) as
potions,
fairy dust and the like, seeping into the
machine to do their tricks. All I needed to know was which to use when and where.
Controller: A decisively more
disturbing archetype is the hidden
brain within a web of technical
devices, who reaches out through
electrons,
wires etc. to make things do as he commands. I imagine him sitting in a darkened room, wires and components dangling from and around him, stretching out through walls or into his
multitude of
computers. 'Commands' shift from being mere words to being his
will born through this web, and entire computer programs are nothing more than the
extension of his
mind written in stone (or in
silicon, rather). I have a feeling this one will appeal to many of you out there :-).
Please note that these are just
inspirational; any good archetype is modified and expanded on by its user to grow far more complex and interesting. Give your Controller a name. Give the Magician a little
imp or
goblin as his
assistant. Be creative.