Chapter 2 - The Stream of Consciousness

In this brief chapter, James explains the stream of consciousness and also introduces analytic versus explanatory states of of consciousness as well as concepts such as focal and marginal objects. In short, James declares that the conscious mind is always thinking about something, and quite possibly may possess more than one 'idea' at a given time. He explains to teachers that this is the fundamental and powerful concept in light of the fact that there is much theory and conjecture which has led to these conclusions.

Now the fact which psychology, the science of the mind, has to study is also the most general fact. It is the fact that when each of us is a wake (and often when asleep), some kind of consciousness is always going on"  (p.7).

This is a powerful statement and this morning it made me think about Vygotzky, my child's thought processes and also his language development. I think part of being a successful teacher/parent might be to attempt to capture more of my son's attention; at key times, I might do well to try things that will encourage him to make me his focal object at critical times. I mention Vygotzky because my almost three year old son is in that stage where he thinks out loud most of the day. I feel like if I am observant I might glean a better understanding of him just by listening to the monologue that plays out before me every day and try to advantage that to help him learn and grow.

James mentioned that even during the lecture, students minds tend to wander. Do any of you have tactics to bring your students and yourselves back to the lesson in constructive ways?