4. Synthesis begins decision-making stage. We begin to assemble elements of what you want to keep and toss out. I call this "izing" stage. This is opportunity to personalize information. A time to mesh it into a form you can claim it as your own. It would be time I "Catherineize" it. If your name is Jennifer or Sam, your "izing" would be: Jenniferizing or Samizing. Boy, adding "izing" can make your name a mouth full, however, process gives a huge benefit -- it’s easy to remember and complete.

5. Application stage is exactly what it means. You take what you have "ized," in my case Catherineized, and add it into your life. Writing is one of my favorite ways to play around with figuring out customizing part (stage 4) and applying it to stories. Teaching and sharing information is another way to apply knowledge. You will be taking what you learn and turning it in action by placing energy and effort into it. Applying new information in a safe environment brings about best results. Role- playing is an excellent example that provides a safe environment.

6. Evaluation stage is a time to rank its effectiveness. Time to make an appraisal of what information transformed to, what is or isn't working, what needs tweaking or trashed. This is time to allow some judgment in yet not to point of thinking any of this was a mistake. This is time that especially synchronicity occurs. This is a time when universe begins sending you additional assistance or information on how to expand information for betterment of humanity. This is because strength of our energy attractiveness is strong. Look for synchronicities and enfold them into this stage.

In quick review, again six basic stages are: knowledge, comprehension, analysis, synthesis, application and evaluation. For those who study laws of attraction, take special note that stage five emanates strongest energy for manifesting.

(c) Copyright 2004, Catherine Franz. All rights reserved.

So, how is ABL unique from other character building education programs available?

·ABL adopts a 7-steps framework, which ensure that each child is correctly exposed, explained and experienced to right attitude

·ABL emphasis is on self-discovery rather than forced inculcation

·ABL uses 4 easy-to-remember animal characters to help each child relate a specially devised set of values and attitudes.

The process of nurturing positive attitudes in your students using Attitudes-Based Learning program is not complex. They are simple but effective steps to ensure that your students will slowly but steadily transform way they behave and feel about themselves. More importantly, family and friends will notice difference in them in most positive manner if done right.

The 7-Steps of Attitudes-Based Learning Process developed by Dr. Alvin Chan

There is a sequence of 7-steps that you need to follow in order for ABL to be effective in achieving your desired outcomes.

1.EXPLANATION AND UNDERSTANDING I.Explain attitude to be taught to your charges

II.Increase their understanding by giving a few examples about attitude. Better still, tell a story with related attitude to be taught and discuss with them

III.Ask them whether they have experiences about attitude taught to check on their understanding.

2.SHARING EXPERIENCES I.Get them to share their experiences about attitude and related positive behavior

3. SITUATIONS and REFLECTIONS I.Give them a few situations whereby such attitude can be applied in their lives

II.Ask them what they will do in this variety of situations

III.Get them to reflect upon their actions-are they appropriate or not?

IV.Share your thoughts with them about their actions

V.Tell them what you think is more appropriate action for each situation

VI.Ask them to reflect on what you have told them-do they agree with you?

4. ROLE-PLAY I.Create an environment for them to role-play few situations that are being discussed.

II.Ask them to point out whether ‘actors’ have acted in an appropriate manner.

5. ACTIVITY (TO REMIND AND REINFORCE THE LEARNING) I.Give them an activity (could be listening to a story, drawing or singing a song) to reinforce what they have learnt about attitude. This is to help them remember better attitude learnt in class.

II.Encourage them to ‘practice’ what they have learnt in class by giving specific situations and appropriate actions they can do in their home, with their family and friends.

6. ACCOUNTABILITY I.Get them to be accountable for practicing what they have learnt by providing them a checklist of positive actions (usually using pictures to show) for them to remind themselves (or even for their parents to sign checklist)

II.After a few days, ask them whether they have practiced positive actions based on checklist that were given in class.

7. EVALUATION I.Teacher must periodically keep track that students continue to practice positive actions taught to ensure internalization of attitudes.

II.The checklist also acts as a measurement to evaluate effectiveness of learning process.