According to Dr. Joseph Parent, author of Zen Golf, when it comes to learning, there are generally four traits that people exhibit. The analogy he uses is quite interesting in that it allows us to define not only our student’s willingness to learn but also the category in which we can place ourselves as teaching professionals.

Tale of the Four Cups

1. The upside down cup represents a student supposedly there to learn, but who simply pays no attention. Instruction is symbolized by clear water being poured, but no matter how much is poured, nothing gets in.

2. The cup sitting right side up with a hole in the bottom, represents the student who hears what is being taught, but who retains very little.

3. The cup sitting right side up which has dirt in the bottom represents the opinionated student. When the clear water of instruction is poured in, the dirt makes it muddy. This symbolizes the way personal bias can distort what we hear. This particular student takes a lesson but resists or ignores what does not match his opinion.

4. The cup that sits right side up with no holes or dirt in the bottom represents the ideal student. The clear water of instruction is poured in and it is accepted, retained and clearly understood by the student who is open to new and refreshing ideas.