Actually she does have a point, with information so readily available the need for knowing by rote has lessened and schools really should change their focus to more creative studies imo.
@Findbar – and what did they say? It mostly sounds like a good idea, as long as they memorize the basics. You can’t be creative if you have to go look up the fundamental ideas that your idea is based upon. I certainly don’t want my kid having to look up the physics formula for motion, but they shouldn’t have to re-prove every formula out there either.
The problem with relying on just looking up the information, or even rote memorization, is that the person often just regurgitates it. What is most important is that the person comprehends it enough in order to be able to analyze it, find errors, know when & how to use it properly, etc.
Seriously? As a beautician, would you prefer that I look up how to cut, perm and color your hair instead of learning the processes in school? There are chemical reactions to watch for and reasons that I need to “know” these things instead of looking them up. It’s the difference between getting an expert cut and style and going to a beauty school and hoping the student has enough experience to do a good enough job. Sometimes – “good enough” is not what what people want!
in order to effectively search for the information you need, you need to know where to find it. Sure, a botanist doesn’t need to know ALL the plants, but they should be able to look at it and know which order it’s in. Sure, there needs to be a shift in the way we’re teaching, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to have a great understanding of the subject.
I’m very surprised by Claire’s naivety and lack of ethics! She already turned down a great opportunity to work in China! Why? Because of “lack of knowledge”. Didn’t she “learn” anything from that experience?
hildigunnurr Premium Member almost 13 years ago
Actually she does have a point, with information so readily available the need for knowing by rote has lessened and schools really should change their focus to more creative studies imo.
hildigunnurr Premium Member almost 13 years ago
(and no, it doesn’t validate cheating on tests)
lightenup Premium Member almost 13 years ago
@Findbar – and what did they say? It mostly sounds like a good idea, as long as they memorize the basics. You can’t be creative if you have to go look up the fundamental ideas that your idea is based upon. I certainly don’t want my kid having to look up the physics formula for motion, but they shouldn’t have to re-prove every formula out there either.
Bogy Premium Member almost 13 years ago
Today the most important thing to learn is how to search for the information you need.
Smiley Rmom almost 13 years ago
The problem with relying on just looking up the information, or even rote memorization, is that the person often just regurgitates it. What is most important is that the person comprehends it enough in order to be able to analyze it, find errors, know when & how to use it properly, etc.
MommaofCats! Premium Member almost 13 years ago
Seriously? As a beautician, would you prefer that I look up how to cut, perm and color your hair instead of learning the processes in school? There are chemical reactions to watch for and reasons that I need to “know” these things instead of looking them up. It’s the difference between getting an expert cut and style and going to a beauty school and hoping the student has enough experience to do a good enough job. Sometimes – “good enough” is not what what people want!
Yukoneric almost 13 years ago
I tell my students that the only thing they really need to know is where to find the answers to their questions. And no, I won’t always be here.
iomoth almost 13 years ago
in order to effectively search for the information you need, you need to know where to find it. Sure, a botanist doesn’t need to know ALL the plants, but they should be able to look at it and know which order it’s in. Sure, there needs to be a shift in the way we’re teaching, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to have a great understanding of the subject.
michonasmith Premium Member almost 13 years ago
My statistic prof said we didn’t need to memorize it as long as we could find the answer.
cozy3952 almost 13 years ago
I’m very surprised by Claire’s naivety and lack of ethics! She already turned down a great opportunity to work in China! Why? Because of “lack of knowledge”. Didn’t she “learn” anything from that experience?
pickyX2 almost 13 years ago
6th grade level? You are giving most far too much credit!