Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Education for Thought

For a moment let's approach information as though none of it really exists. The only reason we may think it does, is because the progression of "facts and concepts" in the scientific community provide us with some basic security in the essence of what life is and what its about. Simply put, something for us to base our morals and beliefs around.
I think "concepts" in the philosophical community allow for broad and open discussion among students, professionals and hipsters worldwide. Thinking and breaking new ground is a nice touch to education. I understand what some need is concrete evidence, something they can wrap their meat hooks around and proclaim "this is how it happened."
My thought is; intelligence that is self learned is pretty hip, the final call is up to me on what to take away and believe. However the majority of information being taught to us is by "teachers," and somewhat of a challenge to learn. A student is really counting on a teacher to give them clear, accurate info that is not one sided and can supposedly help them through life. The real challenge goes to the teacher in living up to this. A good educator is someone who is teaching something, but not necessarily something they believe in or agree with. A teacher's view may be somewhat unsubstantial even if they are in a place of "power."

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I dig it. I'm a teacher and I mostly side with your thoughts. Add one to it- I think teachers should be re-named facilitators and shut up long enough to ask the important, right questions and then LISTEN. There's not enough of that in classrooms right now. We need to change it.

C. Joseph Mitchell said...

Thank you for your thoughts, advice I can obtain to facilitate better teaching in my future is very helpful.