How We Learn

Location: home
Mood: calm

I’m reading this book (My Ishmael), and the part I’ve just read through brought up some interesting arguments. Very pertinent to my life.

The way we teach people is kind of screwed up. We put people through 12-14 years of classes that teach them all kinds of theories and philosophies that may be helpful when they graduate and enter the job market. When they do exactly that, they have absolutely no experience. They have all kinds of theories and ideas floating around in their heads, but they have no practical knowledge or experience.

For thousands and thousands of years people have learned by seeing. We learn how to talk by being around others who talk. We hear their words, and figure out for ourselves how to use them. The same thing goes for walking, reading, and interacting with one another. So, how come at some point we decide to ship kids off to facilities where they sit in a desk and stare at someone who merely explains things to them?

I’m not saying that I think people shouldn’t go to school, but I am saying that schools should reevaluate their practices. You can’t merely explain complicated procedures to people and expect them to be able to do them. You can’t just tell someone how to solve for x, and expect them to be able to do it under any and all circumstances.

I think that the way we teach math proves my point. Math teachers do more than just explain the theory of algebra. They show you. They do a countless number of problems on the white-erase board, or on an overhead projector. They give their students problems to try on their own. Then, when their students still need help, math teachers do the problems with them thus helping them to see how they are done.

With all this evidence around that shows us how we learn, why do we continue to teach the way we do? Whether they know it or not, people don’t believe it works either. Certain jobs require you to have certain degrees. Many require a bachelor’s degree, but when you finally receive that degree you have no more knowledge about how to perform that job. People clearly don’t believe this process works. This is proved by the fact that the people who do the hiring normally pass over the fully qualified applicants in favor of those who have experience.

Whether we are aware of it or not, we prefer to employ people who have seen and done the work.

Why does the system work the way it does? Education should involve practical experience. Also, I think that employers should provide training for new employees that includes SHOWING them what to do. Sometimes these things are done, but most of the time they aren’t. What’s the point in continuing a process that doesn’t work?

Mysterious Interview

I had an interview today. If I’m being totally honest, it was a job I didn’t want in the first place. It was working for a facility that cares for adults with developmental disabilities, and I was worried that I was going to be a professional ass-wiper. Harsh, but true. Did you know that people who do that usually make minimum wage?!

Anyhow, the interview is at 10am. It’s 15 minutes (maximum) from my house. I leave as half hour early.

Armed with my new best friend Gloria PeuterSchmidt, I can find anywhere in the world! Or so I thought.

The place doesn’t exist. I spoke with someone on the phone, they gave me this address. I looked it up before I left. Same address. I drove to the location of this address, and no facility exists there.

There was a business complex where this place should have been. So, I entered the complex, and drove around under the assumption that one of the tenants was this facility...nope. Nothing.

I called them. No answer.

Now I’m curious.

My New Best Friend

Location: My Car
Mood: creative
 

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One of my Christmas presents was a best friend. I have named her Gloria PeuterSchmidt. She is this woman who speaks in a very calming manner. Her entire reason for existence is to sit on my dash and guide me to my destinations.

Gloria knows everything about roads, maps, and getting places. She’s amazing! I just give her a few details, and, almost instantly, she can tell me how to get to where I need to be. If there’s a road closure, or I miss a turn it’s not a problem. Gloria just quickly figures out how to get myself back on track. She’s not married to any particular route. Glo goes with the flow.

The other day I met a friend for dinner, and it required me to cross the Morrison bridge. Apparently I am directionally impaired, because I somehow managed to cross and recross the Morrison bridge three times before I found a place to park. Most people would begin to get frustrated with that. Not Gloria. Each time she just calmly reassessed the area and told me how to get back to The Rock Bottom Brewery (my destination). Her directions were never unreasonable either.

Like most friends, my relationship with Gloria has its drawbacks. When Gloria has something to do she demands my attention. She speaks at a constant volume. She can change her volume, but not depending on the circumstances. Also, when Gloria wants it, she demands your attention. It doesn’t matter to her if I’m on the phone or not, she is going to say what she’s got to say.

The other day I was at the Starbucks drive-through. This confused Gloria because it wasn’t on any road she was aware of (it was in a parking lot). While I was making my order Gloria says rather loudly “Whenever possible, make a legal U-turn.” This confused the person taking my order, but Gloria didn’t care.

As you can see, we have some things we need to work through. Gloria is not without quirks. She thinks that Richey is pronounced “Jew-gee,” and there’s no reasoning with her when she’s made up her mind. However, I’m pretty sure that Gloria PeuterSchmidt is my new best friend.

I love you GPS.

Stupidly in Love with an Evil Wizard

Location: Borders
Mood: annoyed
 

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Seattle’s Best is currently my favorite coffee shop. The only one around my house is at Borders, and I got a Borders gift card for Christmas. In light of these facts, I decided to go to Borders today.

If you are a fan of my blog, (and let’s face it: who isn’t?) then you know that I am in love with a mysterious man who works at Borders. He’s only mysterious because I’m retarded and can’t talk to him. This confuses me. Why can’t I talk to this guy? It makes no sense! So, I started thinking about it today and I came to the most logical conclusion. HE’S A WIZARD!

Duh! It’s so obvious!

When I went into Borders I went straight back to the coffee shop to get what I ALWAYS get, a white chocolate mocha. It’s fabulous, and if you haven’t tried SB’s white chocolate mocha then you might as well just hit yourself over the head with a shovel. The last few times I’ve been there I’ve inexplicably started a conversation with the people in line with me. Not today though.

Today, my borders boyfriend got in line behind me. As soon as I notice he’s behind me I freeze. I can’t think of anything to say. What s wrong with me?

To make matters worse, when the barista asked me what I wanted...I drew a blank! I get the same god damned thing every time I go there!

This is why I have decided he’s a wizard. He has clearly cast some spell on me that makes me a dumb mute! And he’s got to be evil because it’s just mean. I mean: What the hell?!! What did I ever do to him? I mean besides love him.

I have settled with this explanation because it makes the most sense. The other option is that I am actually in love with this guy I don’t know. Stupidly in love. I don’t even know him! Why do I act this way? That is why the only logical explanation is that he is an evil wizard who has cast a spell on me that makes me STUPIDLY in love with him.

Good Lord! I have a problem.