Education Archives - More Letters to the Corinthians

Getting to One

Let’s talk about intelligence. Everyone knows their occupation—just look at the time we put in. And we know all about hobbies. But what of general knowledge? How do we score on something like this? Using the scale of one-to-ten, assign yourself a grade on the following subjects? Can you deliver a 30-minute lecture on any of these? If not, our mission is getting you to one.

Attaining the first level doesn’t make you an expert on anything, it simply gets you in the game. Allowing you to follow the conversation without feeling lost. Listen to any intellectual and they’ll assume you know the basics. What happened in WWII, who were these Romans, and what’s with this Magna Carta? But where would this information have come from and how did it pop into our heads? In general, doctors and businesspeople needn’t memorize every battle or a vast number of quotes, what they need is the gist. For it’s gist that takes us to the next level. So acquiring knowledge is like playing a video game. Knowing the basics is getting to one. Then you move up from there.

Cross disciplines

Why is this notion beneficial? In the beginning, when people hung around devising knowledge, they came up with everything we knew up to that point. Then, after the expansion of information, Aristotle decided subjects needed to be split. So rather than have everyone act as generalists, we began to specialize. And sure, there are benefits coming from specialization but we also lost something because certain subjects require breadth.

Second, all teaching was initially rooted in philosophy. Before the field of economics was devised, Adam Smith lectured in the department of ethics. That’s why he knew capitalism required a soul. Same goes for science. Yes, it’s great that we’ve made so many things practical but old-time educators always left room for the mystics (the unexplained). And this practice should remain.

Learning paths

It’s natural not to know things. Not knowing doesn’t make you a dummy. Spilling ketchup on your pants while dancing with a sandwich makes you a dummy. Our question is, how do I become proficient? Like someone who’s lost in a forest you need a path. High schools use curriculums but adults don’t have time for drawn-out lectures and tests. We prefer paths that take us straight to the heart. That’s our method of learning and More Letters does just this. It’s 90 Days to brilliance and you’ll be a genius in no time. Then if you wish, read on.

What You Don’t Know

Ever heard the expression “all I know,” as in “all I know is this.” All too often statements like these represent the proclaimer’s true position. Instead of always assuming we hold sufficient amounts of information, maybe it’s time to recognize the true structure behind knowledge and humble ourselves just a bit.

In general, knowledge can be broken into four categories: core understanding around the topic, bits and pieces you find lying around (say, in a newspaper), details you gain through a deep dive, and that which isn’t available or can’t be known. Recognizing these four areas is essential for any adult conversation.

The problem with social issues is few approach the table with basic understandings, even less do a deep dive, and almost no one acknowledges the world we don’t know. As a result, we mostly fly with bits and pieces, which isn’t much for knowledge.

So why don’t we respect these complexities and act like we do in business? My guess is we’re so desperate for opinions in an overloaded world that we’ll grab onto anything just to close a few loops. That, and most people aren’t used to dealing with reams of information.

50 questions

When faced with an issue that requires serious amounts of consideration, researchers often tackle the question by asking 50 more. For example, should we open a plant in Buffalo? In business, the initial response is to determine what you need to know. Veterans do this by asking 50 or so questions before analyzing any results.

What are rents like in Buffalo? Is plant or warehouse space available? What about staffing? How much do people earn in and around the area? What’s the cost of living? How about the market? Are customers being underserved or over? And how good is the competition? These sorts of queries are just the beginning. So it goes without saying that business investment insists upon serious analysis and even in personal life consumers put more time into buying a home than a shirt.

Summary

The problem isn’t that people aren’t smart. Everyone learns in their own way. What makes so many issues complicated is the knowledge and understanding they require. And with so many surrounding us on a daily basis we naturally wish to simplify just to maintain sanity. As a result, we often come to poorly researched conclusions.

The next time you’re faced with selecting a stance over politics or what to do in the stock market ask yourself this: do I have a basic education around the topic, have I done a deep dive, and am I realistically taking into account all that I don’t know. Because in life, it’s usually about more than just bits and pieces.

An Education Company

The business of education may be exploding but there’s still one avenue yet to be explored—quick, efficient learning at reasonable prices. What would you think of introductory business, politics, or history, delivered to you all in one night for just $99? That’s what education companies do and every town should have one.

The existing system costs too much, takes too long, and information provided gets mostly forgotten. Plus it’s often taught by people who shouldn’t be in the field. Education companies conquer all this by providing high level overviews, which deliver the basics, backed by full bodied learning paths to get you more. Material is continually kept online and everything is delivered by excellent speakers.

We’re in an age of self-learning and many of us just need a push. A three-hour overview with details on how to get more is all you really need. Through in a hot-line for when you get stuck and we’re off. Does this method replace traditional learning? Of course not, if you want to be a doctor you still need med school. This style is for subjects that aren’t your specialty. Let’s say you’re an engineer who’d like to know more about the world, what are your options? Sign up for another three-year degree or take a class.

Since people don’t have the time to wade through billions of textbooks looking for all that is good, education companies do this for you. We summarize thousands of pages to deliver the absolute gist and then provide you with a path to get even more—all for a reasonable buck.

Initially ten courses will be provided so you get some awesome learning for $990. Here’s the list:

Business 101
Economics 101
History 101
Philosophy 101
Politics 101
Psychology 101
Religion 101

Cooking 101
Health 101
Relationships 101

And we tailor for corporate clients to deliver whatever you wish.

By using top-notch instructors who quickly get to the point, this style of learning works well. Granted it’s not appropriate for all topics (like nuclear physics or accounting) but it’s good for those seeking a basic understanding. And it’s great for those who didn’t enjoy school in the first place.

Governments have messed things up by making school too difficult. Traditionally, they force you into a forest when all you want is some trees. And it’s an old boys club when it comes to being allowed to teach. Education companies don’t do this. They quickly take you to the bottom line and then make it easy from there.

Summary

Holding a broad education has big value and is something we all need. But unfortunately, none of us have one. We’ve become specialists in our fields who then remain ignorant on most everything else. Education companies solve this problem. They bring smart people up to speed and facilitate those who didn’t enjoy learning in the first place. It’s a new concept that’s going to bust loose. Everyone knows learning shouldn’t be that hard and many are thirsting for knowledge. So here it is. Say hello to education companies.

Education TV

Ever notice how a film based on a novel never gets into all the details? It’s because the book is usually over 400 pages while a script is only 120. But many people don’t have the time (or the inclination) to read. That’s why we also have video to provide for learning.

Though there’s nothing like the written word, video gives a good synopsis and provides viewers with emotional gist. In fact, video is now part of any educational program and instructors have begun replacing some class time by sending students home to eat popcorn.

Not only do we have documentaries, there are interviews, online lectures, TED talks, podcasts, and movies / mini-series for those wishing to know more. Here’s a list of what I’ve found to be useful.

History

The Tudors – mini-series on the life of Henry the VIII
John Adams – mini-series on the formation of the United States
The Roosevelts – documentary on the lives of Teddy, Franklin, and Eleanor Roosevelt
Genius of the Ancient World – Buddha, Socrates, and Confucius
Genius of the Modern World – Marx, Freud, and Nietzsche

World politics

My Way – story of Italy’s president, Silvio Berlusconi
Among the Believers – story of terrorism in Pakistan
Charlie Wilson’s War – film about the Russian-Afghan War
Last King of Scotland – film about Uganda’s Idi Amin
American Factory – shows the difference between manufacturing in America vs. China
Inside Bill’s Brain – how the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is changing the world

Canadian politics

Danny – National Film Board’s portrayal of Newfoundland’s premier, Danny Williams

American politics

Get Me Roger Stone – the strategy behind electing Trump
Race for the White House – CNN’s expose of six presidential elections

Summary

Many documentaries deal with social life. I enjoyed Hoop Dreams (following the lives of two young basketball stars) and the Life of Riley (the BB King story which gives a realistic view of segregation). Human Planet is also cool.

Some are only propaganda films designed to show just one side. I shy away from those until I find another highlighting the alternate position. In any event, it’s good to keep a list.

Note: Many of the above can be found on Netflix.

Inquiry-based Learning

Twenty to thirty percent of kids today leave school early or barely pass. Many wind up believing they’re not capable and avoid intellectual endeavors their entire adult lives (like, reading or taking a course). Because they hated school, some get robbed of the most essential life skill—the belief that you can do it. Fortunately, there’s help on the way—inquiry-based learning

Traditional learning involves school boards deciding what you should know and shoving it down your throat. Inquiry-based starts from the position of what you’d like to know and facilitates your interests from there. For example, Language Arts. Wouldn’t it be nice to pick your own book? One that peaks your interest and was written in this century? Or how about writing an essay from a list of topics?

Now, since doctors seem to be doing a good job and bridges aren’t falling down, let’s leave the maths and sciences alone. And elementary schools are working just fine, so their systems stay. Inquiry-based is for high school subjects more social in nature. Here’s an example.

Language Arts

My son recently completed grade 12. His Language Arts course included reading the 1940s play, Death of a Salesman. It’s about a 63 year-old salesman married to a stay-at-home mom. They have two sons, Biff and Happy. The plot involves the salesman facing the struggles of aging adult life and, in the end, he kills himself.

I enjoyed the story because the character is close to my age, shares my family situation (married with two sons), and I too, am a salesperson. I also loved seeing the old expressions my mother used to use. But my 17 year-old son got absolutely nothing from it.

This play is famous for touching people’s hearts at the time. A time that a person of my age and circumstance can relate to. But are you kidding when it comes to modern day students? Stay-at-home mom? Biff and Happy? Just sons? 1940’s expressions? Suicide? Certainly we have better books for these kids to read. And if not, let’s write one.

Objectives

The objective of LA should be to foster a love of reading and teach proper writing skills. This way kids will be encouraged to explore and know how to properly write an email. Likewise with history. We need to open their minds to the events of our past without making it seem boring. Yes, we still need to teach the basics, but there’s definitely room for individualism.

Schools are too focused on memorize and regurgitate. So we’re only teaching how to survive within a regimented system. And nobody is leaving with any bonafide knowledge. The platform needs to be changed to where kids learn “how to learn” and enjoy doing it. So they’ll be able to tackle any topic throughout their young adult life.

Levels and paths

In the business world, teaching doesn’t involve playing games since our objective is simply to ensure students acquire knowledge. Test questions are often given at the beginning of a lecture and there’s no complicated grading system. We want everyone to get 100%.

We feel learning is best done in levels along a well prescribed path. Start with an overview and then go deeper from there. For example, a one-page summary, then three, then ten. Eventually, you’ll be keen to read the whole book.

Learning paths and knowledge should be everywhere. They’re not supposed to be secrets. And textbooks aren’t something to be lost or handed back. They’re treasures to be reread.

The Department of Education could post the details of a basic adult education. One we should all know and happily assist in delivering to our kids. This kind of organization would lead to a society that can better communicate, work together, and vote.

Practicality

As you know, the world is operated by two spheres: theory people and practical people. Theory people are good students who grow up to be post-secondary graduates who eventually operate organizations and school boards. Practical people includes the thirty percent.

It’s not that theory people know more, it’s that what they know is different. And herein lies an issue. Conceptual people don’t know much about real stuff and practical people have a hard time with theory. So if we exposed our conceptual kids to more practicality, they’d be better able to bridge the gap.

There’s nothing wrong with showing good students the operations of a car or how to fix a sink. It’s generally good stuff that makes them better able while accommodating the thirty percent. Yes, we could provide practical kids with different types of programs, but that’s not the point.

Summary

Kids are tired of learning what they don’t care about. And the truth is, no matter what you teach, it mostly gets forgotten. Not only are the unsuccessful disheartened, plenty of good students are burned out. The whole school experience drains them of wishing to learn more.

Imagine a teacher saying, “Rather than talk about the war, what would you like to know.” And as a teacher—who knows lots about history—I’ll facilitate. Too much individuality? What if they gave presentations to groups? And if we kept all the information online, accessible forever?

Within certain subjects, the object should be “how to learn.” Getting kids to go deep and keep all their findings shows them “how to do it.” And if done well, they’ll be on the way to writing their own book of knowledge.

But can’t they just google Wikipedia whenever they want? It’s not the same. Knowing history is knowing the pain we endured overcoming natural desires. It isn’t places and dates. Liberals and cons aren’t personal brands that gets etched into tombstones, they’re avenues for discovery that get exercised every time you go to the polls. And if you can’t learn, you’ll never get there.

The problem with education is it’s run by people who were good at it. So it never changes. They say it’s successful because we have doctors and engineers, but it’s not if we measured by grads love of learning and how much they still knew in five years.

Relationships, psychology, and what it’s like to be human—spark any kid’s interest. As would other topics that deal with everyday life. Inquiry-based does this. It ends the facade of marching around with no clothes by delivering a menu of applicable stuff—thereby turning kids into learners who know how it’s done.

This way, the smart will be bright, everyone gets confidence, and no one’s left out.

Note: You may like these videos by Ken Robinson: Changing education paradigms and Do schools kill creativity?

Letter to Luke

Young Luke recently completed high school and is now attending college. He’s enrolled in a two year business program that will teach him the foundations of finance, accounting, marketing, and economics. So much so that upon graduation Luke will be qualified to work in the business world.

But as an adult, he’ll also be required to know about politics and be asked to vote. He’ll be bombarded with articles and opinions telling him how things should be, without ever being given any of the basics. So what’s he to do? Stay in school an additional two years and spend another twenty thousand dollars? Or take a crash course on the workings of the world and learn how to constantly improve his education.

If he chooses the latter, which is obviously more practical, what then does Luke actually need to know? Here’s my answer: you can’t know politics without understanding history, and you can’t know history without grasping the tactical components of religion. So let’s start with history.

History

As Canadians, we’re descendants of the Roman Empire now living within Western civilization.

Rome was founded in 753 BC. It shifted from a monarchy to a classical republic and then to an autocratic empire that included most of Europe. Rome conquered Greece in 146 BC and adopted much of Greek culture, this period is known as the Greco-Roman world.

After the life of Jesus, a new form of Judaism was created—Christianity. Between 313 and 380, Rome adopted Christianity as its state religion. Roman culture then became the amalgamation of the Greco-Roman world and Judaeo-Christianity.

In 395, Rome split into east and west, with the west containing most of Europe. Canada was colonized by Britain and France (Europeans), that’s why we’re part of Western civilization. The West’s tenets are democracy, capitalism, and a culture based on the Greco-Roman world and Judaeo-Christianity.

1215 is the year of the British Magna Carta, which signifies the start of modern day democracy. The mid-1500s is when the Protestant Reformation challenged Rome’s authority over Christianity by creating many new denominations. And the Industrial Revolution—the beginning of modern day capitalism—started in the 1700s.

See articles on Civilizations, Ancient Greece, British History, and American History.

Politics

Knowing the difference between a liberal and a conservative is the essential quandary of politics. People spend their whole lives confused about it. Definitions can be found in the articles Left is for Liberal and Conservatives, but before jumping to conclusions please grasp the following:

Both ideologies are valid (and you’ll alternate between the two)
Party platforms rest on top of ideology, as an interpretation (so parties can be bad but ideologies are always good)

The underpinnings of politics are what the public sector does, the welfare state, government’s role within a free market society, and who votes what. Then it’s good to understand the basic structure of government and where we’ve come from (Senate Reform), plus the essence of what’s behind current world problems (Irish Nationalism, Syria and Iraq, Muslim Countries, and the North-South Divide). This should get you through our current state of propaganda.

Albert Einstein said, “I don’t know how WWIII will be fought, but WWIV will be fought with sticks and stones.” This sentiment captures modern day international policy thinking (see Imperialism). There are over 190 countries and not all are democratic. The path forward has traditionally been fought through civil wars, but this option, too, is now no longer practical.

Religion

We’re moving towards a global civilization, where democracy and capitalism are widely held, and a multitude of religions are accepted. Yes, Christianity played a significant role in the development of the West, but it’s time to acknowledge our uncertainty about life and welcome other views.

And whether Christ came down to enhance Judaism (Judaism 2.0) or introduce beliefs separate from those of the Jews, devout Christians continue to hold special regard for Israel (and this isn’t expected to change).

See articles on History of Western Faith and the Bible.

Summary

Bottom line: doctors, lawyers, engineers—none of us are qualified to vote. Democracy only works when all sides are able and fortunately, over the years, we’ve experienced good government. Our system does protect us from potential fools, but it’s still up to the citizenry to watchdog those of us in charge. So you should know this stuff.

Now get back to your studies—one day, you’ll need a good job.

Why School

Other than the fact they’d probably hurt themselves with farm equipment, we send kids to school for three reasons:

Attain knowledge
Develop the ability to learn
Develop the ability to reason

Dumb kids don’t know much, have a hard time learning, and aren’t very good at problem solving. Smart kids know a bunch of stuff, are capable of learning more, and can figure their way around most situations.

Knowledge

Since we can’t teach everything, kids learn what the system deems appropriate. Much of it’s building blocks for further education (like, advanced chemistry building on intermediate chemistry), but some subjects standalone—requiring little foundation.

We can’t always make school applicable to everyone’s interests. Part of the plan is to expose young people to as many subjects as possible so they’ll discover what they like. Then once you know what you like, you can focus (and the experience becomes more enjoyable).

It’s a pity we forget most of what we learn. Algebra, chemistry, Shakespeare, and how to rip apart a frog will be mostly forgotten by the time you start a job. That’s why it’s good to keep a book of knowledge to document the parts you’d like to remember.

Ability to learn

Like a bodybuilder develops physical muscle in a gym, students develop intellectual muscle in a classroom. So when they say, “Why do I need to know about Japanese people in the fourteenth century?” The answer is, “To develop your ability to learn.”

The goal isn’t to shove information inside your head so you’ll remember it all. It’s to teach you how to get information shoved inside your head so you can do it again—with future stuff that’s important. It doesn’t matter if the information is applicable, what matters is whether you’re good at learning. And if you are, certain industries can work with you.

Ability to reason

School is about more than memorizing material to later regurgitate. You also need to know how to be logical. Reasoning comes with the understanding of core foundations and base principles—and then knowing how to apply them. Math is one of the subjects that develops this.

Reasoning also involves having the confidence to question things and apply common sense. We don’t want people running around believing everything they hear.

More reasons

Okay, so we send kids to school for three more reasons:

Develop social skills
Develop the ability to think
Get them out of our hair

Social skills

Without question, much of survival depends upon one’s ability to interact with others. So the notion or ramming multitudes of little pumpkins into one small room is a great idea. Because in life, you have to learn how to get along.

Sure, techy jobs pay well, but a people-person can also make a good living. Not everyone has to be mired in details. And what’s really hot is if you have both—technical skills and people skills. That’s how you get to be a manager.

Kids attending private schools, especially in the early years, are denied a significant portion of the whole experience. Because if your kids can’t handle working class people when they’re young, how are they supposed to at age 30? And just like skiing is easier to learn as a child, school age is the best time to mingle with the masses (since seven year-olds rarely stab each other).

Creative thinking

Thinking isn’t reasoning. Reasoning is using principles that others have already created. Thinking is coming up with new ones.

Creative minded people picture the world differently and live outside the box. They’re the ones who write plays, cure diseases, and invent laptops. That’s why it’s good to have school projects like writing your own novel or starting a business. They force you into using your imagination.

Out of our hair

The last reason is to get kids out of our hair. Not just because today’s parents are out there working—what else do you do with a 12-year old? That’s why we have subjects like Phys Ed.

Foods, fashions, and film—though somewhat useful—are mostly offered to make kids spend more time inside the building. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, because as we’ve already said, they’d only hurt themselves with farm equipment.

Note: You may also be interested in the article on Inquiry-based Learning.

Book of Knowledge

I feel people today are poorly educated. I’m not talking about the kids, and I’m not saying people in the past were any better educated. I’m just saying that no matter what schools have taught you, you can’t remember it all. And herein lies the problem.

I think every person, whether formally educated or not, should carry around with them a book of knowledge. Their very own, with summarized information they’ve attained throughout the years. And that this book should be reviewed from time to time.

Other than your day job, what do you really know? Take the subjects of history, political science, and economics. Are you qualified to teach or debate any of the three? Probably not. But I’m sure you’re capable of learning and summarizing exactly what you’d like to know. And of reviewing this from time to time, just to keep up your intellect.

Most of us see a task of this nature as daunting. We don’t like the idea of re-reading old textbooks or spending hours on the web, so I’ll give you a push. Here is my book, which I’m happy to share. Take it and move forward as you wish.

Why is this notion so beneficial? Have you ever tried arguing with someone on something like politics? It’s impossible since few of us stand on the same foundation. What we need is each other’s basic understandings. For example, what do you feel is the difference between a liberal and a conservative? What have you read and been taught? And what have you figured out for yourself? All fundamental data I need in order to understand your position. So give it to me.

Everyone needs their own personal book of knowledge. Here’s a preview of mine. Let’s start with a few pages on American history. We hear references made to it all the time. What you’re about to read won’t make you an expert on this topic but it’ll provide a decent working knowledge. Pay special attention to the War of Independence, Abraham Lincoln, and Jim Crow laws.