Before we fill a head full of knowledge, we have to teach that head how to learn.
Generally, teachers approach their work with assumptions about students' ability to comprehend and retain information. This is reminiscent of the way Physical Education was conducted when I was in grade school. The teacher would organize some sort of sport, often "organizing" only with words to the effect, "Okay, everybody! Split into two teams!" And that was it.
No explanation as to how to play the game or how to do any of the skills that game required, such as throwing a ball or whatever. It was assumed (and more times than not, with disastrous results) that somehow we magically knew all of that stuff.
Just as disastrously, teachers frequently believe their students know how to study, know how to memorize, know how to concentrate, know how to connect one piece of information to another and know how to relax. Most egregiously, they assume an ability to solve problems and to think critically.
This is all important. Really important! Let me reiterate these skills, because if a student picks up nothing else, if they are armed with these skills, they can comprehend anything they want.
In no particular order:
1. How to study.
2. How to memorize.
3. How to concentrate.
4. How to connect one piece of information to another.
5. How to relax.
6. How to think critically.
These are skills that should be taught and always reiterated. Once truly obtained, they will lead the student to knowledge and wisdom.
All subjects become obvious and simple with these six skills and even the most opaque ideas are clear. A teacher who assumes any student already possesses such abilities is not doing their job. Anyone who attempts to teach without possessing these skills themselves is a fool.
A student must know how to learn, must know how to think. There can be no argument in this. Such arguments can only be spurious.
It is tempting to consider, What is the most important of these skills? My own choice is Critical Thinking, but in all honesty, this is more of a philosophical parlor game. They are all important and the omission of any one is more than unfortunate.
In the following blogs (not one of my favorite words), we'll look at each of these skills separately as well as the importance of the far greater success of both our students and teachers for the sake of national security and economic and cultural prosperity.
Teaching is more serious than ever.
