Wed, 10 Dec 2008
Unlearned skills.
…while the school girls in this country are learning that mylonite is a breccieated metamorphic rock frequently found in a fault zone (to recycle a phrase), they are learning nothing about how to keep their future marriages intact.
Likewise, the little boys in this country are learning nothing about how to be better future husbands and fathers.
Kids also learn nothing about the importance of a positive outlook, especially how it affects other people. They don’t learn about setting goals, or managing risk, or discerning the difference between truth and lies in the media and in person.
– Scott Adams, Unlearned Skills.
What do you think? Does it hold true for Singapore?
Hi Laremy,
I’m glad you are still maintaining this blog. I’ve been following it via RSS.
In reply to your question: It holds true anywhere. “Schooling” is not the same as “education”.
I remember taking an anthropology in education course when I was a graduate student and this was the conclusion we came to at the end of the semester.
It’s somewhat depressing if you are aware of the difference. But it is also enlightening as you can then take action! And if you are aware, you’d call yourself an educator, not a school teacher.
Dr Tan
Thanks Dr Tan.
I know what you mean, but I think more can be done at the policy level regarding the ‘teaching’ of traditional academic subjects e.g. English, Math, etc. versus skills we really need e.g. ICT, Financial Prudence, etc. But one step at a time, I guess.
Hope you are enjoying the holidays. FYI I’ll be taking the QED562 course next sem so hope it’ll be a blast