Thanks Ed, how very true. The days and weeks are not long enough to cram in all I missed . I will always remember a favorite teacher ,Miss Carroll, who taught at George J. West Junior High room 203. She made learning so interesting and always looked forward to her class, especially at the conclusion when she would always pick up her little brown book and read a beautiful saying or poem.
Yes, learning is a delicacy. Just like dessert. We pass it up and wonder later why. Another time we tell ourselves. Like learning, we put it off and realize later as we try to catch up. Why? Instead of catching up we should have learned when the opportunities were presented. I know, it is never too late but, our capacity to learn changes. Just more difficult
Thank you, Ed, and that applies to all of us in adulthood, often referred to a senior as an Opsimath.
During the last century, schooling in some societies and countries was often augmented by corporal punishment and instilled by fear of caning. Failing to recite the homework assignment would result in the caning of the left hand or the rear seat. The education system was based on deploying physical discipline at the instructor's discretion. The instrument of execution, known as the "Rohrstock" (bamboo cane), was always nearby and in sight of the students. Fear induces compliance, not creativity (dessert).
Excellent points, Werner. In some, many I am sure, fear was instilled without corporal punishment. As in, "If you fail this exam, I will not recommend you for medical school." Thus compliance meant relegating learning to memory, not creativity.
Indeed. And teaching is both a responsibility and a privilege. If it is done well, then we can teach ourselves the rest of our lives. Love your writing! Ron DiPippo
Thank you for this week's dessert. Reading is one of the most intimate human endeavors we experience. The words form thoughts, the thoughts stimulate imagination, and imagination opens a world of emotions. We not only learn about others, but we also learn about ourselves. Keep reading and keep writing.
Leonard Bernstein once pointed out the similarity between the German words for teacher, "Lehrer," and learner, "Lerner." They go hand in hand as delicacies for a lifetime. Thank you, Ed for going to class and writing so eloquently of the experience.
Hi, Edward. Thank you. I recall your German terms in association with respect out of fear. And, and fear can be a major distraction when reciting a poem in front of the class or dates about Plato or Caesar.
Thanks Ed, how very true. The days and weeks are not long enough to cram in all I missed . I will always remember a favorite teacher ,Miss Carroll, who taught at George J. West Junior High room 203. She made learning so interesting and always looked forward to her class, especially at the conclusion when she would always pick up her little brown book and read a beautiful saying or poem.
OMG, Josie. She's the one I am writing about! God bless hee for introducing us to poetry.
Yes, learning is a delicacy. Just like dessert. We pass it up and wonder later why. Another time we tell ourselves. Like learning, we put it off and realize later as we try to catch up. Why? Instead of catching up we should have learned when the opportunities were presented. I know, it is never too late but, our capacity to learn changes. Just more difficult
Agree. But we should never pass up the moment. Tempus fugit. Thanks for your comment, Mary ann.
When Learning Was Not Dessert
Thank you, Ed, and that applies to all of us in adulthood, often referred to a senior as an Opsimath.
During the last century, schooling in some societies and countries was often augmented by corporal punishment and instilled by fear of caning. Failing to recite the homework assignment would result in the caning of the left hand or the rear seat. The education system was based on deploying physical discipline at the instructor's discretion. The instrument of execution, known as the "Rohrstock" (bamboo cane), was always nearby and in sight of the students. Fear induces compliance, not creativity (dessert).
Excellent points, Werner. In some, many I am sure, fear was instilled without corporal punishment. As in, "If you fail this exam, I will not recommend you for medical school." Thus compliance meant relegating learning to memory, not creativity.
Ed, an experience for both you and the class, both becoming richer for future endeavors. Each came away with desserts and wiser in thought.
I loved my experience. The teacher became a student
Indeed. And teaching is both a responsibility and a privilege. If it is done well, then we can teach ourselves the rest of our lives. Love your writing! Ron DiPippo
Thank you, Ron. Your comment is the best a writer can receive. I love that is forever a learning process.
Thank you for this week's dessert. Reading is one of the most intimate human endeavors we experience. The words form thoughts, the thoughts stimulate imagination, and imagination opens a world of emotions. We not only learn about others, but we also learn about ourselves. Keep reading and keep writing.
Reading. Yes, Larry, you nailed it. I started to read Willa Cather again. Cannot put her work down.
Great stuff today, Ed. I recently reread All quiet on the western front. Loved it! Thank you!
Thanks, Tom
I'm reading Willa Cather again. Can't put her books down.
Leonard Bernstein once pointed out the similarity between the German words for teacher, "Lehrer," and learner, "Lerner." They go hand in hand as delicacies for a lifetime. Thank you, Ed for going to class and writing so eloquently of the experience.
Thanks, Ed. And I learn again. Today. From you. And Leonard.
Hi, Edward. Thank you. I recall your German terms in association with respect out of fear. And, and fear can be a major distraction when reciting a poem in front of the class or dates about Plato or Caesar.
Yes, no kidding!