With the absence of feeling, I rely on observation. Nothing to observe, I go to the evidence. With the lack of evidence, I rely on experience (mine and others). Without experience, I’ll turn to a life cheat sheet called facts.
Relying on facts is the most challenging way to make a decision because you must be equipped to synthesize information.
Here in the U.S., our society has moved away from providing students the tools to achieve a synthesis, which is considered the highest level of learning. Since the 1980s, all we hear about is “teaching to the tests.” Since the public school system is rated on how well students perform on a standardized test, teachers are hard-pressed to get their students to do well.
180 days in a school year is not enough time to teach a student how to process data for use in other areas.
Therefore, students are taught to memorize information. Memories fail without using the information to build upon. This means the data is eventually fragmented and lost. Many functioning adults are being led to performing instead of adults knowing how to arrive at solutions using critical thinking and decision-making.
The brain is the most powerful computer known to humans. If you don’t understand how to program it, it might also be a weight to balance your head on your shoulders.
Want to truly Make America Great?
Familiarize yourself with these terms and then pass them on.
- Knowledge (facts)
- Comprehension (understands meanings)
- Application (can apply to new situations)
- Analysis (see organization and patterns)
- Synthesis (generalize, create new ideas) Ex. George Washington Carver – made more than 100 products from sweet potatoes and peanuts.
- Evaluation (assess the value of the evidence.)
It is never too late to learn how to learn, unlearn, and relearn. If you have breath, it should be a priority.
Mel Hopkins 