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[IBC] Odd distinctions
There is a tendency on the part of some here to fail to recognize one
distinction and to impose other distinctions that make no sense. First, there is no difference between how beginners should learn and how experienced artists should learn. Both involve having a high standard and putting in the actual work to approach that standard. It does not follow logic and serves no positive purpose to suggest that beginners should learn only by watching and in a no-expectation environment and that experienced artists should learn in demanding and intimidating one. People learn by doing and by doing, repetitiously - augmented by (not substituted with!) theory instruction. Training methods are either good or bad, not "newbie or elite." Also, believing that elements like hard work and repetition and standards are to be relegated to experienced or advanced growers/artists is a false belief. This is another odd distinction that has been invented and held to by some. Too many don't seem to recognize the distinction between championing good training, hard work and standards and championing condescension, elitism and worthless criticism. There is a great distinction between these ideals and to lump them together (leaning heavily toward the latter group when someone suggests the former group) is vacuous, unfair and unkind. Surely there are many, especially beginners, who are not interested in developing great skill or understanding. Keeping happy, beautiful trees that meet with their own approval is plenty for some and this is wonderful. However, there is no reason that those who subscribe to this ideal should feel compelled to offer up their ideas as counter to the ideals of those who want to become better artists. The two ideals are not antithetical, they're merely two sides of the same coin. The one does not diminish the other so there is no reason for antagonism and debate between the two ideals. Rather, the one simply has nothing to do with the other. There can logically be no value judgments in this regard, so to suggest that one is better than the other is a non sequitur. Those who have no interest in furthering theirs or others' skill and understanding should not be shouting down the positive (even if uncomfortable) insights from those who are so interested. Can we operate instead under the idea that one is "different" from the other? That would surely save us all a lot of pointless debate. Kind regards, Andy Rutledge zone 8, Texas ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
snip
People learn by doing and by doing, repetitiously - augmented by (not substituted with!) theory instruction. snip This is not entirely true. There are many different learning styles. Some actually learn better by observing first then doing the activity. Others can jump right in and learn by doing. Not everyone is wired the same way (pardon the pun). Those of us who are in teaching professions know that both the teacher and then student have responsibilities in the learning process. The teacher must attempt to adjust the lesson to the learning style of the student. The student has the responsibility of actually doing the work of learning. If IBC is a place of both teaching and learning, then it is a good idea to offer teaching that speaks to a variety of learning styles. Sean Nemecek - Cadillac, MI - Zone 4b or 5a "When growth ceases decay begins." ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
----- Original Message -----
From: "Sean Nemecek" This is not entirely true. There are many different learning styles. Some actually learn better by observing first then doing the activity. Others can jump right in and learn by doing. Not everyone is wired the same way (pardon the pun). -------------- You have not contradicted my statments, but have said what I said with emphasis on order of instruction. I'm happy to see that you agree that doing is the crucial element (and the context of my remarks was for bonsai study, of course) Kind regards, Andy Rutledge zone 8, Texas ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
Those of us who are in teaching professions know that both the teacher and
then student have responsibilities in the learning process. The teacher must attempt to adjust the lesson to the learning style of the student. The student has the responsibility of actually doing the work of learning. -------------- In bonsai, unless the "learning style" of the student involves doing, over and over, the student will not learn. -------------- If IBC is a place of both teaching and learning, then it is a good idea to offer teaching that speaks to a variety of learning styles. Sean Nemecek -------------- Since the IBC can offer only intellectual insights and theory, I'm not sure what you're saying here. Also, any teaching style (for bonsai) that eschews physical work and repetition is of very low value. Kind regards, Andy Rutledge zone 8, Texas ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
----- Original Message -----
From: "David J. Bockman" The only point I might make Andy, is that a beginner in any art form (unless extraordinarily blessed with self-awareness or ability in that medium, a 'natural' if you will) might not know 'how to learn' as efficiently or readily as a more experienced artist. ------------- Sure! This is why the guidance of the teacher or those more experienced is key. This is why beginners do best by following instruction rather than trying to first understand why they should follow it. When the teacher says, "Do this, over and over." it is worthless for the beginner (who by definition lacks the fundamental understanding of what he/she should be doing) to decide that it might be better to just read a book instead. When beginning students start dictating the teaching methods, there is no value in the process. Obviously, I'm talking about more than bonsai here... ------------- On the other hand, a more experienced artist might not be able to 'empty his cup' and embrace whatever techniques, philosophy, and aesthetics that are being taught. David J. Bockman --------------- Absolutely true. It is often hard to disregard what one believes to be one's own level of understanding, so that new instruction can become skill and understanding. This is why when someone goes to learn from someone else, they need to empty their cup and actually become a student. Seeking instruction with the idea that one "may" accept it if it jives with currently held ideas is utterly worthless; a waste of time for both the teacher and the "student." Kind regards, Andy Rutledge zone 8, Texas ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
This is not entirely true. There are many different learning styles. Some actually learn better by observing first then doing the activity. Others can jump right in and learn by doing. Not everyone is wired the same way (pardon the pun). Those of us who are in teaching professions know that both the teacher and then student have responsibilities in the learning process. The teacher must attempt to adjust the lesson to the learning style of the student. The student has the responsibility of actually doing the work of learning. Both statements are 100% true. I was involved in education for MANY years, and there are many ways to teach -- and just as many ways to learn. Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - Our life is frittered away by detail . . . . Simplify! Simplify. -- Henry David Thoreau - Walden ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
Andy:
Good teachers clearly explain the process beforehand so that the student knows why he is doing something over and over. The method you're describing. following instructions blindly, only works for Mr. Miyagi in the Karate Kid movies. "wax on, wax off" Respectfully, John From: Andy Rutledge This is why beginners do best by following instruction rather than trying to first understand why they should follow it. When the teacher says, "Do this, over and over." it is worthless for the beginner (who by definition lacks the fundamental understanding of what he/she should be doing) to decide that it might be better to just read a book instead. When beginning students start dictating the teaching methods, there is no value in the process. Obviously, I'm talking about more than bonsai here... __________________________________________________ _______________ The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
Andy,
What I was trying to say is that for some people learning by doing is enhanced by first learning through observation. For these people to jump in and start doing would be very intimidating and perhaps prohibitive. Of course the will eventually have to start the repetative actions but they need the concepts before the physical work can begin. Personally, I need the theory before the physical work and practice. This allows me to approach the work with some small amount of wisdom. It also allows me to know how to correct my mistakes when they occur. While we agree that hard work and repetition is essential, I do not want to discount the importance of theory for some people. There is no such thing as a universal approach to learning. We need to be flexible. Sean Nemecek - Cadillac, MI - Zone 4b or 5a "When growth ceases decay begins." ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
For my own part, I have often found that watching a video, reading a well
written or well illustrated article, or watching a demonstration of a process is often the perfect bridge between being curious about doing something, and finding myself doing it. I am talking about feeling informed enough to try it the *first* time. I think this would be the value to the bonsai community, and particularly the bonsai community that is emerging. Repetition, practice, and real learning follows. (Or doesn't) :-p Sam Crowell Klamath Falls, OR __________________________________________________ _______________ Tired of spam? Get advanced junk mail protection with MSN 8. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
Hi Sean,
I never said that theory is worthless. I said that theory is worthless without repetitious work. We're not as far apart as you seem to think. The problem arises when the student begins to understand the theory and then thinks they've learned something - and wants to move on to something else. There's nothing wrong with theory/practice. But few are willing to put in the practice, especially after they find out that it's boring and difficult. I take issue with the idea that theory and practice are two different ways to learn. They're not. They're two parts of process and the practice is the most important, by far. Kind regards, Andy Rutledge zone 8, Texas ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sean Nemecek" Andy, What I was trying to say is that for some people learning by doing is enhanced by first learning through observation. For these people to jump in and start doing would be very intimidating and perhaps prohibitive. Of course the will eventually have to start the repetative actions but they need the concepts before the physical work can begin. Personally, I need the theory before the physical work and practice. This allows me to approach the work with some small amount of wisdom. It also allows me to know how to correct my mistakes when they occur. While we agree that hard work and repetition is essential, I do not want to discount the importance of theory for some people. There is no such thing as a universal approach to learning. We need to be flexible. Sean Nemecek ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
----- Original Message -----
From: "John NJ" Andy: Good teachers clearly explain the process beforehand so that the student knows why he is doing something over and over. The method you're describing. following instructions blindly, only works for Mr. Miyagi in the Karate Kid movies. "wax on, wax off" Respectfully, John ------------------- I disagree with your definition of a "good teacher." You're describing one possible aspect of a teaching/learning experience. IF it is important for the student to first understand the "why" of something, then yes, a good teacher will do that. If it is not important that the student understand the "why" until later, the good teacher simply offers the instruction and gets the student on the right path -- and it is for the teacher, not the student, to decide the relvance or need for knowing the "why" of a lesson. I respectfully suggest that "it works" when the student is a good student. I further suggest that when the teacher can't offer instruction without first convicing the student that the instruction is worthwhile, two people's time is being wasted. Kind regards, Andy Rutledge zone 8, Texas ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
Andy,
snip The problem arises when the student begins to understand the theory and then thinks they've learned something - and wants to move on to something else. snip I couldn't agree more. snip I take issue with the idea that theory and practice are two different ways to learn. They're not. snip I agree. snip They're two parts of process and the practice is the most important, by far. snip Yes they are two parts of the process. However, one cannot be elevated above another. Many people who are principle oriented learners, need to have the theory in order to be able to do the practice. For them theory is more important. However, it is incomplete without practice. For some people practice is all important and theory is confusing. They tend to learn better by doing. All I am trying to say is that a broad based approach will speak to the most people. Providing theory will allow principle centered learners to enter into the practices of Bonsai more readily. Others will jump right in and ignore the theory (but unknowingly learn some of it in the process). Your analysis is insightful. Practice is where everything comes together. But some people will never really get to that part without the theory. We are all made a little differently. In my opinion this is something to celebrate! Humbly, Sean Nemecek ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
Hi Sean,
----- Original Message ----- From: "Sean Nemecek" snip They're two parts of process and the practice is the most important, by far. snip Yes they are two parts of the process. However, one cannot be elevated above another. Many people who are principle oriented learners, need to have the theory in order to be able to do the practice. For them theory is more important. However, it is incomplete without practice. snip Humbly, Sean Nemecek ------------------ I think that I can refute your premise by citing the following (extreme) example: If a person merely "does" (presumably as instructed) and get no theory, this person will be able to perform the skills and since this individual also has some intelligence, he/she will have come to understand many things from this practice - probably all of the theory that would otherwise have been offered. However, if a person gets theory only, no matter how long this kind of "instruction" is offered, the student will not have the capacity to "do" the work. Yes, they are both good parts of the process, but practice is simply the more important of the two. Kind regards, Andy Rutledge zone 8, Texas ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
From: Andy Rutledge
Yes, they are both good parts of the process, but practice is simply the more important of the two. Uss, Sensei. __________________________________________________ _______________ Tired of spam? Get advanced junk mail protection with MSN 8. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
Good teachers clearly explain the process beforehand so that
the student knows why he is doing something over and over. The method you're describing. following instructions blindly, only works for Mr. Miyagi in the Karate Kid movies. "wax on, wax off" Respectfully, John And for me, a good teacher would do MUCH better giving me a set of written instructions first, then correcting me as I try to implement them. I retain what I read 100% better than I retain what someone tells me while I'm busy looking around at what everyone else is doing ;-). So everybody is different. Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - Our life is frittered away by detail . . . . Simplify! Simplify. -- Henry David Thoreau - Walden ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
There is no such thing as a universal approach to learning. We
need to be flexible. Everybody needs to tell that to their State Legislatures! And add a note that standardized (universal) testing is stupid, too. Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - Our life is frittered away by detail . . . . Simplify! Simplify. -- Henry David Thoreau - Walden ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
Perhaps part of the problem is with the whole concept of "teacher". I would
like to suggest that, technically speaking, one cannot "teach", i.e. one cannot plant knowledge or skills in a student. (At least not yet! Perhaps someone will someday invent a modem to download information or instructions into a person's brain, but right now that is just science fiction.) It is probably more accurate, although very clumsy, to describe a teacher as a learning enhancer or one who facilitates the learning process. Practice is essential to learning skills. Andy's right about that. I don't hear anyone disagreeing with that. ( That's why I don't know how to play the piano!) Where there is disagreement is with the extreme notion that practice is the only thing that matters in acquiring skills. That ignores vast areas of variables in motivation and learning theory. Nonetheless, I am looking forward to learning from Andy's book on How to Teach Bonsai. I hope it's more than one page saying practice, practice, practice! ;-) Alan Walker, Lake Charles, LA, USA http://LCBSBonsai.org http://bonsai-bci.com ================================ Andy: Good teachers clearly explain the process beforehand so that the student knows why he is doing something over and over. The method you're describing. following instructions blindly, only works for Mr. Miyagi in the Karate Kid movies. "wax on, wax off" Respectfully, John ------------------- I disagree with your definition of a "good teacher." You're describing one possible aspect of a teaching/learning experience. IF it is important for the student to first understand the "why" of something, then yes, a good teacher will do that. If it is not important that the student understand the "why" until later, the good teacher simply offers the instruction and gets the student on the right path -- and it is for the teacher, not the student, to decide the relevance or need for knowing the "why" of a lesson. I respectfully suggest that "it works" when the student is a good student. I further suggest that when the teacher can't offer instruction without first convincing the student that the instruction is worthwhile, two people's time is being wasted. Kind regards, Andy Rutledge zone 8, Texas ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
I couldn't disagree with this example more. "Doing" does not lead to doing
well. Sometimes it leads to continued patterns of poor performance. Especially when theory is ignored. They are equally important for excellence. But this example misses the core of my argument. Not everyone learns the same way. Some learn BEST by understanding theory first. Others learn BEST by trial and error. Nuff said, Sean ----- Original Message ----- From: "Andy Rutledge" To: Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2003 3:27 PM Subject: [IBC] Odd distinctions Hi Sean, ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sean Nemecek" snip They're two parts of process and the practice is the most important, by far. snip Yes they are two parts of the process. However, one cannot be elevated above another. Many people who are principle oriented learners, need to have the theory in order to be able to do the practice. For them theory is more important. However, it is incomplete without practice. snip Humbly, Sean Nemecek ------------------ I think that I can refute your premise by citing the following (extreme) example: If a person merely "does" (presumably as instructed) and get no theory, this person will be able to perform the skills and since this individual also has some intelligence, he/she will have come to understand many things from this practice - probably all of the theory that would otherwise have been offered. However, if a person gets theory only, no matter how long this kind of "instruction" is offered, the student will not have the capacity to "do" the work. Yes, they are both good parts of the process, but practice is simply the more important of the two. Kind regards, Andy Rutledge zone 8, Texas ************************************************** ************************** **** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ************************** **** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
----- Original Message -----
From: "John NJ" From: Andy Rutledge Yes, they are both good parts of the process, but practice is simply the more important of the two. ------ Uss, Sensei. --------------------------- Hmm, maybe you're thinking of "Ossu"? ;-) (made from "osu" (to push) and "shinobu" (roughly: patience)). Kind regards, Andy Rutledge zone 8, Texas ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
Sorry Andy. My japanese spell checker is on the fritz. g
From: Andy Rutledge Hmm, maybe you're thinking of "Ossu"? ;-) (made from "osu" (to push) and "shinobu" (roughly: patience)). __________________________________________________ _______________ Tired of spam? Get advanced junk mail protection with MSN 8. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
From: Jim Lewis
So everybody is different. First statement in the thread that no one can dispute although someone will try ;). We can argue, or as my dad used to say, discuss this all day and it still comes down to what Jim stated above. Find what works for you and do it. Len PLEASE NOTE MY NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS: http://www.bonsairi.com http://www.rhodeislandbonsaisociety.org ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
----- Original Message -----
From: "Alan Walker" Practice is essential to learning skills. Andy's right about that. I don't hear anyone disagreeing with that. ( That's why I don't know how to play the piano!) Where there is disagreement is with the extreme notion that practice is the only thing that matters in acquiring skills. That ignores vast areas of variables in motivation and learning theory. --------------- So long as you recognize that I've never suggested practice without theory is ideal, there is no disagreement. In fact, I've already stated a few times that theory/practice are both important parts of the process. --------------- Nonetheless, I am looking forward to learning from Andy's book on How to Teach Bonsai. I hope it's more than one page saying practice, practice, practice! ;-) Alan Walker ------------------- ;-) Hmmmm, lemme do with more learning bonsai first. I doubt that I'll be writing that book in any event. ;-) Kind regards, Andy Rutledge zone 8, Texas ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
John,
I wanted to share an experience we have with our martial arts instructor. He teaches several different classes in different forms. One of the things we can depend on is for him to go over the basics each and every class. He often goes into sometimes long explanations as to why such-and-such a thing was done, or how it developed. He has commented several times that in another class, someone may be two or two-and-a-half years into study. They suddenly realize how or why something works, they find themselves *understanding*. Often the student will ask, "Why didn't you tell us how this worked, its so simple". Our instructor will often good naturedly replies, "Well, I did tell you that, probably every session you've attended in the past two years, it was just that you were not ready to hear it until now. And it is only simple once you know it, if it is so simple, why didn't you figure this out right when you started". Sometimes you have to obtain a certain level of understanding before you can incorporate and make use of some information or training. It doesn't necessarily have to be "advanced" information either. Our instructor comments that repetition in practice teaches muscle memory, and once you can free your mind from having to concentrate on "now move this foot, now move this arm, etc" you can focus on the centering and spirit with which the form should be practiced. Just making the right moves in the proper order is not the goal. Many repeations of a form poorly is not good. It can take months to overcome the bad habit learned in a week or two of bad practice. Ourinstructor is not Japanese, but did receive much of his initial training there. He is very typically not Japanese in one other, sometimes startling way. In Japan no student points out that the instructor did something wrong. Our instructor asks us frequently to call him on it if he says one thing or does another, or does anything sloppy. Locally he has no peer or higher ranking companion to help "keep him honest". Good teachers clearly explain the process beforehand so that the student knows why he is doing something over and over. The method you're describing. following instructions blindly, only works for Mr. Miyagi in the Karate Kid movies. "wax on, wax off" __________________________________________________ _______________ MSN 8 helps eliminate e-mail viruses. Get 2 months FREE*. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
[IBC] Odd distinctions
At 02:59 PM 2/27/03 -0800, sam crowell wrote:
.... He has commented several times that in another class, someone may be two or two-and-a-half years into study. They suddenly realize how or why something works, they find themselves *understanding*. Often the student will ask, "Why didn't you tell us how this worked, its so simple". Our instructor will often good naturedly replies, "Well, I did tell you that, probably every session you've attended in the past two years, it was just that you were not ready to hear it until now. And it is only simple once you know it, if it is so simple, why didn't you figure this out right when you started". ..... Sam I love those kind of revelations. The most powerful one I ever had was sitting in a Physics class in college, sitting there seething at this instructor that was a complete jerk. He was talking about gravity and orbital motion. All at once, and despite my distraction, I realized what he was talking about. All my life I had marveled that orbiting bodies were in _perfect_ balance, their circular momentum exactly cancelling out the force of gravity. But besides the awe, I was also bothered. There are a _lot_ of these things. How can there be so many in perfect balance. Even though I wasn't particularly listening to this guy, the answer can through and hit me in the face like a wet towel. These are _falling bodies_. Now to most of you this is probably obvious, but somehow I had made it that far into life without realizing the beauty and truth of orbital mechanics. Orbiting bodies have no other choice but to follow their eliptical paths once captured by the larger body. If we had a lower gravity and stronger arms, we could create orbiting bodies by throwing objects at the escape velocity at some upward angle from horizontal. If we could throw hard enough, the object would still fall, but would no longer fall to earth, it would fall off the edge and into orbit. It would still be a falling body, but would no longer land. I can still feel that moment of enlightenment, the power of understanding. But I still think that guy was a total jerk. Brent in Northern California Evergreen Gardenworks USDA Zone 8 Sunset Zone 14 http://www.EvergreenGardenworks.com ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
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