Unscientific Poll

[Kenneth K. Brown]

My $0.02.  Heathkit represented a principle of education, the principle of
applied knowledge.  My remorse as an educator is in de-emphasize of this
educational process for the youth of our country.   In my perception,  I
(and many others) have experienced this learning process in Heathkit, and
realize its value and importance.   I think the promotion of hands on
learning, like Heathkit did, suffers today.

Today's college graduate can come out of the educational process with 90%
head knowledge and 10% applied knowledge, unable to implement their
knowledge.   As a teacher I see levels of learning, 1) knowledge of
principle > 2) understanding of principle > 3) meaning of principle > 4)
recognition of principle's external application ( I term outsight) 5)
recognition of principle's personal application (insight) and finally 6)
actual application of the principle.  I think education need to be more like
10% head knowledge and 90% applied knowledge, because I define wisdom as
applied knowledge.   I think the Heathkit process produced people with
electronic wisdom.  I see a whole generation missing this wisdom.

NPR radio had a commentary on a statistic of the number of American people
saving.  Basically, we are not.  At the same time we have a 4% trade
deficit, which means for every $1.00 in product we export, we are importing
$0.94.  We love our export spending, which include electronics to the point
it is easier than making our own.  However, foreigners are profiting and
saving that 4%.  The real kicker is that they are reinvesting that 4% in our
country.

My concern is that one day this younger generation will wake up with their
college degrees, not being able to implement what they learned, unable to
produce anything, with no savings, in a company and country own by
foreigners.  The easy way is not always the best way.

I promote the hands on learning process in my children's classes, and have
enjoyed QRP, Ten Tec, and Ramsey Kits.  www.supersaturday.org  I have been
thinking about this issue for years.  Thanks for the opportunity for
expression

Kenneth K. Brown

Listserver Subscription:listserv at listserv.tempe.gov - "subscribe heath 'name' 'call'"
Listserver Submissions: heath at listserv.tempe.gov
Listserver Unsubscribe: listserv at listserv.tempe.gov - -"signoff heath"