Mind Value
July 24th, 2008
0 votes
To one of my previous posts on the value of education vs/or training…
I wonder if education is a system that trains people to do simply repeat history, to conform - to rinse, wash, repeat. New ideas and true innovative thinking seem to appear at “the edge,” “the fringe” - people on “the cusp.”
What do you think?
July 25th, 2008 at 6:12 am
Christine,
I think that education induces knowledgeable minds and unless you are the one preaching the knowledge, you stay part of the rinse, wash and repeat cycle that you touched on.
Anthony.
July 25th, 2008 at 7:39 am
Christine,
I am a Drexel University alumnus. I graduated with an B.S. in Engineering. I realized after graduation that I not only learned the coursework but was taught in the classroom how to think strategically and how to problem solve. I see now that I approach obstacles in life from a different perspective than others and I think this is in part because I’m applying the thought process I was taught. Because of this I believe that I am successful in my life. Perhaps this supports your “Rinse and Repeat” philosophy perhaps not.
On the other side of that coin…being a Drexel graduate, I have experienced many co-ops and internships. I learned more on the job than I did in the classroom. It was after my internships that I would return to classes already knowing a lot of the material because I had hands on training earlier.
More importantly I believe new innovations and new ideas come from the brave. Those not afraid to stand alone and not afraid to fail. I believe 80% of the world (or at least the U.S. population) are “paralyzed” by their fear of failure.
July 25th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Interesting comments. I was wondering if we would conclude that education provides frameworks for people to move beyond.
This suggests to me that government regulation, or business self regulation can actually represent tremendous opportunties for innovation.
My next question is then; Why do Americans always react to regulation as something that stufles creatvity v a challenge to innovate beyond (the framework)?
July 30th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
I went to college for the first time at age 34 and I found it to be an extremely valuable experience. However, the most valuable things I learned did not necessarily come from what I was taught in the classroom; they came from the limitations in the college structure that I experienced, and the things I needed to do to learn what I wanted yet still get the credits. I probably would not be pursuing entrepreneurship if I hadn’t crafted that skill in creating workarounds to existing limitations.
—paula