Superfunkomatic - Observations of the Socially Inept

interesting to see that the dynamic that we’ve learned in childhood education carries on into adulthood. as an educator myself i’ve noticed the patterns as well when in front of the class. remember that old math lesson about bell curves - frighteningly they are a representative phenomenon. 5% are keeners, 5% are dead-weight, and the rest fall somewhere inbetween.

socially the same thing happens - a small group are interested, a small group take classes but aren’t sure why they are there, and the rest fill the varying degrees between.

students are to sit, listen and watch. take the knowledge and apply it outside class. there is little interaction or sharing. what happened to all the energy we had as students in our youth and childhood. it has been conditioned out of us through the educational process.

it’s been ten years since i’ve taken a class and really not much has changed. in fact, if you took an adult that had their last course in the 1950s they’d find that education is surprisingly similar. it’s no wonder that children are bored at school as the system caters to educators and an university system that still teaches skills from the 50s. odd with all the advances in technology and sociology that universities still churn out educators and students from the same tired mould.

it’s time that students and teachers start to address current issues, current practices and current ways of thinking and learning. use media, use example, teach through practice and hands-on. and for the love of god, stay up to date with your field.

case in point my current photography class - fantastic instructor on a personal level, but the course is providing information about old technology - film. taking photos on slide film, what types of film to buy, where to get processing, etc. 75% of the class has advanced their technology they have digital SLR cameras, yet courses offered only address concepts of film photography. the instructor has little or no knowledge of “modern” photography, archiving, multi-media or any of the technology associated with it. time for the instructors to take a course to bring their outside skills up to date. photography is constantly evolving, so to should curriculum.

i think it’s time education has a long hard look at its organizations and training methods. it’s about inspiring education and learning in students and providing information that is useful and applicable to their future.

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