tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34011427.post4379851514527564622..comments2024-03-26T07:00:11.620-05:00Comments on Wisdom of the Hands: wandering mind, crafts and creativityDoug Stowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003845322415622289noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34011427.post-65124412241701830872009-07-14T09:06:51.308-05:002009-07-14T09:06:51.308-05:00Doug,
When push comes to shove, learning is a des...Doug,<br /><br />When push comes to shove, learning is a desirable, enjoyable activity. Show me a 3 year old who won't grin and shout with glee at the discovery/learning of something new! But by 13 it is a different story. I think you hit the nail on the head (oops, sorry...) with the difference between "learning" and "being taught." I think young people do not get excited about "being taught." I suspect, however, that nearly all love to learn, whether they admit it or not. <br /><br />As one who has been brought up in the tradiitional education system, Dr. Sax's description of the boys-only classrooms is fascinating. As educators we have been beaten over the head with issues of classroom management, meaning "sit down, shut up, and be still." Goodness, I cannot do that myself at 60 years old!!!! After about 15 minutes of a meeting I'm ready to move on...<br /><br />I am becoming more and more and more convinced that learning through the hands, through the feet, etc., provides opportunities for students to learn a great deal of what it is we think they should know, e.g., reading, math, science, etc. I once sat down and listed out all the mathematical concepts I thought could be taught in wood shop. It is amazing, but I'm not telling you anything new!<br /><br />The concept of spending time "out of the box" is critical, but I fear it is just not part of our current educational model.<br /><br />Ok, enough...I get very, very concerned when I think of my own grandchildren going through this process. I just want to take them with me to the woods, to the shop to save them from school...<br /><br />Will try to get some pix of the class this weekend... <br /><br />Happy box making.<br /><br />JDJDnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34011427.post-69241866553389719862009-07-14T07:45:44.956-05:002009-07-14T07:45:44.956-05:00Keith, we think of a box as being a simple thing, ...Keith, we think of a box as being a simple thing, 4 sides, a top and bottom, but I begin my box making classes with a discussion of the full dimensions and qualities of a box. There are thousands of individual choices regarding the characteristics of a box, from type of wood, dimensions, types of corners, hinges, decorative techniques, etc. So one of the things I think is interesting about box making is that you can be incredibly creative by thinking within the box. But the creativity really grows when you bring in other things. Yesterday I gave my students the assignment of finding objects outside the classroom that could be used to decorate a box and give it greater meaning and narrative purpose. We will see what they come up with.Doug Stowehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13003845322415622289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34011427.post-35961530572405850542009-07-14T07:35:18.429-05:002009-07-14T07:35:18.429-05:00JD. I would love to see pics of your boat building...JD. I would love to see pics of your boat building class. I will have more from my box making class to post during the week.<br /><br />On learning in schools, we know that children are hard wired for learning. Learning through observation and experience is the most instinctive and basic of human functions. But through interference and quest for control, we have students who don't care. I had one student tell me, "I hate learning!" but I suspect the problem wasn't with learning but with "being taught." <br /><br />On the plight of boys in education, we know that when they are actually asked to grow up, they do. So perhaps our greatest problem is that we have failed to ask enough of them... no chores, no responsibilities. As long as they are playing quietly with their thumbs on game boys, parents are satisfied with the situation. But boys would be better off beating on drums in the garage, or perhaps better yet, hammering on boards with real nails and making stuff.Doug Stowehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13003845322415622289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34011427.post-43394876769840268792009-07-14T07:34:52.428-05:002009-07-14T07:34:52.428-05:00Very thought provoking post, as always. I particu...Very thought provoking post, as always. I particularly liked your observation that "Thinking outside the box requires that "outside the box" become a place frequented and well known." All to often we remain secure in our comfort zone, a place we all need to step out of on a regular basis.Keith Larretthttp://www.syzygypens.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34011427.post-52115447876013980172009-07-14T07:20:20.926-05:002009-07-14T07:20:20.926-05:00Doug, I find that too often the "bottom line...Doug, I find that too often the "bottom line" in education is the "test." I don't think one can effectively "test" creativity, yet that is a quality that many employers ask for from those they hire. I think our music students are "creative." Can I prove that or measure it? Nope. Sometimes I observe it, but it usually comes out of them when they are on the job someplace...or working on their houses and yards...or wherever.<br /><br />I'm reminded of a saying: "Not everything that can be measured counts; not everything that counts can be measured." Your linear analogy is perfect, as it describes the linear path from so-called "learning" in our schools to "testing." It just never really happens that way!<br /><br />BTW, I have enjoyed reading about Dr. Sax's book on the plight of boys in education. In fact, I sent the link to my two daughters, both of whom have sons. Of course, these little guys are brighter than usual (oops, that's Grandpa talking, not reality :), but I think there is something there. <br /><br />Have a great time with your box class (always enjoy the pix). I have the great privilege and joy to attend a boatbuilding class this Saturday and Sunday at the NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort. I cannot wait!!!<br /><br />Cheers, <br /><br />JDJDnoreply@blogger.com