#40 - The Other Side of the Coin

ThinkingWisdom and PhilosophyEducational TheoryComments and OpinionsRecommendation and Proposals

Sep 17

Written By Roberto Publico

There are always two sides to every coin.

When we think about education, the central tenant is:

Teach them HOW to think, not WHAT to think.

From that basic idea, we can extrapolate a number of important concepts. For example, teach them how to read, not what to read. You teach them how to read and then teach them about books, classics, libraries and periodicals, etc. Teach them what fiction and non-fiction are and the difference between serious philosophy and easy going entertainment. If somebody knows how to read, and what is available along with a sense of where to find it, then they are set for life.

Same goes for writing. Teach them how to write, not what to write. Not just printing and cursive penmanship writing mechanics, but how to pick a topic, how to organize it and how to take it from idea to draft to a finished product.

Same goes for math. Teach them how to solve math problems, not what “problems” to solve. Knowing how to use practical math to solve life problems has some advantages. It helps people survive better. Some believe you can’t live without knowing a little math.

If we teach people what to think, not how to think, they don’t learn how to express themselves, they don’t know how to learn more and they don’t know what or who to support without hypnotic direction.

Teaching critical thinking is essential.

So, it’s easy to understand and easy to memorize: Teach them HOW to think, not WHAT to think.

If you can remember that, then you can modify it and use it in any situation where it fits. It fits in a lot of places. If everyone followed this one guideline, 90% of our problems would never occur. We wouldn’t object to textbooks, material, teachers or curricula,

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