CNA's Heart of the Matter - Singapore students top in Math and Science
- Plutarch
Learning: Ignited by Mentorship, Fueled by Experience
Plutarch's quote beautifully captures the essence of true education. It's not about passive knowledge absorption, but about active engagement with knowledge.
The rising emphasis of mentoring and coaching - the modern interpretation of apprenticeship - in education is a positive step towards this ideal. I have long been a proponent of apprenticeships and the benefits of shadowing a master/expert in the subject field, so this paradigm shift is a step in the right direction. Shadowing experts in their field provides invaluable hands-on experience, crucial for technical and creative disciplines.
While books offer wisdom and insight through theoretical knowledge, they can't replicate the experiential learning gained through apprenticeships. This is especially true for subjects beyond math and science, where cultural and historical context plays a vital role in providing depth and nuance to our understanding of the world.
So let the fire within us be kindled by mentors, fueled by experience, and let it illuminate our understanding of the world.
