What I’ve learned about Education

[In the style of Esquire magazine's "What I've Learned" column. Posted in March 2009.]

Life’s a group project. Sure. But there’s still a leader in every group.

Society puts its best foot forward in kindergarten. Or not.

All I have to do is accept the consequences of what I do know. Why is that so damn difficult?

90% of learning takes place outside of the classroom. For the other 10%, pray (or pay) for good teachers.

We’ve all had good teachers. They’re memorable. They taught us—or gave us—something valuable.

I still have a model house (now with a sagging roof) that I designed in my high school architecture class. Each day my teacher spent the beginning minutes of class modeling good design and showcasing possibilities. For the rest of the class, we were left to our own drawings, as he consulted with us individually. Why can’t more classes be like that?

My first dog’s name was Lichen. I taught her how to sit and stay. She taught me how to throw sticks. And smile. Pets make great teachers.

Learning grammar out of a workbook is like fishing on dry land.

Once, I caught a fish without even trying. I left the rod in the back of the boat, the bare hook dangling a few inches above the water, and went to look for worms. When I returned, viola!, a fish. Sometimes ideas hit you like that. Other times, you have to dig for them.

Most students have something valuable to teach the teacher. Shut up and listen.

You shouldn’t have to read between the lines in schoolwork or in home-life. If you don’t know what a person is trying to say, the first question is: Who owns the problem?

A Swiss Army knife. That’s what a good education should be about: using the tools to whittle the wood to make the fire.

Sorry to admit it but the Internet ranks a close second to every child’s best teacher.

On Ezra Pound’s deathbed, he said he was right about 89% of the time. That was long before grade inflation. So, what did he mean?

I am not comparing myself to Ezra Pound.

While we’re on the subject: William Carlos Williams never quit his day job.

Often, writing is a lot easier than teaching. Words don’t talk back, they don’t shoot spitballs, and they generally aren’t out to join up with their friends and make your life a living hell.

Of course, sometimes teaching is a joy.

Those who can’t do, teach. I never understood this quote. Hercules, among his many spectacular Labors, never taught a class.

Still, the quality of education almost always depends most of all on what is going on at home.

Doesn’t mean teachers should throw in the towel.

Towels make good rags. Don’t believe me? Use your Swiss Army knife.

Would you like to read my annotated philosophy of education?