Moving Toward a New Vision of Education

When I was in the public school system and at college I learned the convential way as did everyone of my generation. Lecture, notes, books home work and tests.

When I entered the Air Force, and went to technical school, I had my eyes

opened to a NEW method of learning! After the lecture we went from the classrooms to the hanger floor where there were real, fighter aircraft! When the instructor took us to the planes, I thought he would use a pointer and start to explain how they worked. HA, He had tool boxes rolled out and we had to start DISASSEMBLING componets from the multi-million dollar planes and replacing those parts. While we were working, we had to remember the safety rules and he would answer any questions we had as we performed the tasks! Our class rooms had componets cut away and the interiors painted differen't colors to highlight them so their assenbly and operation was MUCH easier to see.

When we returned to the baracks we had a mandatory study period and the C. Q. walked from toom to room to see that we were studying and not sleeping or goofing off! At the end of a six week course we had a test and the person with the lowest grade had to report to the school commander and he would ask if you were having problems. If tou were ever in the military, and you had to report to a high ranking officier you were expected to have a close hair cut, your uniform was pressed and spotless, your boots shinning and you adressed him as SIR and you saluted him UNTIL he returned your salute! I reported to the "old Man" once and my grade was 89%!! It was a rather pleasant experience since he asked if I needed any help in my studies and if I did I could report to his office at any time! Visual aids and hands on is a powerful tool for learning and it also goes hand in hand with dicipline and accountability.

Lee Hansen of MI 11:49AM June 06, 2010