What is more important?
Book knowledge or work experience?
Hi Alice:
To piggy-back on your comment, there is often a philosophy used in teaching called "WIIFM", which stands for "what's in it for me"?.
In other words, students will respond more positively to new material when it is presented to them in this manner?
Regards, Barry
Hi John,
I think practical experience far outweighs book knowledge. There are some fields of employment that requires specialized training and in those cases, book knowledge will be the key to your getting a job. But I will take someone with experience and a great attitude over book knowledge anyday. With practical experience, you become aware of a lot of different ways something can be done. You are also open to ideas or looking at problems in different lights if you have a positive attitude about being creative in problem solving. Book knowledge gives one way of doing things and limits creativity if you believe that is the only way something can be accomplished.
wow, nicely put. Actions do speak louder than words. In a hands on setting, actions are very important. Keeping in mind that if questions are floating around, hopefully the student is smart enought to ask them. Usually they ask ...
Hi Johnny:
In most working environments, most would agree that the best way to learn and understand something is by doing it over and over.
In some work situations, there is a definite need for some book knowledge application as well.
So the best answer is probably "a balance between the two".
Regards, Barry
Hi Julie:
When considering the answer to this question, really you have to add the answer "it depends".
In many careers book knowledge is not enough, you need real world experience to make sense of things.
In others, you need a oombination of both.
Regards, Barry
Hi John:
Good question!
Most would probably agree that work experience brings you a fuller understanding of how you use skills, knowledge, and critical thinking to get the job done.
On the other hand, in some fields, you definitely need to employ some book facts to come to stronger understandings of what you are working with.
The best answer is probably "it depends".
Regards, Barry
Experience, like in the earlier post, it is the show me part of teaching. People want to know how they are going to use what you are teaching them. Why do I need to know this? It is a popular question with students, they will not listen to you if they feel they do not need the information.
Hi Daniel:
Getting the student successfully from point A (start of a course) to point B (last day in a course) takes a lot of effort and planning. Introducing lots of variety, different media, involving students, engaging independent and original thinking, and practice to develop perfecting their craft all contribute to making the class success for the student, and hopefully, interesting and enjoyable as well.
Regards, Barry
This rings true for me because I am a drafting instructor. Initially we do a lecture (tell me), then we I do some one-on-one instruction to cover the areas that did not sink in (show me) and then we do a small project that applies the new skill involve me). So far, this approach has been effective.
Hi Daniel:
"Tell me, I forget, show me, I remember, involve me, I understand. [Carl Orff].
Education ultimately involves action somewhere along the line to complete the circle. That's not to say their couldn't be several circles in play concurrently. Doing (working) or application of one's education is a key component of one's education.
Regards, Barry
This is a great post. Without experience it is very difficult to find a job to prove you actually have a brain and can do the work required. There is talk of a doctorate program starting where I work. I just recieved my MBA and could get into the doctorate with no problem. However, does that really make sense when i dont have the experience to go with my MBA?? probably not.
They are equal. You should strive to improve in each area at the same time. Sometimes having 25+ experience doing the SAME thing can be a bad thing.
Hi Daniel:
Tell me, show me, let me do it, teach another. In repetition, a basic model for learning.
Regards, Barry
Both, book knowledge and work experience, go hand-in-hand. You need the book knowledge to get an opportunity to acquire work experience. As you gain work experience it is often necessary to get more book knowledge to counter the challenges one might face. If all goes well, the process will repeat itself numerous times.
Book knowledge is the foundation to developing good work ethics. It is does not supersede work experience, yet they work cohesively together. Eventually, work experience over the years becomes more important to an individual. But if that individual gets stuck dealing with something at work. They either go back and refresh with book knowledge or figure out an easier way and maybe publish it in a book for future references.
John and all-
Book knowledge proves nothing more than you can read and show how intellectual you are. No one cares.
People will know how much you care when you show it- not when you tell them.
Gaining knowledge does nothing more than puff up the person with it which is a complete turnoff to those who have a brain. Ha!
Experience can be related to other people. There is something useful in it while knowledge is great- if you do nothing with it what good is it?
Case in point: I know plenty of PhD's with no experience that can't find a job!
