Although computers are an important tool, the mind and the centuries of knowledge that can be learned is far more important and I think this is well recognized.  I like computer programming, and am not a mathmatician, but I wish I was smart enough to be one.  I'll keep trying though.  I get caught up on simple formulas at times.

Learning on your own to me is quite hard because you have to be a good reader, but learning in college can be a verbal/oral and personal experience given a small enough class.  I'm a bad reader, but if I concentrate, I can read alright.  Learning purely on my own without textbooks is my favorite way, but then you end up learning things that no one else even heard of, like being able to count 246 matches, like Rainman, in 4 seconds.

Hi all;

Here is another person, same thing:

I've always been terrible at mathematics, and would like to change that or at least give it a shot. Conventional tutors/professors never got me very far. I'm now relying on myself, and whatever useful recommendations I can find.

I think a possible solution to this is smaller classrooms. Last year my physics classroom had 13 people, and it made a remarkable difference. Our teacher was able to chat with us and become friends, and that really made the classroom atmosphere more enjoyable. Right now, with big classrooms, teachers can only really act as mechanical robots, reading out the curriculum. They have too many people to deal with and don't have time to make learning fun.

Well, in my experience, the best teachers can often be the least approachable - but they are best at their job. I've always preferred to work on my own, though.

1.  I agree with this as well.  When your motivated (and if you're not, then you likely wouldn't be doing it on your own time) learning is much easier.

2. I don't really agree with this.  There have always been good teachers, and bad teachers.  Everyone just tends to hear about the bad/angry/dysfunctional teachers more often is all.  (and, hey, that's news/media for you)
At the same time, I hear about my nephew's teachers, and see how they make him more interested in school and learning, and I know there are still good teachers out there.

3. Again, I agree with this.  At least where I am, I've noticed that much of the school work seems severly outdated.  (not to say it's completely useless, just outdated)

4.  please.  There will always be people that take pride in everything that they do.  There will be those that don't care about anything. And the rest of us will fall at varying places in between.  Personally, I've not seen a decline in people taking pride in their jobs, and what they do. Possibly more people dissatisfied with their jobs, but that doesn't stop you from taking pride in doing the job well.

Last edited by thoughtdotcom (2010-01-26 01:23:44)