Education traditionally focuses on knowledge acquisition and retention. However, it usually misses a key element. That’s the element of speed. In other words, how fast can you recall information and how fast can you apply it?
While there is usually a time limit on tests, it’s usually not at the speed of rapid recall. You usually have ample time to think of the answer or to figure out the answers based on how the test is written.
If you really want to know who knows their stuff, try cutting the time you have to take the SATs in half. Try cutting the time allowed for a multiple choice test to the time it takes to read all the questions and circle the answers.
So why the concern for speed? If you have a fluent knowledge of something, it shows itself in terms of speed. Think of learning a foriegn language, you have to get to the point where you know all the words well enough to keep up with a conversation especially when others start to speak quickly. In fact, keeping up with a conversation is a good measure of how fluent you are in a language. The same can and should hold true for other subjects. With speed comes competences or vice-versa.
Related Stories: | Topics: |
Email
Digg
StumbleUpon
Facebook
Buzz Up!
LinkedIn
Recent Comments | 6 Total
February 14, 2008 at 12:52pm by Shaun Bala
in traditional education, i think speed is a factor. You only have a fixed amount of time to complete an examination. Recall speed should be measured. I personally don't see this aspect of speed addressed as much in elearning.
February 14, 2008 at 1:22pm by Pete Kuhtey
Okay, what are we talking about here? The speed in which one intelligently articulates an idea? Sure, then speed is important. However, anything more constructive requires diligence. Forming an argument requires thought, reflection and a subconscious debate. Anyone who speedily draws their conclusions will look quite the fool.
February 18, 2008 at 11:50am by Jacob McNulty
As we move further into a knowledge economy it is my belief that corporate 'education' will become more about providing easy access to information rather than providing content. Forcing knowledge workers to memorize and recall (at any speed) is using a 20th century model of training for a 21st century challenge. Make the info easy for people to find - don't try to make them recall everything in roles that will only grow more complex and dynamic, and therefore less applicable to training.
February 18, 2008 at 12:01pm by Steve Rosenbaum
We've actually set up some experiments to see if elearning will reduce time to proficiency. In some cases it does and in other cases it doesn't. Often if this isn't considered in advance you can actually be slowing down learning without knowing it.
February 18, 2008 at 1:26pm by Adam Westerman
Steve, there are some new technologies becoming available to Corporate Education that focus on contextual learning and thus acquisition AND application speed. Context drives speed.
One example is:
http://vlcglobal.com/default.aspx
February 19, 2008 at 3:11am by tony s
test