School systems have many reasons to measure student performance, and the No Child Left Behind legislation of a couple of decades ago provided even more. Measuring is one of the basic requirements for improvement: if I don't know how I did, I can't say whether it was better, worse, or the same as in the past. There's no doubt that measurement serves a critical role.
The process of learning, though, requires more than just pre- and post- measures. By definition, it requires a process. Regardless of the subject matter involved, this process must occur somewhere in the brain, or at least in the peripheral nervous system. The point of this post: change in neuronal activity or function, not measurement, is at the heart of learning.
Can measurement support learning? Absolutely: done appropriately and judiciously, measurement can provide the confirmation that the learner is heading in the right direction. Measurement can provide a clue as to how close the learner is to the desired achievement. These are good things; but they are not learning.
What else can measurement do? Unfortunately, measuring excessively, or in a threatening manner, can get in the way of learning processes. For example, setting up a process in which learners are striving for the "right answer" can be detrimental to real learning. Excessive measures, or measurement done for high stakes, are two ways to create this excessive focus on the answer, often to the exclusion of the learning. This is not a new idea. Is there anyone older than 12 in this society who has not experienced both excessive and threatening forms of measurement? And in this society, we do not limit the consequences to stars and pats on the back. The consequences for measures of personal performance that fall short of expectations are anything but pleasant.
Unfortunately, these uses of measurement can inhibit learning, and as a result, limit the ability to improve performance.
Monday, November 27, 2023
George H. W. Bush - The American Experience
I voted for Dukakis in 1988, like a good Democrat. I did not like Bush - apparently I never gave him a chance.
Perhaps I never knew that his term as head of the CIA in the 1970s was in response to a call for help to "clean up" the agency.
If he had not been a Republican, if he had not been sandwiched between the desolations of the Reagan administration and the economic success of the Clinton Administration, would we not have noticed how much he accomplished in a single term? Think about these actions:
Perhaps I never knew that his term as head of the CIA in the 1970s was in response to a call for help to "clean up" the agency.
If he had not been a Republican, if he had not been sandwiched between the desolations of the Reagan administration and the economic success of the Clinton Administration, would we not have noticed how much he accomplished in a single term? Think about these actions:
- His development of relationships and maintaining phone contact with leaders in the US and all over the world
- His acceptance of the role of helping Reagan get elected, as distasteful as it was to him personally.
- The fall of the Berlin wall, due mostly to his relationship with Gorbachev
- The passage of the ADA (Americans with Disability Act)
- The success of Desert Shield, then Desert Storm, through careful development of coalitions, then the good judgment to stop at the Iraqi border.
- The budget deal - which may well have set up the Clinton Administration for its economic success (including the acceptance of a tax increase, despite our having "read his lips.")
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Under the Gaslight - For a Limited Time Only
After attending the production of Under the Gaslights, of the University of Minnesota Centennial Showboat on August 13, 2016...
How have I lived in St. Paul for nearly 20 years and not known about the Showboat?
The energy of this production alone blows the top off of the riverfront. The cast is all-in, with a no-holds-barred, full-blown enthusiasm for this unabashedly melodramatic production. It is clear that every member of the cast enjoyed this show as much as the audience; I have not had this much fun at a show in decades.
The single adjustment that today's audience must make is to the assumptions, expectations, and syntax of the 19th century melodrama. It is the script of the play itself that makes this necessary. Chalk it up to a true "suspension of disbelief." Once one is there, however, there are no regrets. The cast gives it their all - as convincing as one can be with this type of script - with voice, action and expressions all enabling a temporary return to experience a well-to-do atmosphere of 150 years ago.
In fact, even if one did not particularly enjoy the deliberately and beautifully over-played melodrama, the olios alone would justify seeing this show. These musical interludes, which occur a half-dozen times as brief respites from the primary plot, provide opportunities for the cast to temporarily enter a different realm. From the dancing solo of "The Bowery" in the first Act, to the wildly campy "Trio of Insect Songs" in the second act, the audience is treated to a level of comic relief reminiscent of, on the one hand, Shakespeare's short scenes, and on the other, the between-innings antics of the Saint Paul Saints.
This is the last year of the Centennial Showboat. If you live in this area and have not been to one, you owe it to yourself to get down there in the next few days.
How have I lived in St. Paul for nearly 20 years and not known about the Showboat?
The energy of this production alone blows the top off of the riverfront. The cast is all-in, with a no-holds-barred, full-blown enthusiasm for this unabashedly melodramatic production. It is clear that every member of the cast enjoyed this show as much as the audience; I have not had this much fun at a show in decades.
The single adjustment that today's audience must make is to the assumptions, expectations, and syntax of the 19th century melodrama. It is the script of the play itself that makes this necessary. Chalk it up to a true "suspension of disbelief." Once one is there, however, there are no regrets. The cast gives it their all - as convincing as one can be with this type of script - with voice, action and expressions all enabling a temporary return to experience a well-to-do atmosphere of 150 years ago.
In fact, even if one did not particularly enjoy the deliberately and beautifully over-played melodrama, the olios alone would justify seeing this show. These musical interludes, which occur a half-dozen times as brief respites from the primary plot, provide opportunities for the cast to temporarily enter a different realm. From the dancing solo of "The Bowery" in the first Act, to the wildly campy "Trio of Insect Songs" in the second act, the audience is treated to a level of comic relief reminiscent of, on the one hand, Shakespeare's short scenes, and on the other, the between-innings antics of the Saint Paul Saints.
This is the last year of the Centennial Showboat. If you live in this area and have not been to one, you owe it to yourself to get down there in the next few days.
Friday, October 2, 2015
Numbers...and Meaning
I knew that I would have to wait to see my specialist. He's not just a doctor, and a good one, but also one who is in great demand. Yes, I had an appointment...but perhaps the sign in the waiting room will give you the idea:
"If you have been waiting more than 20 minutes since your appointment time, please check with the receptionist."
I have learned to bring a notepad. This time, I wrote down the numbers I had dealt with this morning.
How many numbers in day? And for how many different purposes? We think of language as the thing we cannot do without; yet, how many different languages do numbers speak?
Date
Time
License Plate
Measure of fluid
Phone number
Pass code
Parking fee
Steps taken
Blood pressure
Each number speaks in its own system. The remarkable thing is that anyone in this society looking at the numbers themselves - listed below - can interpret the meaning of each, with little difficulty:
9/18/2015
10:30
357 TRW
32 ml
888-757-2791
979067#
$4.00
2234
118/66
This interpretation is not difficult; and that may be part of why we miss the meaning - or, more accurately, forget to search for the meaning.
In the context of data computing, we may struggle with the differences between data and information. They are differences that I have found difficult to convey to colleagues who use the same sets of data that I use. Attending a class taught by a friend this week, I heard what might be the best contrasting definitions:
The irony is that the greater the precision, the more likely we are to be removed from the information - the ultimate meaning.
Just as I noticed that I had been waiting about 25 minutes, I heard the receptionist call my name. "The doctor has been held up unexpectedly by an extended surgery...."
"If you have been waiting more than 20 minutes since your appointment time, please check with the receptionist."
I have learned to bring a notepad. This time, I wrote down the numbers I had dealt with this morning.
How many numbers in day? And for how many different purposes? We think of language as the thing we cannot do without; yet, how many different languages do numbers speak?
Date
Time
License Plate
Measure of fluid
Phone number
Pass code
Parking fee
Steps taken
Blood pressure
Each number speaks in its own system. The remarkable thing is that anyone in this society looking at the numbers themselves - listed below - can interpret the meaning of each, with little difficulty:
9/18/2015
10:30
357 TRW
32 ml
888-757-2791
979067#
$4.00
2234
118/66
This interpretation is not difficult; and that may be part of why we miss the meaning - or, more accurately, forget to search for the meaning.
In the context of data computing, we may struggle with the differences between data and information. They are differences that I have found difficult to convey to colleagues who use the same sets of data that I use. Attending a class taught by a friend this week, I heard what might be the best contrasting definitions:
- Data is "given"; information is "taken."
- The word data comes from the Latin donner; information from the root for structure.
- Data involves raw observations; information attempts to create knowledge.
- As a result, data = measures; information = beliefs.
The irony is that the greater the precision, the more likely we are to be removed from the information - the ultimate meaning.
Just as I noticed that I had been waiting about 25 minutes, I heard the receptionist call my name. "The doctor has been held up unexpectedly by an extended surgery...."
Friday, November 22, 2013
Happy Birthday, Dad
Today is Benjamin Lane's 93rd birthday. Dad, thanks for watching over us, and thanks for setting everything up so that going forward would be so much easier for us.
Happy Birthday, Dad.
Happy Birthday, Dad.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Benjamin Lane: Not Just the Facts
My father died a couple of weeks ago. He was an accountant, working for the Federal Government for most of his career, and had been retired for the last 25 years. He kept good records, and he took care of his family. He loved kids - anyone's kids. He'd even stop by the side of a highchair in a restaurant to say hello to a toddler.
My Dad relied on hard work and good thinking, and took no unnecessary chances. He did what was right, whether anyone was looking or not. He understood logically that he was often fighting a losing battle, but that did not change his feelings about doing the right thing. He was quiet; he let others stand in the light and take the credit.
People who knew my Dad well admired him. People who didn't probably didn't notice what he was doing.
He had a sense of humor. At least, he and I thought he did, as did my kids. People who like professional comics didn't find him funny. We know better: humor, especially spontaneous, and sometimes foolish, is part of the texture of life. We make things up as we go along. I thought he was clever, and sometimes predictable, but always funny, in a light-hearted, share-the-wealth kind of way.
I really miss him...although, if you asked me to describe what I miss, it would be difficult, because my Dad was sometimes invisible. It was a talent. He could be fully present, catching every word, every expression, but sinking into the woodwork like any other unobtrusive drop of paint...until he told a joke.
He took care of us, and is probably still taking care of us. And he didn't have a middle name.
My Dad relied on hard work and good thinking, and took no unnecessary chances. He did what was right, whether anyone was looking or not. He understood logically that he was often fighting a losing battle, but that did not change his feelings about doing the right thing. He was quiet; he let others stand in the light and take the credit.
People who knew my Dad well admired him. People who didn't probably didn't notice what he was doing.
He had a sense of humor. At least, he and I thought he did, as did my kids. People who like professional comics didn't find him funny. We know better: humor, especially spontaneous, and sometimes foolish, is part of the texture of life. We make things up as we go along. I thought he was clever, and sometimes predictable, but always funny, in a light-hearted, share-the-wealth kind of way.
I really miss him...although, if you asked me to describe what I miss, it would be difficult, because my Dad was sometimes invisible. It was a talent. He could be fully present, catching every word, every expression, but sinking into the woodwork like any other unobtrusive drop of paint...until he told a joke.
He took care of us, and is probably still taking care of us. And he didn't have a middle name.
Monday, November 5, 2012
A Live Debate
Thank you, Minnesota Public Radio. Thank you, Gary Eichten. And Kathy Wurzer. I listen to you pretty much every day, but until this live experience, I didn't fully appreciate the value you provide us...
It was a demonstration of how our democracy was built - the hard way, with face-to-face debate, and an insistence that tough questions get asked and answered. It took just an hour, but the results were decisive. Thanks to Kathy's insistence, evasive answers did not stand.
Both participants came prepared, in their own ways. One, however, thought it would be enough to be prepared to express personal opinions loudly and insistently. That led to a few memorable moments...
...an insistence on hammering on something that appeared to be a non-issue, with countervailing facts in evidence from his own party's representative...
...a closing statement referring to "attacks on me" that never occurred, so obviously incongruous that it brought gasps from his own supporters...
...and, most striking of all, attempts to explain Climate Change as (1) an economic phenomenon, (2) a controversial issue among scientists, and (3) a matter of "belief" (religious?).
In contrast, we saw the value of a different kind of preparation demonstrated humbly by our Senator Amy Klobuchar, who chose the strategically (and ethically) effective route: answering the questions honestly and directly, citing the evidence, stopping, and letting her opponent hang himself.
I have rarely been as proud of a politician - excuse me, a stateswoman - as I was last night of Senator Klobuchar. If only 51% of our legislators could take their obligations to us half as seriously as she does, we would eliminate roadblock, talk through obstacles, handle tough issues with powerful common sense, and return to becoming the country we all thought America could be...
It was a demonstration of how our democracy was built - the hard way, with face-to-face debate, and an insistence that tough questions get asked and answered. It took just an hour, but the results were decisive. Thanks to Kathy's insistence, evasive answers did not stand.
Both participants came prepared, in their own ways. One, however, thought it would be enough to be prepared to express personal opinions loudly and insistently. That led to a few memorable moments...
...an insistence on hammering on something that appeared to be a non-issue, with countervailing facts in evidence from his own party's representative...
...a closing statement referring to "attacks on me" that never occurred, so obviously incongruous that it brought gasps from his own supporters...
...and, most striking of all, attempts to explain Climate Change as (1) an economic phenomenon, (2) a controversial issue among scientists, and (3) a matter of "belief" (religious?).
In contrast, we saw the value of a different kind of preparation demonstrated humbly by our Senator Amy Klobuchar, who chose the strategically (and ethically) effective route: answering the questions honestly and directly, citing the evidence, stopping, and letting her opponent hang himself.
I have rarely been as proud of a politician - excuse me, a stateswoman - as I was last night of Senator Klobuchar. If only 51% of our legislators could take their obligations to us half as seriously as she does, we would eliminate roadblock, talk through obstacles, handle tough issues with powerful common sense, and return to becoming the country we all thought America could be...
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