The Ideal Learning Relationship

So for my first blogging assignment, I am supposed to discuss a metaphor or analogy that describes the ideal relationship for learning. While I have a good idea of the ideal relationship in my head, I needed to think of analogy for this relationship. At first I set my heights high and tried to think of the perfect relationship. That was a bad idea, as I kept returning to parents or coaching figures, which don't count since the are teachers.

Like any normal guy, my mind quickly shifted to cartoons. For whatever reason the movie Aladdin came to mind. Without escaping my daydream, I tried to figure out if cartoons were the answer to my question. And in a moment of technicolor glory I decided that Robin Williams' character, Genie, played close to a teacher to student Aladdin.

Yeah, it's not the best analogy, but stay with me a moment. Like all goal-driven students, Aladdin is thirsty for something he doesn't have, just as ideal students come to class eager to learn. Likewise, Genie does anything he can in his own restricted set of rules to help him, but maintaining that Aladdin has to do the leg work to get the girl. This is the crux of the ideal learning relationship, where the student is driven by their subject matter and the teacher pushes the student to develop this independent (active) learning style.

Furthermore, Aladdin has a close friend network to help in his quest. Having a supportive group of friends and family around you while pursuing your goals is a great help in any learning situation. This especially is important when Aladdin gets sent to the Artic (or wherever it's cold, probably Buffalo (Go Sabres)).

And the ending of the film emphasizes the result of the ideal teaching relationship. Now that Aladdin and Jasmine get married (I think that means Aladdin graduates in my analogy), Genie and Al become good friends, just as many students become colleagues with their professors upon graduation.

Moral of the story: Watch more cartoons :)

Welcome!!!

So, I've moved into the 21st century. Only a decade too late. Oh well.

This blog was required to be set up for a class that prepares me to be "professor-esque", and as such I will spend time each week discussing aspects covered in the class. However, I will also talk about my work as a biostatician, soccer player, hockey junkie (Go Sabres) and 20-something guy. I hope you get an iota of enjoyment or a tidbit of knowledge from the blog.

Enjoy!!!