[no subject]

> tfreeman at intel.digichem.net wrote:
> 
> > As an unfair challenge, try taking a sheet of paper and pencil and 
> > indicating the approximate location of each US state and the state capital 
> > from memory. Extra points if you can add the same information of 
> > either/both Mexico or Canada. (I just realized that sounds like a modestly 
> > fun challenge - I may have to test myself one of these days.)
> > 
> 
> Memorization is not a measure of intelligence.  I couldn't do the above, 
> but I can solve a relatively complex differential equation.

Is it allowed to agree and disagree at the same time? I agree that 
memorization is _not_ a measure of intelligence, and I didn't imply that 
it was. I may have implied that massed geographic knowledge is necessary 
for modern life, or something to that effect, for which I am in error.

Where I appear to disagree is on the value of geographic knowledge in the 
context of human relations. Knowing that Montana is next to the Canadian 
border, with a capital (and major city) of Helena isn't a skill like 
solving a differiential equation, but is useful in social situations where 
I want to connect with another human being's background. Putting names on 
places and arrainging them spatially one of several ways to organize and 
help remember people's backgrounds. The applications to travel and 
communications related with that subject should be obvious also.

As noted elsewhere, there are, and always have been, people without a clue 
is to the name of the location where they live. This doesn't mean they are 
stupid, or completely uneducated. I am going to suspect such individuals 
fund of general information however.

Besides which - testing your trivia fund can be, and frequently is, fun.

> 
> The problem with the schools in this country has more to do with lack of 
> parental involvement then it does with the teachers.
> 

I think I'll leave that can of worms unopened.

> 

-- 
=============================================
If you think Education is expensive
Try Ignorance
                   Author Unknown
============================================



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