This past weekend, I visited San Antonio for the first time. Now, I’m sure I’ve heard the story of the Alamo at least a dozen times during school, but seeing it in real life was much more interesting. I’m amazed at how many of the facts and details I didn’t learn (or, more likely, forgot). But, taking the real-life Alamo tour I’m sure will help me retain the story.
That got me thinking: How much do we learn in school that goes in one ear and out the other? How much do we learn but don’t actually apply? How much do we think we know just because we read it in a book? For example, someone recently told me that they wouldn’t write e-marketing pieces with contractions, because “proper” writing doesn’t include contractions. This person said my approach, which includes contractions, is a “generational difference.” (For the record, it’s not. It’s understanding how to write appropriately for different mediums. And, I didn’t write the particular piece this person was referencing. But that’s beside the point.) She thought her way was better … probably because YEARS ago, someone taught her that it was the “right” way.
Here’s what I got from the Alamo (aside from actually learning the real story): Experiencing something — doing something — in real life is more applicable than what you get from a textbook. Imagine how much more prepared today’s workforce would be if education focused on experiences, not just memorizing and regurgitating facts.