Weekly Theme: Week of October 18-24, 2015

The Theme for this Week is Revelation.  There are two main definitions, when plugging "define revelation" into Google:  "a surprising and previously unknown fact, especially one that is made known in a dramatic way", and "the divine or supernatural disclosure to humans of something relating to human existence or the world".  Note that these go together, because "supernatural disclosures" are often considered "surprising".  What I like about this, especially with the first definition, is the fact that ANYBODY can give revelations.  Go for it!

Word for the Day: Saturday, October 17, 2015

The Word for Today (Saturday) is Expansion. An expansive philosophy? What could be better? An expanded intellect? I go for that also. Expanded middle of body, due to lots of delicious foods? Word to the wise...

Words for the Day: Friday, October 16, 2015

The Words for Today (Friday) are Trust and Faith. Do you trust your Philosophy of Life? Does it include faith in the Universe? Personally, I answer "yes" to both questions.

Where I have trouble, is with other people. For example, trust must be earned and developed, and faith must not be blind.

Word for the Day: Thursday, October 15, 2015

The Word for Today (Thursday) is Gratitude. So is it "gratitude, for a useful philosophy"? "Or a philosophy that includes showing gratitude"? Or both?

In my opinion, any "philosophy", that does NOT include showing gratitude, where you've been helped, is not one I care to embark on. And yes, I've shown gratitude, for NOT learning some dangerous "philosophies" as a child, such as ones that discriminate against others.

Word for the Day: Wednesday, October 14, 2015

The Word for Today (Wednesday) is Equality. There are two "philosophies", about equality, one positive and the other, not so much. First, the negative one: "Forced conformity", such as forcing everyone in a group (i.e. religious school) to dress in the same uniform. But I like the positive example, "Equal Opportunity".

Word for the Day: Tuesday, October 13, 2015

The Word for Today (Tuesday) is Prudence. And a prudent (meaning practical) philosophy is definitely welcome, especially now, where prudence appears to be lacking, especially in political discourse.

Word for the Day: Monday, October 12, 2012

The Word for Today (Monday) is innocence. A philosophy of innocence? An innocent philosophy? Hmmm... What would a "guilty" philosophy look like? Goodness gracious me.

Word for the Day: Sunday, October 11, 2015

The Word for Today (Sunday) is Forgiveness. And, hopefully, you won't (at least often) be in a position to feel the need to ask forgiveness for your philosophy.

Weekly Theme: Week of October 11-17, 2015

The Theme for this Week is Philosophy.  So what's your philosophy of life?  Do you think you have one?  Doesn't everybody?  When you look in a bookstore, you'll often see philosophy divided into Eastern Philosophy and Western Philosophy.  (In fact, often books on Eastern Religions are filed under Eastern Philosophy instead).  Western philosophy is different, however.  According to Wikipedia, in the ancient world, philosophy was divided into Logic, Ethics, and Physics (which, in the case of physics, later became science).  So, once again, what's your philosophy?

Word for the Day: Saturday, October 10, 2015

The Word for Today (Saturday) is Authenticity. Teaching Authenticity? Authentic Education? Yesterday, a friend suggested that some textbooks (especially history ones) may lack authenticity. That's why we need peer review, including families of the students, to keep the textbook authors and editors honest.

Word for the Day: Friday, October 9, 2015

The Word for Today (Friday) is Interpretation. So how do you teach Interpretation? Begins by teaching another language (as THAT kind of interpretation assumes 2 or more languages). You need to be fluent enough on both of them, as to switch back and forth, on a dime (so to speak). I've been told that it helps to be able to think, in both languages.

So how about interpreting our Education system? I consider that topic "bigger than a breadbox". Anybody else? Thank you.

Word for the Day: Thursday, October 8, 2015

The Word for Today (Thursday) is Socialization. So how does THIS word tie in with our Theme? Simple: Schools have always, to one extent or another, included social skills, as part of their Lesson Plans (even if they weren't "spelled out" as such). In College, you even have Fraternities and Sororities, to draw upon. But be careful, not to get too "exclusive" with your friends, that you miss out on other, "incidental" relationships, that may come up.

Word for the Day: Wednesday, October 7, 2015

The Word for Today (Wednesday) is Concentration. Do you concentrate on teaching (and/or education)? Or do you teach people how to concentrate? Because both of these can be important. For example, Some people in our Congress actually think that "National Defense" is more important than Education. (Yes. Shocker. LOL!) Why do I disagree? Because if enough people are taught to get along with each other, even with differences (i.e. country, race, religion, sexuality), you might not need such a large Armed Forces. (And I'm talking globally here).

Word for the Day: Tuesday, October 6, 2015

The Word for Today (Tuesday) is Acceptability. So what IS an Acceptable Education? How do you teach acceptability? The second one is easy: Be acceptable yourself! As for the first question, it's easier to state what is NOT so acceptable, such as the term, Indoctrination. Word to the wise...

Word for the Day: Monday, October 5, 2015

The Word for Today (Monday) is Generosity. How do you educate people on generosity? Perhaps by being a generous teacher. I like this word, by the way because, like Kindness, it works well, to practice random acts of generosity.

Word for the Day: Sunday, October 4, 2015

The Word for Today (Sunday) is Sharing. And I consider education a form of sharing, whether it's formal (i.e. in a School), or informal (where anybody can be my teacher).

Weekly Themes: Week of October 4-10, 2015

The Themes for this Week are Education and Teaching.  These may sound the same, but some think there might be differences, including this article, titled "Do you Teach, or do you Educate". For example, good education can include "teaching by example" like, for example [in the article], teaching the students to be "green", by maintaining a reusable coffee mug, and posting lessons online (to save paper).  In general, teaching tends to show the student information to memorize, but education can include teaching a student where to look, to find his/her own answers.

Words for the Day: Saturday, October 3, 2015

The Words for Today (Saturday) are Overview and Perspective. I firmly believe that, without knowing the "big picture", behind your major (or minor) field of study, there is no basis, to retain what you are leaning. I may be wrong (and things might be different for you), but keeping perspective always needs to be kept in mind.

Word for the Day: Friday, October 2, 2015

The Word for Today (Friday) is Reflection. And deep reflection on a topic is, in my opinion a great way to help retain what you learn. (Consider it like "deep review").

There is another meaning of Reflection, of which I'll say we all play the part of mirrors, for each other.

Word for the Day: Thursday, October 1, 2015

The Word for Today (Thursday) is Study. The quality of study (which might mean the lack, thereof) can definitely affect how well you retain class material (whether a formal class, or learning, required for a new product like, for example, a new computer). Also, remember that you can choose what topics to study, as there are too many out there, even to list. Good luck!