I'm not sure I buy the "achievement" arguments (though if they ring true for you all the better!) but I can say - a few years out from finishing my BA - that to my great surprise the "teaching you how to think" arguments do seem to be true. I did, in fact, learn to think in particular ways, and these do affect how I process the world. Furthermore, in my current program, there is a pretty obvious difference in classroom interaction patterns between those who have a degree and those who don't - those with degrees just know how to do that kind of knowledge acquisition more effectively; they have particular ways of looking at the material, they know how to ask interesting questions, or how to find answers to more superficial questions.
It turns out that having a degree makes a difference, even when not working directly in the field in which the degree was earned. Who woulda thunk it?
Thinking about this a bit more, I think that I see your "achievement" point - after all, this semester will only somewhat shape your thought process, but it will make a big difference in what you can say you've achieved.
Having worked with quite a few, I had lost my fear of them, and have even felt comfortable assessing and critiquing their technique. Now, as I am studying the process, I doubt I'll forget to be critical, but I am likely to be much more appreciative and forgiving.
The whole state of mind/harmony with body prerequisite is becoming obviously necessary, but really hard to catch.
Comments 5
It turns out that having a degree makes a difference, even when not working directly in the field in which the degree was earned. Who woulda thunk it?
Reply
I'll go be slow over here now.
Reply
It's nice to know that you feel the difference, degree wise.
Reply
Reply
The whole state of mind/harmony with body prerequisite is becoming obviously necessary, but really hard to catch.
Reply
Leave a comment