kpreid comments on Rationality Quotes April 2014 - LessWrong

8 Post author: elharo 07 April 2014 05:25PM

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Comment author: Benito 01 April 2014 07:35:28PM *  23 points [-]

Trying to actually understand what equations describe is something I'm always trying to do in school, but I find my teachers positively trained in the art of superficiality and dark-side teaching. Allow me to share two actual conversations with my Maths and Physics teachers from school.:

(Teacher derives an equation, then suddenly makes it into an iterative formula, with no explanation of why)

Me: Woah, why has it suddenly become an iterative formula? What's that got to do with anything?

Teacher: Well, do you agree with the equation when it's not an iterative formula?

Me: Yes.

Teacher: And how about if I make it an iterative formula?

Me: But why do you do that?

Friend: Oh, I see.

Me: Do you see why it works?

Friend: Yes. Well, no. But I see it gets the right answer.

Me: But sir, can you explain why it gets the right answer?

Teacher: Ooh Ben, you're asking one of your tough questions again.

(Physics class)

Me: Can you explain that sir?

Teacher: Look, Ben, sometimesnot understanding things is a good thing.

And yet to most people, I can't even vent the ridiculousness of a teacher actually saying this; they just think it's the norm!

Comment author: kpreid 01 April 2014 08:01:17PM 2 points [-]

What level of school?

Comment author: Benito 01 April 2014 08:08:31PM 1 point [-]

Secondary school.

Comment author: SaidAchmiz 01 April 2014 09:12:22PM 11 points [-]

A visit to wikipedia suggests that "secondary school" can refer to either what we in the U.S. call "middle school / junior high school", or what we call "high school". That's a fairly wide range of grade levels. In which year of pre-university education are you?

Comment author: Benito 02 April 2014 05:54:03PM *  6 points [-]

Oh, okay. After I finish this year, I'll study at school for one final year, and then go to university.

Edit: I am confused that this got five up votes, and would be interested in hearing an explanation from someone who up voted it.

Comment author: gwern 02 May 2014 10:43:07PM 5 points [-]

I didn't upvote you but I would have if you hadn't mentioned it; it would have been because I appreciate people answering questions and finishing comment threads rather than leaving them hanging forever unresolved.

Comment author: Benito 03 May 2014 07:25:52AM 1 point [-]

Cheers.

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