Why Learn? Assignment

This composition by John Tagg examined the difference between qualitative- and quantitative-oriented learning.  Quantitative-oriented learning basically means just going to class with the goal of getting a good grade to post on your transcript.  Thus, the student aims to please the teacher and store the information until the end of the semester, when the grades are due and the benefits or losses are calculated.  Qualitative-oriented learning, on the other hand, focuses on what is gained from the class.  It sees learning as an intrinsic value and the concepts that are carried out of the classroom are considered more important than grades, tuition costs or course credits.

I do love learning, so I think I understand its intrinsic value, but I do tend to place huge importance on my grades, and there have certainly been some classes that I was glad to see the end of, granted I had an 'A.'  I do not believe this was entirely my fault.  In the information age, statistics are extremely important and number crunching and quantitative data is considered almost priceless.  Our society stresses paperwork and how one person's numbers (grades in this case) compare to another's.  Success is measured in A's, and B's, and C's and F's are considered failures.  As a result, students often fail to apply the knowledge to their life.

My one problem with the qualitative-oriented learning concept is that it insinuates that every class ought to make you view your world in a new way.  I don't believe I could handle it if all seven of my courses turned my world-view upside-down.  I would feel a loss of identity end up feeling very sick and dizzy.  Tagg maybe didn't mean that every class ought to cause a total renewal of the mind, but I just wanted to clarify my opinion on the matter.

In my own education, I believe that quality is demonstrated by how much it provokes thought outside of the classroom (and homework).  When I begin having original thoughts about that subject and relating and applying the concepts learned to other aspects of life, then I know I have gained knowledge and have succeeded in a qualitative sense.  And while I don't believe all my classes will bring life-altering changes, as a whole, they can shape my world-view and make the little aspects of life more intriguing and the bigger aspects less confusing.