Re: Lessons (was Re: Objects and Relations)

Bob Badour <bbadour_at_pei.sympatico.ca> wrote:

>JOG wrote:
>> I am finding the whole experience of trying to relay to others what I
>> have learnt on cdt incredibly frustrating and disillusioning.
>
>Let's not let that happen. Teaching the wrong lesson will frustrate.
>Addressing the wrong audience will frustrate. Using an ineffective
>approach will frustrate. Can you think of any other potential causes of
>frustration?
>
>I have a conjecture--perhaps even an hypothesis: With intellectual
>honesty and sincerity, one can choose effectiveness.
>
>Let's start by taking an inventory. When answering the following, strive
>for clarity and brevity. Be succinct and direct.

     The following is probably incomplete. This is a quick answer.

>What lessons have you learned that you might want to relay? (Please
>enumerate.)

1. Fundamentals matter more than what is based on them.
2. Theory and practice differ both more than you think and less than you think.
3. If you ignore theory to focus on practice or ignore practice to focus on theory, you are not a specialist, but just half-knowledgeable, if that.

>What audiences do you try to reach with these lessons?

1. colleagues
2. students

>What approaches have you used?

1. polite argument
2. examples
3. case studies

>What other approaches are you aware of?

1. waiting for a disaster

>What other audiences might exist?

1. users

>What big questions remain unanswered in your mind?

There are too many to list, and it will always be that way.

>How do you measure success?

1. Does it work?
2. Does it work well?
3. Is it economical?
4. Is it amenable to change?

Sincerely,

Gene Wirchenko

Computerese Irregular Verb Conjugation:

     I have preferences.
     You have biases.
     He/She has prejudices.