I like the breadcrumb approach to teaching and learning, where lessons are brief, easy to retain, and easy to put into practice. That is why I use quotations in most of my writing.
I have no illusions that what I have to say is profound. I suspect most of what I write will sound very familiar, like something you know, or thought of, or thought about doing. I aspire in this blog to do one thing—to inspire, cajole, harass, or shame you into doing what you already realize you need and want to do. As Samuel Johnson said over 200 years ago, “People need to be reminded more often than they need to be instructed.”
On that note, EWeek is only nine days away. Engineers have more interaction with the public during this week than at any other time of the year. I suspect that most who visit this blog will be engaged in some form of activity with their local schools (and if not, shame on you). While you’re doing so, take a moment to promote engineering in the K-12 curriculum to teachers, administrators, students, and fellow engineers. I’ve listed lots of reasons for this in my October 27 initial posting. The message is always well received, but unfortunately it is seldom delivered. Every big movement starts out small—evidenced of late by the Tea Party and the Occupy movement. Keep planting those apple seeds, Johnny, and one day they’ll bear fruit.
