Clark B. Montgomery M.Ed. Extension Cohort Project Writing Research July 16, 1999

"KILL THE CLASSROOM" Roberts, J. (1999, May). Fast Company, 24, p. 262

Summary

Jason Roberts is a former engineer with Apple Computer who has spent the past six years exploring how people utilize media to share complex information. As a result of his findings, Roberts has formed the PanMedia Corporation, a business designed to provide on-line tutorials on nearly any subject. According to Roberts, the program Learn2.com offers easy to follow instructions on anything from "how to write your representative in Congress to how to house-train a puppy".

Within the article, Roberts stresses four principles he attributes for the success of his on-line training:

1. Get Beyond the Classroom

Roberts states that the classroom metaphor can be unsettling for many. In fact, his view is that conducting learning experiences in a classroom manner wrongly implies that work and other settings are something different than an educational environment. As a result, many instructional opportunities are lost. His advice, "Kill the Classroom".

2. Teach Transparency

Roberts cautions about the avoidance of the "cathedral of knowledge" syndrome. Basically, he is saying that information, regardless of source, is more valuable than where it came from. Unfortunately too many universities and corporations suffer from an "Ivory Tower" complex that dramatically interferes with learning. In Robert's words, "If you have information to share, get out of the way".

3. Teach Skills, Not Concepts

Basically, Roberts is saying that most people want to learn skills, not abstract ideas. As an example, rather than teaching "quality customer service", break that topic into tasks such as "how to make anyone feels welcome" or "how to respond to complaints".

4. Test Implementation, Not Assimilation

Although most training/teaching programs measure retention, what is really important is how the newly gained knowledge is being used. The value or measure of an educational endeavor can only be made after the fact, by seeing how students have put that knowledge to work.

Reflection

I found the article "Kill the Classroom" both interesting and also supportive of many transformative learning approaches that seem to work so well in Extension programming. One of the real challenges of education is to create an environment and opportunity for everyone to perform to their potential. Unfortunately, the standards for teaching and learning, set over 100 years ago, still prevail. The classroom paradigm Roberts focuses upon is just one of many obstacles facing modern education. Fortunately Roberts, as well as many other adult education efforts (including Extension), recognize shortcomings of traditional education methods and have implemented steps for improvement.

If you believe in "trickle-down" theory (and I do), you have to believe that the successes of individuals like Roberts will become more commonly recognized and valued as time goes by. Most in Extension (certainly the cohort group) have come to understand the importance and significance of enhancing learning and education opportunities. As more and more individuals become aware that effective teaching and education isn't limited to 19th century design, will this powerful system begin to change. With the extent and speed of modern day communication (like the Web), this could happen more quickly than anyone might imagine.

Discussion

For the most part, my Extension peers have no problems agreeing with the concepts puts forth by Jason Roberts in this article. In fact, it's almost irony that these same principles are employed again and again in Extension efforts. Obviously, the individual skill of the instructor plays a big role in his/her ultimate success. However, the principles and techniques of transformative learning (and Roberts) are valid.

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-- Anonymous, July 16, 1999