The learning of science or the science of learning?

How would you define learning? I know, probably not the best idea to ask a question right off the bat, but I want you to think along, because the question is open-ended. If the orthodox definition is to be considered, development of new memory fits the paradigm of learning. So when people use words like 'learning from your mistakes', it basically means that you have developed an imprint of that fallacious happening in your mind. However, if you gravitate towards science, the idea of learning cannot be limited just to development of new memory. Sure, one of the objectives behind teaching and learning of science is development of memory, based on the give-and-take between the teacher and the student. But memory is not related to intuition or thinking. That would be like saying that I watch a Nat Geo video of Mt. Everest expedition, learn every single step and hike, and then set out on my own to conquer it. Learning therefore goes beyond the simple idea of memory development.

So how can you define learning in a more pragmatic sense? A reasonable assertion can be that uncoupling learning from fact-checking ought to be able to satisfy the question behind creativity. And surely we can agree that creativity is a benchmark for learning, as a well-learnt concept leads to a more creative output. Also, in terms of science education, sufficient challenge to redundant concepts and hypotheses, which are taken for granted more often than not, is a must in order to develop independent thinking, or as the jargon goes, a critical bend. Therefore, as you proceed on the educational ladder, questions should get tougher and hypothesis should become bullet-proof. 

Personally, the initiation into grad school has been a pretty exciting experience so far, because as grad students, we are supposed to challenge any idea, no matter how big or small, prominent or subtle, irrespective of its publishing pedigree. So scientific education has suddenly being molded from taking copious notes and reading material a day before the exam, which I was doing as late as 5 months ago (I officially stopped studying for endsems like most of us did, except for THAT one course!). Now, we go in well prepared to discuss publications, formulate ideas, and gain concepts from linking disparate ideas in class. And this I believe is learning in true sense, because intuition and creativity are both integral parts of this process. If we were able to merge this system into our school and undergraduate level coursework, students would be more primed for taking up higher studies, or at least they won't have the fear of the unknown. This modicum of reform can truly lead to a shake-up, or at least do some good in satisfying the innate creative urge, so essential to our existence as humans.

PS: If you are a Max Payne fan (the video game, not the movie, which I still believe does not exist), brace yourself for Max Payne 3. If not, it is never too late to start, for this game is more than just fancy guns in 3rd person style. It is about a man and his search of vengeance!

And the obligatory music video. How about some REM?

The summer of Punk

The proverbial summer of 2011 is coming to an end. In true Indian color, and in the midst of all the chutzpah surrounding the boiling heat being dissipated by the cool pangs of the monsoon, another summer has passed from our lives. The summer metamorphosis goes through various shades depending on the stage of life we are at. A school going kid would want the vacation to go on and on, as I did. The first day back from the vacation would hurt as much as watching Harbhajan Singh go from being a world-class spinner to an ordinary slow bowler. Agony gives way to gratitude when one reaches the upper grades, and the prospect of bunking classes and having some fun in school appear more inviting than another month at home watching TV from morning till night. The situation remains unchanged till say the last year of college or so, when suddenly the pressures of a whole new beast in the form of the 'real' world, awaiting you, starts to appear a bit scary.

Yes, I have just finished college and will graduate honorably in 6 days to be precise. I also have a good option lined up ahead in the form of graduate school in the states. So have a lot of us, who will graduate this year from the 7 IITs, some 3500 in strength. More will be added to the alumni rolls next year, when the baby IITs shell out their first offerings to industry and academia. I am not going to delve into the big, endless, and frankly pointless debate on how IITians don't give back to the country in proportion to the exchequer's expenditure on their education. It is nobody's business to dictate how much is too much or too little when it comes to giving back to our alma mater. Not least the bureaucrats and politicians who are running amok our once growing economy's fledgling prospects via weak policy making and craven show of feudal mentality. Oops, I digress! Back to my point. So all of these shining new products, certified and approved by our symbols of world dominance in an area India needs to do a lot more, will be out on their own, without a support structure of mess workers toiling in the kitchen to prepare their 4 meals a day, without a round-the-clock security, and a serene campus to calm those fraying nerves when the end sem results go wrong, or when an election result goes the other way. Yes, that is the understated part of moving away from college. You are suddenly all on your own!

Is there a viable replacement for these institutions? Somewhat close mimes can be the HR department of your company or the department coordinator in higher studies, but they won't go out on a limb to ensure that you don't miss that tiffin even if you reach the mess counter at 6:10, 10 minutes past the closing time (Yes, H13 mess workers are so generous!). In the end, the so called hallowed portals should be indebted to the numerous small support centres functioning inside them day and night, with questionable efficiency at the times but functional nonetheless. We can curse them and mutter unsavory words all we want, but with college, the secure part of it is the thing we'll miss the most.

PS: To those wondering why this post is titled 'The summer of Punk', it is because I follow professional wrestling and a certain man recognized as CM Punk around the world is setting the wrestling landscape on fire. A toast to his awesome entrance music: