If you know anything about the Korean education system, you would resonate with me when I say “there is a particular rhythm set for learning.” Usually, speed and accuracy are the two most important factors. How fast can you correctly answer the question? But my time with the US education system brought an interesting mix to the rhythm.
Lately, I’ve spent my time thinking about tools. Of course, more cognitive than physical. Sabermetrics in baseball, data that uncovers stories behind each play that our eyes cannot discern, would be one great example. In writing, well.. We have something more simple. Usually a blank lined page and a rusty pencil.
It bothers me to see this disparity.
Initially, I intended to solve a problem spotted in peer revision sessions when I first built the fact checking practice tool in the Truth Review. Students had some ideas of what they were hoping to write, but they were lost when it came to mapping arguments. Their conclusions would be rushed without evidence, reminding me of a pitcher trying to pitch without looking at the catcher’s sign. My tool forces a pause to this.
Step 1: Pick a topic.
Step 2: Gather evidence.
Step 3: Frame support and. counter-arguments.
It’s slow and deliberate. And honestly? Even kind of boring if your goal is to simply submit the assignment. But fire never gets started on its own just like how learning doesn’t happen without friction.
I started to define education as finding one’s favorite tools to design a system that works. Something I would call, “step-ification.” Now, I don’t just run the numbers when I am tasked to analyze data. Instead I begin to question, “What’s the story behind this?” My goal is to close the gap between the raw data and narrative, evidence and argument.
We are now in the era of AI. You open up an LLM just to get a perfect essay in a few seconds. It frightens me to see the advancement of technology as a learner, even though it is one of my interests. If the mapping, drafting, and bad first-attempts are not there, how are we supposed to learn?
This is why my mission when establishing the Truth Review was to build a tool that assists in perfecting logic rather than mindlessly spitting out writing. Your batting coach isn’t going to be there at the plate to hit a homerun for you at the plate, so maybe it’s pretty important to start listening to what they have to say in practice.
I see education as the journey to crafting an internal coach using tools. What’s going to be really important is whether you are a sailor that can navigate your way through high tides. Who know’s? Maybe you’ll find the fun out of explaining how to grip a curveball.