Dear Organlearners,
Doc Holloway" <learnshops@thresholds.com> wrote to Leslie:
> yes . . . one of the definitions of "enable" (a synonym for empower)
> includes the idea of making something possible (usually with a document or
> other symbol of authority--like a pass or promotion). It is usually a
> legal (or legislative) term, referring to the use of statutes or codes to
> empower individual or corporations to do things that they would not be
> otherwise capable of performing (legally).
Doc, you made me think once again how the common culture of a nation
influence the learning of its individuals. I think Leslie will also
enjoy the metaphor.involved below.
Mining is one of the pillars of the South African economy for close
to a century now. Mining and blasting with dynamite go hand in hand.
Blasting with dynamite is a dangerous job, even to the blaster
himself. Thus a high standard of training over a long period of time
is required. Success resulted in a certificate called the "blasting
ticket" or "red ticket".
A person with a "blasting ticket" was empowered with great authority.
He could even give orders to the mine captain (general manager of
mining operations) when it concerned a blasting operation. No one
ever quarreled with the orders of a blaster.
Over the years in my involvement in education (schools, colleges and
universities) in South Africa, I became very disappointed by the
attitude of some learners towards a qualification . They were little
interested in mastering the subjects involved. They were much more
interested in obtaining the certificate, diploma or degree because of
the power which it gave them.
Their attitude is usually as follows - a mark in the examination of
49% means a pass,
50% means a commendable pass,
51% means a pass with honours
52% means a pass with backside lick-spittle and
53% means they have done far too much themselves.
Many managers have complained about the disruptive effect such
learners have soon after hiring them. It takes the organisation much
effort and time to teach them that they have not been hired to do a
blasting job, but to create constructively.
About 4 years ago my good friend Ben Goslin identified it as the
"blasting ticket" syndrome. They want the ticket because it empowers
them extrinsically. They believe the empowerment to be as strong as
the blasting force of dynamite. They do not care for the intrinsical
power which comes from within as a result of the advancement of their
creativity. Because of the inferior advancement of their creativity,
the little knowledge which they have gained increased their capacity
only for destructive creativity.
Best wishes
--At de Lange Gold Fields Computer Centre for Education University of Pretoria Pretoria, South Africa email: amdelange@gold.up.ac.za
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