“We learn more by looking for the answer to a question and not finding it than we do from learning the answer itself.”
Lloyd Alexander
This quote resonates with me because it suggests that the process of learning along with trial and error is more important that the actual answer itself. Most modern, western teaching philosophy tends to agree with this. If we simply tell students the answer than they don't have a chance to start thinking for themselves. This is why as a good teacher our job is to set the stage for a good learning environment. We have to ask students the questions that will allow them to search for the answers themselves. When someone figures out something for themselves it has a much more profound and lasting effect than if someone else just tells them the information.
From what I understand older teaching philosophy tended to focus more on the answers rather than the process of getting to them. How can one be expected to grow and develop a true understanding of things when the problem solving process is skipped? It reminds me of the a few examples Mary gave in Math class of students who learned formulas for solving problems and lost touch with the reality of the question. They actually didn't understand the math they were doing. Rather they simply had a formula memorized. This can not be considered true understanding.
I think the main message to be found in this quote is that we learn and grow by exploring and questioning things for ourselves. This allows our brains to make new connections and pathways that go beyond the “right” answer.
