The Book of Learning and Forgetting by Frank Smith
The Classic View of Learning and Forgetting:

  • - The classic view of learning is universal and deeply rooted.

  • - We learn from those around us with whom we identify.

  • - The classic view refers to learning as growth.

  • - We learn continuously and with out noticeable effort.

*You learn from the company you keep*

Frank Smith reminds us that the classic view of  learning has been with us for thousands of years and continues today.  Early craftsmen learned their trade through apprenticeship.  Elder tribesmen pass on their knowledge to the younger members of a tribe. Music instruction involves working with a more experienced or master musician. In these examples, the less experienced member learns the skills and knowledge required from a more experienced member of a social group or "club" as Smith would describe.  Under these circumstances, learning is effortless and the learner retains the information. To teach under the classic vision requires that educators work towards producing a learning environment that allows a student to become part of a community that he can identify with.

  At the end of the section, Smith offers opposing views and his responses.
Click on the overview button below to view details of the 4 sections of the book.