11 June 2012
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Didactics
Didactics can be defined as a type of learning from art. Or rather art
designed for learning can be called didactic art. Or a method of
teaching which uses art to teach morals or principles. I picked up this
book “Didactics for the masses” and another “Didactics for teaching.”
Both were a collection of poems designed to teach certain lessons.
Admittedly, they seemed hastily thrown together and I didn’t find them
to teach principles I did not already know, but perhaps because they
were designed with a specific audience in mind: one for the masses, and
one for the learning child or teaching professional.
It is difficult to teach the masses unless you know what the masses are
lacking. The stain glass windows depicting the gospel in various
churches during the middle ages were chiefly designed for the masses
which could not read. Since the mass was also taught in Latin, the
people had no hope of really getting anything out of the service except
through looking at the pictures.
It is important therefore, in didactics to know one’s audience. Not only
will one prove to be more effective, but they will also prevent coming
across as condescending. The book of Proverbs in the Bible and Torah is a
great book of didactics. The precepts are short and sweet and easily
understood. One of the problems I had with the two books I purchased was
that the poems were far too long. Better to instruct a person with
something that yields itself to memorization and remembrance.
For the student wishing to learn by didactics; your learning is only
limited by what you consider to be art or entertainment. I enjoy
watching cartoons (or Anime if you’d rather). My favorites are Prince of
Tennis, Avatar the Last Airbender and its Sequel, and Naruto and its
sequel. I do not know if the animators are truly aware of the lessons
they teach in these Anime. The hero’s journey is very clear for most of
the characters in these anime even if the journey is somewhat different.
Any form of entertainment whether books, anime, movies or television
shows can serve a didactic function.
Semantics
At its barest, semantics is the study of symbols and what they connote.
Rather than limit this to linguistics (i.e. what do these words mean?), I
thought it prudent to consider what symbols mean. Take the cross for
example. To Christians it means salvation. To others it may mean an
instrument of death used in the Roman Empire. Semantics is therefore
very tricky. Semantics depends on culture, on the individual and on the
one hearing it. It is therefore always correct to ask the meaning of
something, not necessarily from the dictionary but from the individual
with whom one is speaking. For example there are some words that easily
offend me and one can cut off an entire dialogue by saying any of these.
I will let people know and if they insist on using them, I will not
speak with them.
On the subject of language, there are thousands of languages, dialects,
and nuances of meaning. Therefore, definitions are fruitless. When I
speak to someone I should very good stock of where they stand first, but
this is a long, laborious and sometimes condescending process. I do
wonder the best way to go about it.
Etiquette
Etiquette in physical form is different from culture and place to place.
The best way to learn etiquette in this form is to be very observant
and to ask questions of someone whom you trust to not lead you wrong.
Also, consider reading up on the etiquette seen in a particular culture
if you will be visiting. In the USA, we are very informal. Generally,
the rule is: if you would see it as rude if done to you, don’t do it to
others. It takes some maturity and generally children are corrected
politely when making an error.
Written etiquette, like physical etiquette depends on the culture,
individual the writing is directed to, and the reason or objective for
the writing. A business letter is more formal than a letter to a loved
one, although that also has some etiquette attached to it. Social
conventions of the culture are generally adhered to unless there is
mutual agreement not to.
I would like to take some time to consider the etiquette of the TOTJO as
I have come to see it in this online forum. I have not seen much
swearing in any form here at TOTJO, therefore I conclude that we have
found better ways of expressing ourselves. One rule I have learned is
that swearing is forbidden in a sermon; that is when you are in
attendance. We are all Jedi, therefore once a person asks not to be
referred to by his/her rank, it should be followed. Of course in formal
ceremonies and sermons, this rule does not apply. When leaving the chat
or shout box it is customary to part with some variation of May the
Force be with You (often abbreviated MTFBWY). It is also customary for
others to respond in kind even if such a greeting was not offered.
These are just my opinion based on observation and they may be completely wrong. If they are, I hope that I will be corrected.
Sources:
Didactics:
dictionary.reference.com/browse/didactics
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didactic
www.amazon.com/Didactics-for-the-Masses-...d=1337040752&sr=1-12
books.google.com/books?id=jekW3WtUMZYC&p...&q=didactics&f=false
Semantics
dictionary.reference.com/browse/semantics
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semantics
Etiquette
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etiquette
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