2001 Charles Edgar Hoyt Memorial Lecture The knowledge Equation: Formula for Wisdom.By focusing on the learning process, this year's Hoyt Lecture encourages the industry to promote lifelong learning Lifelong learning is the concept that "It's never too soon or too late for learning", a philosophy that has taken root in a whole host of different organisations. Lifelong learning is attitudinal; that one can and should be open to new ideas, decisions, skills or behaviors. and describes the transformation of data into wisdom. You are enrolled in a fulltime school called 'life.' Each day in this school you will have opportunities to learn lessons. You may like the lessons or hate them, but you have designed them as part of your curriculum." This quote is from the book, If Life Is a Game, These are the Rules, and touches upon the idea of lifelong learning. Since life is a full-time school, life choices take on greater significance and learning plays an influential role in every day actions. Thinking about the role learning plays throughout a lifetime evokes introspection introspection /in·tro·spec·tion/ (in?trah-spek´shun) contemplation or observation of one's own thoughts and feelings; self-analysis.introspec´tive in·tro·spec·tion n. that challenges personal and organizational assumptions about the lifelong learning process. The following examines that process as discussed in the 2001 Charles Edgar Hoyt Memorial Lecture. The focus is on self-improvement and the power that a commitment to lifelong learning commands. Help the Eagles Fly The Hoyt Lecture's goal has always been to further the learning process by sharing useful knowledge. In the 1991 lecture, "Help the Eagles Fly!," Hugh Sims, Jr. began with the following quote from the first Hoyt Lecture, presented in 1955 by Fred J. Walls of International Nickel nickel, metallic chemical element; symbol Ni; at. no. 28; at. wt. 58.69; m.p. about 1,453°C;; b.p. about 2,732°C;; sp. gr. 8.902 at 25°C;; valence 0, +1, +2, +3, or +4. Co. "The future of the foundry industry lies in the human resources The fancy word for "people." The human resources department within an organization, years ago known as the "personnel department," manages the administrative aspects of the employees. available to us. It is for our own benefit that we should assume a greater interest in the development of these resources. In this age of increasing mechanical and technical complexity, highly developed skills and technical knowledge are at a premium. There cannot be developed a sufficient supply of skilled workers, trained engineers and scientists of the required stature without greater cooperation between leaders in industry and leaders in our educational system." Sims indicated that these words were as true in 1991 as they were in 1955. They continue to be true today, providing both challenge and opportunity in the year 2001. Sims continued his Hoyt Lecture by chronicling 1991 statistics that stated "25-30% of American adults are functionally or marginally illiterate ILLITERATE. This term is applied to one unacquainted with letters. 2. When an ignorant man, unable to read, signs a deed or agreement, or makes his mark instead of a signature, and he alleges, and can provide that it was falsely read to him, he is not bound by ." Sims told a story of three "undereducated" men who worked for him who could not read or count. Because of this lack of education, they could not distinguish one time card from another. To accommodate them, their time cards were marked by one having an X, another O and the third time card had an ear torn off. Their fellow workers called them X, O and Ear. Sim's Hoyt Lecture challenged the metalcasting industry to prepare for the future by improving the basic skills of the employees in our organizations. He shared a motivating story from Robert Schuller's book, Power to Grow Beyond Yourself; about an Indian brave who saved a fallen eagle's egg and the life of the eaglet by placing it in a prairie prairie Level or rolling grassland, especially that found in central North America. Decreasing amounts of rainfall, from 40 in. (100 cm) at the forested eastern edge to less than 12 in. chicken's nest to hatch. While the eaglet was raised with the traits of a prairie chicken prairie chicken: see grouse. prairie chicken Either of two species of North American grouse (genus Tympanuchus) noted for lek displays (group courtship displays). The greater prairie chicken is about 18 in. , he finally realized his potential of excellence and soared as he was created to do. Hugh encouraged us to "help the eagles" like X, O and Ear learn to fly and attain their fullest potential. But the challenge is not just about those who have not attained basic literacy. The goal for each person is to attain excellence and wisdom through a lifelong process of learning. Success & Learning The message is clear: the ability and attitude to continually learn builds the foundation for the quality of life. Success will continue to depend on learning experiences. As John Dewey once said, "Education is not preparation for life, education is life itself." Continual learning is not only a foundational part of building one's individual life but also is vital to the life of organizations. In today's short-term thinking, bottom-line driven business model, the need to take time away from production and use that time to think and learn is rarely a priority. However, organizations that realize the cultivating value of learning grow more than just the bottom line. General Electric's Jack Welch For the illustrator named Jack Welch, see Jack Welch (illustrator) John Francis "Jack" Welch, Jr. (born on November 19 1935 makes this point clear with his thought, "Our behavior is driven by a fundamental core belief: the desire and ability of our organization to continually learn from any source--and the ability to rapidly convert this learning into action--is its ultimate competitive advantage." If the learning process is vital to the quality of life, then why is it that learning and the profound change that learning creates often are resisted? Thomas Watson Thomas Watson or Tom Watson can refer to:
The Power of Learning What kind of impact can lifelong learning have? Consider this basic financial math formula: F = P [(1 + i).sup.n] This formula represents the method for calculating the future value of an amount that pays interest at a given rate over a specified number of periods (Fig. 1). The result of this equation demonstrates the power of compounding. The letter F is the unknown future value that is the product of this equation. The letter P is the present value started with and is multiplied by the rest of the equation. The number 1 in parentheses See parenthesis. parentheses - See left parenthesis, right parenthesis. is added to the amount of interest paid (represented by the letter i). The n represents the number of periods and is where the exponential 1. (mathematics) exponential - A function which raises some given constant (the "base") to the power of its argument. I.e. f x = b^x If no base is specified, e, the base of natural logarthims, is assumed. 2. power of this formula is created. Albert Einstein said, "Compound interest is one of the most powerful forces in the world." This powerful force can be seen in the following example. By investing $10,000 at an interest rate of 8%, compounding that amount and rate over 50 years, then using this formula at the end of 50 years, the Years, The the seven decades of Eleanor Pargiter’s life. [Br. Lit.: Benét, 1109] See : Time amount would have grown to $469,000. Using the same amount but increasing the interest rate to 10%, at the end of 50 years the amount would have grown to $1,174,000. The additional 2% interest produces an additional 150% in growth. The Compounding Power of Lifelong Learning Apply the compounding power that this formula represents to lifelong learning and an individual life (Fig. 2). First, substitute future knowledge for future value. Making that same change to the next variable in the equation, present value would be present knowledge. The 1 in parentheses now becomes an individual. The i is the individual's interest in learning. The n is the number of years the learning process continues. This is where the power of this formula applies. The n variable represents the cumulative total of the years of life. Lifelong learning is a formula that creates exponential results. Imagine how an additional 2% of interest and effort on an individual's part can affect the outcome of the formula. However, learning should not be done just for the sake of learning. It is necessary to use that learning to enrich knowledge, understanding and lives. "In times of change the learners will inherit To receive property according to the state laws of intestate succession from a decedent who has failed to execute a valid will, or, where the term is applied in a more general sense, to receive the property of a decedent by will. inherit v. the earth, while the learned will find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists." This quote by Eric Hoffer provides the insight that for learning to be meaningful to one's human experience, what is learned must have a deeper purpose than just the collection of data. Developing Data The world is filled with copious co·pi·ous adj. 1. Yielding or containing plenty; affording ample supply: a copious harvest. See Synonyms at plentiful. 2. amounts of cyber-generated data. These bits and pieces, if brought together with thought and reason, can become useful information. Data overload See information overload and overloading. detracts from the limited amount of precious time available to polish relevant skills, attitudes and abilities. Data in and of itself is not inherently good or bad. It's data. For data to become informative, it must be relative and understandable. This is accomplished through thinking. Understanding the full potential of the future knowledge equation is best explained by Dee Hock Dee Hock is the founder and former CEO of the VISA credit card association. In 1968 Hock convinced Bank of America to give up ownership and control of their BankAmericard credit card program. , Chairman Emeritus e·mer·i·tus adj. Retired but retaining an honorary title corresponding to that held immediately before retirement: a professor emeritus. n. pl. , Visa International, in "Data to Wisdom." Illustrated in Fig. 3 is Hock's vision, and the steps that are involved to create a compounded value from the learning process. These steps are: Noise to Data--"Noise becomes data when it has cognitive pattern." For this to take place the noise must have an intellectual meaning. Data to Information--"Data becomes information when it is assembled into a coherent whole that can be related to other information." Knowing that A356.0 aluminum alloy alloy (ăl`oi, əloi`) [O. Fr.,=combine], substance with metallic properties that consists of a metal fused with one or more metals or nonmetals. has silicon (Si) content in the range of 6.5-7.5% is data. This data becomes information when the Si content is related to the other elements present in the alloy that creates the complete chemical composition. Information to knowledge--"Information becomes knowledge when integrated with other information in a form. useful for making decisions and determining actions." When one combines the information that a given chemical analysis of an alloy produces given physical characteristics, it produces knowledge that is useful for making decisions and acting on those decisions. Knowledge to Understanding-- "Knowledge becomes understanding when related to other knowledge in a manner useful in anticipating, judging and acting." When one understands the knowledge that a given alloy, with a given chemical composition, produces given physical characteristics, the understanding can be used to model and judge how that alloy will function in various design applications. Understanding to Wisdom--"Understanding becomes wisdom when informed by purpose, ethics ethics, in philosophy, the study and evaluation of human conduct in the light of moral principles. Moral principles may be viewed either as the standard of conduct that individuals have constructed for themselves or as the body of obligations and duties that a , principle, memory and projection." This is where the n or powered part of the knowledge equation is applied. When one takes the best design application and combines it with purpose, ethics and principles, customers and society are served. Manufacturing engineering Manufacturing engineering Engineering activities involved in the creation and operation of the technical and economic processes that convert raw materials, energy, and purchased items into components for sale to other manufacturers or into end products for that comes about through understanding that has purpose, ethics, principle, memory and projection is wisdom. Manufacturing's wisdom is manifested by creating products that improve quality of life. Modern society is overflowing o·ver·flow v. o·ver·flowed, o·ver·flow·ing, o·ver·flows v.intr. 1. To flow or run over the top, brim, or banks. 2. To be filled beyond capacity, as a container or waterway. 3. with data as people search for wisdom. The "knowledge equation" and lifelong learning turn the challenge of excessive data into an opportunity to cultivate cul·ti·vate tr.v. cul·ti·vat·ed, cul·ti·vat·ing, cul·ti·vates 1. a. To improve and prepare (land), as by plowing or fertilizing, for raising crops; till. b. those rare qualities of wisdom. Lifelong Learning's Ultimate Purpose--Developing Potential Visionaries of the past have understood the value of lifelong learning in mankind's quest to develop its highest potential. The history of metalcasting is filled with leaders who understand the knowledge equation's formula for wisdom. They bring to life the quote, "Seek not for riches, but for wisdom...if you desire you shall be the means for doing much good in this generation." The leaders of the metalcasting industry have shared their wisdom and nurtured others not for riches but for the greater good. Gandhi stated, "As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake re·make tr.v. re·made , re·mak·ing, re·makes To make again or anew. n. 1. The act of remaking. 2. Something in remade form, especially a new version of an earlier movie or song. the world--that is a myth of the atomic age--as being able to remake ourselves." The knowledge equation compounds lifelong learning. That compounding power creates the understanding and wisdom needed to remake ourselves so that we may "be the means for doing much good in this generation." So go ahead, do the math. The possibilities of lifelong learning are mathematically unlimited. Fig. 1. Calculations performed using this formula demonstrate the powerful effect of the exponential results achieved with compound interest. An investment of $10,000 at an 8% interest-rate for 50 years grows to $469,000, but at an interest rate of 10% it explodes to $1,174,000. Future Value Compound Interest Formula: * F = P[(1+I).sup.n] * P = Future Value * (1 + I) = Principal + Interest * n = Number of Periods of Compounding Fig. 2. In the same way that compound interest can dramatically alter a sum of money, a formula can be developed for the compounding power of lifelong learning. This formula for life-long learning also creates exponential results. The Compounding Power of Lifelong Learning F = P[(1 + 1).sup.n] * F = Future Knowledge * P = Present Knowledge * 1 = The Individual * i = Individual Interest * n = Number of Years Lived A Look at Dwight Barnhard's career Barnhard was appointed AFS A distributed file system for large, widely dispersed Unix and Windows networks from Transarc Corporation, now part of IBM. It is noted for its ease of administration and expandability and stems from Carnegie-Mellon's Andrew File System. AFS - Andrew File System Executive Vice President in may 2000 after leading Superior Aluminum Castings, Inc., Independence, Missouri Independence is the fourth largest city in Missouri, USA. It is part of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. As of the 2006, the city had a total population of 109,400[1]. It is the county seat of Jackson CountyGR6. , for 25 years. Barnhard is a Past President of AFS (1995-1996). He also served as CMI (Computer-Managed Instruction) Using computers to organize and manage an instructional program for students. It helps create test materials, tracks the results and monitors student progress. Director (1986-1990), CM] Chairman (1989-1990), AFS National Director (1982 - 1985) and twice as the Chairman of the AFS Mo-Kan Chapter. In addition, Barnhard served as President of the Foundry Educational Foundation (1998-1999). In 1991, Barnhard was awarded the AFS Management Service Citation Citation (foaled 1945) U.S. Thoroughbred racehorse. In four seasons he won 32 of 45 races, finished second in ten, and third in two. He won the 1948 Triple Crown, and became the first horse to win $1 million. He set a world record in 1950 by running a mile in 1:33 3/5. , and in 1995, he received the AFS Frishmuth Award as the Aluminum Div.'S Foundryman of the Year. Barnhard holds an A.A.S. in Business Management from Longview Community College, and a general foundry technology certificate from CMI. His experience in the foundry industry began during college when he unloaded box cars and ran a muller Mul·ler , Hermann Joseph 1890-1967. American geneticist. He won a 1946 Nobel Prize for the study of the hereditary effect of x-rays on genes. Mül·ler , Johannes Peter 1801-1858. in an iron foundry From 1964-1975, Barnhard worked for Independence Foundry & Manufacturing Co. a 100-employee iron shop where his responsibilities included lab manager, quality control manager and foundry manager. Examples of Wisdom Throughout his Hoyt Lecture, Barnhard cited examples of wisdom that had affected his life. Following is a look at three of them. On Will Inman William Inman (born February 6 1987) is an American baseball player, a righthanded pitcher in the San Diego Padres organization. On July 25 2007 the Milwaukee Brewers traded him with two other minor league pitchers to the Padres in exchange for Scott Linebrink. , his grandfather: "One of the more important principles he taught my brothers and me was that we should treat others the way we want to be treated. Will Inman was born in an era when a formal education was not as easy to obtain as it is today. While his classroom education was limited, his common sense and practical understanding of life. was at the Ph.D. level. Will knew that to continually improve one must continually learn even if it requires self-teaching He used his knowledge to provide for his family and became a department leader at a major oil company refinery. Will also was a leader in his church and community. He shared his wisdom with many and taught me about having an all things are possible faith. On Ezra Kotzin, AFS: "It's common knowledge that Ezra is an icon of the metalcasting community. There is no doubt that Ezra Kotzin's legacy will be his enthusiasm for the art and science of metalcasting and his passion for life. Several years ago a magazine editor asked for my thoughts about Ezra Kotzin. I made the following statement then which I feel even stronger about today. It has been written, "there is a golden chain of wisdom that links the generations, " the history of metal casting Metal casting A metal-forming process whereby molten metal is poured into a cavity or mold and, when cooled, solidifies and takes on the characteristic shape of the mold. will record Ezra Kotzinas the high tensile tensile, adj having a degree of elasticity; having the ability to be extended or stretched. link in the chain of wisdom that continues to move us to our highest potential.' On Arthur Harris, Jr., an associate at Superior aluminum for 47 years: Arthur and his wife understand, the value' of continuing education continuing education: see adult education. continuing education or adult education Any form of learning provided for adults. In the U.S. the University of Wisconsin was the first academic institution to offer such programs (1904). and helped their children attain college degrees. Arthur is Arthur I, 1187–1203?, duke of Brittany (1196–1203?), son of Geoffrey, fourth son of Henry II of England and Constance, heiress of Brittany. Arthur, a posthumous child, was proclaimed duke in 1196, and an invasion by his uncle King Richard I of England was WWII WWII abbr. World War II WWII World War Two veteran and part of the generation that I believe save d the world He has served as an AFS Chapter director and is active in his church and community was always ready try new technology that improved the process and the, quality of the product, Arthur is a lifelong learner, leader and who has touched the lives of many including foundary folks like X, O and Ear. |
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