Lacing up our shoes in k1
2011.09.28
This week, the high school students had an essay in our writing class. The assignment was about procedural language, and the students were supposed to write a procedure for lacing up their shoes. HOWEVER, they weren't supposed to do it in the way they usually do. They were supposed to find a NEW way to lace their shoes.
Some of the students did diagrams, which was all right, but I would have preferred them to use language and give instructions. A couple students gave instructions for how they USUALLY lace their shoes.
However, this was a learning experience. Their next assignment is to find an appliance in their home that takes at least five steps to operate and write a procedure for operation.
One of the things I explained to the students is that in almost every job I've ever had, I've written a procedure manual on how to work the equipment (often because I was the only one at the time who actually knew HOW to operate the equipment, being the company guinea pig and all). So, I showed them the "Operations Manual" I made for Seishin, with instructions on everything from putting grades into the computer, to using the copy machine, to filling out necessary forms.
Being able to write a procedure is a very useful skill. Saves a lot of time in explaining things to people. Just hand them the book and tell them to follow the steps!