A few musings from the Boston Peanut gallery

Good morning!

For those who may not know me, I am David, a 4th class graduate, and one of the guinea pigs in the first "Cultures of Learning." I am currently a History MA student at UMass Boston.

First, I wanted to mention that the NY Times editorial staff listed a report yesterday on the improvment of "No Child Left Behind". Please read if interested.

Second, Thursday past, I attended a dialogue with Professor Nel Yalman of Harvard University and Provost Winston Langley of UMass Boston on the topic of the founder's 1991 speech on soft power, delivered at Harvard. One particularly interesting comment Provost Langley made was the effect of education in the United States. Secondary and higher education's focus on "growth" demonstrates a change post-World War II in which the emphasis on the vocational education is a practice in, and perpetuation of "hard power." The emphasis on developing a trade or career, limits or removes the strength of  "soft power," or what he called the "manifestation of a complete individual." Instead, emphasizing hard power promotes negative views of human possibilities.

Anyway, I just thought I would share a snippet to you all. Current students, do well to each other, and work hard. Great things will happen. James, to you and your family the best.

D.