Learning Takes Place Where There is Teaching

Part Ten in the series From the Earth to the Moon depicts an inspirational story of the transformation of a group of astronauts. It is obvious from the beginning that the astronauts were not fully aware of the physical structure or composition of the destination. Also, they had not fully grasped the physics and other science involved in the voyage. After all, they were not really astronauts. This may have been the greatest challenge. Later, they also experienced unexpected adjustments in budgets, plans, and resources.

Amidst the obstacles, there were several opportunities that stood out in the video. One of the most outstanding was the involvement of learned men to provide guidance and assistance to the astronauts. They were exposed to practical experiences that closely resembled what could be expected when they got to the moon. Although there was communication from the earth to the moon, they were able to rely on the experience they acquired during their “training”. Also, they were able to offer clear and concise descriptions to their colleagues on Earth.

In addition, the astronauts were going to the trip with improved equipment. This helped to them to gain more insights from the mission and be able to contribute more to the science which was available at the time.

One of the encouraging themes from the episode was that the astronauts were committed to the task, despite the setbacks that they experienced. These men were described as motivated and smart.

Also, the professor encouraged the students through the phases of ignorance and misunderstanding. The lack of knowledge may have hindered the smooth flow of communication between a novice and an expert. The professor and scientist understood where these men were and remained committed to increasing the knowledge of the astronauts.

With time, it became more apparent how these experiences helped the astronauts became geologists. These men studied the physics, the geology, the geography and learned the relevance for the trip. They were able to rely on their knowledge and experience to make the trip successful.

Furthermore, the episode highlights the relevance that the preparation for the lunar mission have for leaders who inspire communal or even congregational spiritual formation. Professor Silver emphasized the importance of starting where the people and the knowledge what they have. Gradually, they are taken to where they should be through incremental, intentional, experimental teaching. This may have been the most influential technique to attribute to the astronauts’ success. Although they may not have the knowledge, learning can take place.

Additionally, the professor and the scientist were passionate about the content that they shared. When leaders are teaching for transformation, it is important that the students feel like the teacher wants to be teaching and is comfortable with doing so. It may very well be that the professor was motivated by personal gain, but it was not exhibited in the episode. When the students see that we have been positively affected by our knowledge, then they would be more inspired to change as well.