Next message: Frank Reed: "Re: Definition Drift, WAS: Bowditch 1995 Table 18"
Carl you wrote:
"Numerous texts and teachers emphasize following step-by-step instructions
with little or no examination of the underlying principles. Not only are
students of this method less likely to retain the knowledge, they are more
likely to overlook their own mistakes and are ill-equipped to troubleshoot
their sight reductions."
Yes, especially today. Navigators will be using this material only rarely.
Rote-learning is less likely to be successful in these circumstances.
Furthermore, many (most?) who study celestial navigation today do so for
entertainment and personal fulfillment. There is little fulfillment in memorization
without comprehension.
I'll add that I do believe that the lighthouse analogy and explanation HELPS
comprehension for many students.
-FER
42.0N 87.7W, or 41.4N 72.1W.
www.HistoricalAtlas.com/lunars
