That Khan Academy tree is pretty demotivating for me, and it’s actually less math than I know (it looks like it only goes up through derivatives in a more traditionally structured series of classes). Now imagine that there are similar, more comprehensive trees for every major field of knowledge. To truly face the fact that you will only ever be able to learn a tiny fraction of any given field is pretty depressing. Of course, this is partially a reflection of the scale at which the tree is made and the way it’s presented, but motivation is not at all a sure thing.
To truly face the fact that you will only ever be able to learn a tiny fraction of any given field is pretty depressing.
First, if that reality depresses you, you need an attitude adjustment. I got a PhD in EE which taught me that neither I nor anyone else knows squat. That’s just the way reality is.
Second, the graph isn’t enough without identifying levels of competency against some standard, which could be population statistics, or grade level. That’s what’s needed for education—realistic goals, and a way to track progress toward completing them.
That should be sufficient for schooling. After that, experts could recommend material based on desired specialties.
That Khan Academy tree is pretty demotivating for me, and it’s actually less math than I know (it looks like it only goes up through derivatives in a more traditionally structured series of classes). Now imagine that there are similar, more comprehensive trees for every major field of knowledge. To truly face the fact that you will only ever be able to learn a tiny fraction of any given field is pretty depressing. Of course, this is partially a reflection of the scale at which the tree is made and the way it’s presented, but motivation is not at all a sure thing.
First, if that reality depresses you, you need an attitude adjustment. I got a PhD in EE which taught me that neither I nor anyone else knows squat. That’s just the way reality is.
Second, the graph isn’t enough without identifying levels of competency against some standard, which could be population statistics, or grade level. That’s what’s needed for education—realistic goals, and a way to track progress toward completing them.
That should be sufficient for schooling. After that, experts could recommend material based on desired specialties.