Week+4+-+Summary+paper

__ Specialization or Generalization: Which is better? __

This question came about as an extension of our discussion about integration/inclusion, especially in relation to the mixing of different subject specializations (i.e. physical education, arts, math, etc.). Initially, it was meant to be a discussion specifically revolving around teaching, about whether it was better to become a specialist teacher or teacher in general, but discussion soon expanded into specialization or generalization in many areas. Of note, we discussed the specialization of students into various “streams”, as is common in Europe. Below is a summary of our group’s thoughts prior to our discussion and a summary of the debate and conversation that occurred.

__ Summary of Contributions __

The contributions began with a comment on Alison Gopnik’s TED talk “what do babies think?”. In it, the way babies think is compared to a lantern as opposed to a spotlight. This idea is then juxtaposed with the idea of “range versus specificity” from Second Nature by Edelman. Ultimately, the point is made that as pre-teachers we should be wary of specializing too much and limiting our scope of exposure to experiences that might provide learning opportunities to become better teachers in general. The next contribution then compares specialization and generalization to the division of the brain into two hemispheres and their respective characteristics, and idea, spurred by Ian McGilchrist’s TED talk “The Divided Brain”. Essentially, the point is made that there needs to be balance between “seeing the big picture” and “focusing in”. A reference to the story of “Swimology” also makes the point that different amount of each of these is required for different situations.

The next contribution reminds us that elementary teachers are “expected to know a little bit of everything”. Secondary teachers likely will have to teach something outside of their specialty, and the Alberta Program of Studies mandates that elementary teachers most definitely will. Further, it is suggested that generalization is more conducive to lifelong learning. The next contribution then restates the idea that it is about “finding the most acceptable balance between the two to create the best learning environment for our students”. Specializing to a degree, where your knowledge is inapplicable is useless, especially if communication, social or teaching skills are forfeited as a result.

The idea of a “T-shaped” person was also submitted, “where the vertical line on the T represents the depth of related skills as expertise in a same field and the horizontal bar is the ability to collaborate across disciplines with experts in other areas, and to apply knowledge in areas of expertise other than their own”. The idea of creative versus detail oriented people was also contributed based on ideas from "Attentional associative interactions in creativity" by Schmajuk, Aziz, & Bates. This was related to the idea of range versus specificity mentioned above. In addition, the important point was made that as teachers we will have to accommodate different learning styles. Finally, specializing is like “learning more and more about less and less”, from a undergrad, graduate, and doctoral perspective.

__ Summary of Debate/Conversation __

The debate began by assigning one half of the group arguing for specialization and the other half arguing for generalization. The first topic revolved around the specialization (or “streaming”) of young students (as early as grade three) which occurs in Europe, specifically Austria. Is it better to specialize early or later? The points made are summarized below: - “specialization occurs early in China, and China dominates in Olympics” - “those certain individuals see success, but what about the rest” - “specialization progresses all through those specialists” - “if one specializes too early, one misses out on mental processes and understanding of other aspects of life” - “specialists are not well rounded individuals”; “balance is healthy” - “who is to say what a healthy balance is? We’re biased to think balance is good because of our culture. What about knowledge that is passed down in a family that professionalizes in a trade – that knowledge would be lost without specializations” - “Wouldn’t a society as a whole benefit from having a whole bunch of specialist so everyone is really good at what they do” - “what if there’s too much specialization, no mixing of specialties?” “innovations born of mixing are lost” - “Depends what you value”

At this point the groups switched sides, flipping the positions "for or against" specialization or generalization. The question also switched to “What do we value in society: generalization values or specialization values?” - “Google interview example: Why is a manhole round?” makes the point that creativity is valued these days (i.e. generalization is valued these days). - “but where are all the general PhDs -- in some circles generalization is not valued, even within the formal arena” - “Steve jobs is a generalist and he had great success” - “there has been a recent shift in culture: more group work now, more divergent thinking/creativity”

The debate now morphed into a conversation where compromises where made between the two perspectives. - “Generalize early specialize late or vice versa?” - “maybe serial specializing” - “The whole is the greater than the sum of the parts. A comment related to the innovations that come from generalizing or combing specialties”

In all, the conclusions the group came to were as follows: You need a balance between generalization and specialization and the line will be nearer to specialization or generalization depending on the situation -- though it is tough to draw that line most times. Also, it is difficult to define exactly the criteria for a specialization/generalization. The line that is drawn is definitely tightly tied to the culture and what is valued by that culture. Definition as a specialist/generalist (degree, etc.) might not even be accurate or valid – cultural value. E.g. midwife versus obgyn. So, what is specialization? Is it a practicum, life experience or some structured formal educational program? It depends on what you and society value, and the period of time during which you live. There is an ebb and flow to cultural values, and perhaps we, as pre-service teachers, should be nimble and prepare for vast generalization and deep specialization. No small undertaking.