[Jewelry making - Article 00119] - Re: [Orchid] Self taught Vs Formal training

[JSEllington]

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>     Although I have trade recognition being a "Freeman of the
>     WorshipfulCompany of Goldsmiths" and a "Fellow of the Institute
>     ofProfessional Goldsmiths", I do not apparently have the
>     qualificationsto teach my trade. I was told by the education
>     official that I wouldhave to attend a college myself to obtain a
>     qualification that wouldenable me to teach something that I have
>     been doing successfully forthe past 46 years. In my time I have
>     made items for royalty all overthe world. I have won awards for my
>     skills. I am regarded as a highquality craftsman by my peers. But I
>     am not regarded as qualified toteach. 

    I usually don't answer when I have comments that I believe might
    remotely step on toes but I have to say that I think it is the same
    way in the United States as described above. 

    I am a registered pharmacist (in addition to being a
    silver/goldsmith, self-taught). I spent 5 years at the University of
    Texas getting the required degree--then I learned how to be a
    pharmacist when I started practicing. 

    I have always thought that ability means nothing here in the U.S.
    but credentials mean everything! Somehow the colleges have their
    "legal bluff" in place. You can't be considered competent to do
    anything unless you have a college education in that field. The sad
    thing is that college is a legal requirement but in no way guarantees
    competence. 

    Christians, no matter how full of faith, would never believe in
    Jesus Christ if he suddenly appeared on earth now and began healing
    people. In spite of the obvious healings, there is still the law.
    Where's his license to practice medicine? He would meet with a
    treatment similar to the first time he came here. In spite of
    whatever evidence of good results, there are a lot of natural healers
    that have been prosecuted simply because they are not credentialed. 

    Why isn't there some process to PROVE competence in addition to or
    instead of the required college credits? Don't say, "there is--it's
    the board exams." All an exam proves is the ability to pass a test. 

    While I managed a pharmacy one time I had a PharmD (doctor of
    pharmacy which requires a PhD) working for me. My technicians turned
    to her for advice on weight loss. She weighed nearly 300 pounds!! It
    is laughable how we turn to people with credentials rather than to
    people who KNOW how to do whatever it is they are seeking to
    do/learn. 

    "Knowing how to do" and "being able to do" are not necessarily the
    same thing. I seek help from people who are doing well what I want to
    be able to do--that is the only credential I need. 

J. S. (Sue) Ellington
http://www.jsellington.com

 
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