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Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

Clifford Knapp

Abstract

Curiosity seized me and when L.B. paused, I raised my hand and asked, "What's that bird?" L. B. thought for a moment and then replied, "I don't know: why don't you go and find out?" His response was surprising because I thought he would give the bird's name and want me to stay for the rest of his lecture. I blurted out, "Do you mean right now?" He said "Yes, right now, before the bird flies away". Somewhat reluctantly, I left the group and eventually discovered the mystery bird was a yellow-billed cuckoo. Now I realize that L.B. knew the bird's name, but didn't want to simply tell me. He believed the best way to learn is to allow one's own sense of wonder to drive discovery. He didn't believe in telling the names of plants, animals, or anything until after people experienced them directly, and maybe even not then. He thought most people stopped learning if they are just given answers to questions. He preferred the technique of Socratic questioning to expand awareness, rather than to give answers. He believed self-discovered information was learned faster, retained longer, and appreciated more through firsthand observation. I still vividly remember that yellow-billed cuckoo's call and other characteristics over 40 years later.

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