Fail…
Repost from: https://fisher.osu.edu/blogs/gradlife/2009/10/02/fail/
“The brain is a wonderful organ. It starts working the moment you were born and doesn’t stop until you get called for oral recitation.”
I got the line, which is a George Jessel quotation with a twist, from my friend Kristine Malabanan. And it perfectly sums up what happened yesterday during MBA 812: Managerial Economics class.
When I went through the required reading for the class (which was almost a HUNDRED PAGES), I had a different understanding about marginal benefits and its impact on whether or not a consumer decided to buy more or not. During the discussion, I realized my error. While I was still trying to reconfigure everything (the key word being trying), I was called to say my piece about marginal costs and suppliers. As the professor was shooting questions at me, I was trying to say something using the new information I received earlier. That was, of course, unsuccessful. Although, the way the discussion was moving, you would believe that I was actually on the right track – until you hear the gibberish I was saying anyway. I am trying to remember what I said but all I remember are random numbers.
I felt really stupid after that. But it triggered something in me. I was suddenly very eager to say something else in class. In previous sessions, my heart would be pounding every time I raise my hand. It was actually a relief when somebody else was called. But now, it’s “I already made a big mistake, it wouldn’t hurt to make another one”. This mindset works in classes (with obvious exceptions) where making mistakes is just another opportunity to learn. It’s a cliché but it’s true. I am sure I will never forget the concept of marginal benefits and costs for a loooooooong time. When exams come, I am almost 100% certain that I will get this item right.
Most of the time mistake is the best teacher.
ah, the socratorial technique. it’s hell to be on the hot seat but works wonders in retaining information on where you went wrong. you’re right, you’ll most certainly answer correctly if asked in an exam (or in any other setting for that matter).
i’m not sure with MBA topics but you’ll get a hang of the key points to look out for when you read. at first, it’ll be difficult since everything might be new but soon a hundred page reading assignment wil be a breeze. remember, it’s still reading comprehension albeit at a higher level.