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James Heckman: An Economist's Perspective on Education

Chautauqua Institution
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Bob B Avatar
Bob B
Posts: 14
Posted: 07.23.09, 12:23 PM
At one point professor suggests that fostering “soft skills” such as perseverance, confidence and motivation form the early age will lead to rewarding career in the future. On the other hand, his “marshmallow test” example shows that ability of self-control or willingness to wait another ten minutes for a bigger prize are at the core of success. I thought that “motivation” and “self-control” are two notions that slightly contradict each other in the context of modern reality. Marshmallow test was first introduced in (http://venturebeat.com/2007/08/23/the-marshmellow-test/ 1960); in the modern world waiting another 10 minutes for another marshmallow might as well count as a missed opportunity.
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Andrew Siebert Avatar
Andrew Siebert
Posts: 1
Posted: 07.30.09, 04:13 AM
Interesting idea...that of "waiting another 10 minutes for another marshmallow" could mean a lost opportunity. Not only is this possibly more relevant in a rapidly changing modern world, but I would suggest that this is indeed the norm in the developing world, as in Latin America and many African countries. The idea assumes a certain level of societal and cultural stability, as well as a high level of trust in the person who promises the marshmallow. Is such a high level of trust in others' promises, the general expectation that such promises will be fulfilled still such a good idea in the long term, or a naive fantasy from the world of the 1950's? Just look at the loss of pensions and health care by today's retirees. Interesting idea...




Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob B
At one point professor suggests that fostering “soft skills” such as perseverance, confidence and motivation form the early age will lead to rewarding career in the future. On the other hand, his “marshmallow test” example shows that ability of self-control or willingness to wait another ten minutes for a bigger prize are at the core of success. I thought that “motivation” and “self-control” are two notions that slightly contradict each other in the context of modern reality. Marshmallow test was first introduced in (http://venturebeat.com/2007/08/23/the-marshmellow-test/ 1960); in the modern world waiting another 10 minutes for another marshmallow might as well count as a missed opportunity.
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rodrigrap Avatar
rodrigrap
Posts: 3
Posted: 08.04.09, 11:52 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob B
At one point professor suggests that fostering “soft skills” such as perseverance, confidence and motivation form the early age will lead to rewarding career in the future. On the other hand, his “marshmallow test” example shows that ability of self-control or willingness to wait another ten minutes for a bigger prize are at the core of success. I thought that “motivation” and “self-control” are two notions that slightly contradict each other in the context of modern reality. Marshmallow test was first introduced in (http://venturebeat.com/2007/08/23/the-marshmellow-test/ 1960); in the modern world waiting another 10 minutes for another marshmallow might as well count as a missed opportunity.
The marshmallow test is a simply ilustration of a bigger point: non-cognitive abilities matter.
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