Performance

When output is not up to speed and reason does not come
It drives me nuts, starts learning need, kick-starts me at a run.
Take colleges, with content which quite obsolescent is –
I found out they can't change without new registration biz.

So system says (to guarantee we don't go for a ride),
“Max change of ten percent a year, unless you changes hide
Under the table, keep it mum, prepare kids for the world –
But now the world is changing fast, more like a cyclone’s whirl.

So how to get well-trained I ask midst foolishness like that?
Solicit guidelines from them all and cook ’em in a vat;
Detect the base or core of it, the frills and extras stuff;
Then isolate the coming thing, make sure you learn enough.

Three things you need to get along in your prospective field:
Enough to get your ticket punched (can be an ancient meal);
Enough to have them start you out in system of your choice;
Enough for you to do the work, (with praises from your boss).

Three types of content line each course we have to take in school:
Slow changing stuff, like principles -- in textbooks as a rule;
The faster changes, Journals have (that's magazines and such);
The fastest change, newspapers have, live experts know that much.

Now textbooks lay their content out in sequence A to Z;
Their authors can't prioritize, pedantic since they be.
So take a look two thirds along, three quarters round about,
And you will find the heart of things, that's where they essence spout.

To stay on top of changing times, treat books like magazines –
Give each the time you spend with them, look where the heat is seen.
You need not read them all for there is overlap galore,
And authors play their volleyball-ideas off the floor.

So listen as they bash them ’round, grasp essence of their thought;
Then look for those who disagree and package have not bought;
Find those now working in the field and work along with them;
And scan the net and blogs for folks – your errors they'll amend.

Sometime you'll need some feedback on your output, not just words;
So find a mentor ten years up (his input can be heard);
Decide if what you want to learn to you essential is,
Then teach it, for you learn it best, and clean up in a quiz.

Stay there, on top of current stuff emerging in the world,
Which touches you directly in this info-cyclone whirl;
But also take the time to scan stuff in another field –
Cross-fertilize your narrowness, great dividends will yield.

And when you institution start, bring in the other gifts;
(With antidotes to allergy so culture's border lifts);
Alert to problems others have that you can solve with ease,
Which they will pay to have you solve – without you on your knees.

Six billion people on the globe, and soon there will be seven;
Most cannot education have, must use such thought-full leaven;
But they are blessed once they can read, and write, and have the net,
For info they can search and find, be educated best.

But Canada likes systems, has credentials filter out
The best from bottom-feeders, cannot see a better route;
For vested interests hold the hill, and keep newcomers down;
Just walk around the hill, like Gates, and start another round.

Stand back and view another way to skin the cat – there's lots;
Establishment is tied right in, slow changing grasp of sots.
What is it that’s the end result you seek, or better one?
How could you get there, half the cost and time, while having fun?

Don't settle down ’cause all that gives is lead-time from the pack --
At ten percent they'll ooze along absorbing what they lack.
Two feet you have, so stand on one while other leg you swing;
Then stand on it, move solid one – new concepts then you'll bring.

Compete like Brits, share glory-skills to even playing field;
So next round all new chances have, and better game you'll yield;
Make slower ones get off their perch and get a wiggle on,
So students can excel themselves, and join the marathon.

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