Re: Country codes?

bob_the_wonder_ferret · Tue, 29 Aug 2000 07:10:15 -0700

What knowledge is not memorization? Past using
logical deductions, isn't everything just part of those
"factoids" that someone picked up? Furthermore, logical
deductions requires at least a bare knowledge of the topic.
What makes picking up rivers as a result of knowing
rituals any more valid than learning roads from looking
at maps. Furthermore, what about the huge number of
literature questions that, if one sat down and read Benet's,
would get. Is that just as almanac based as learning
country codes? I just get frustrated when people strike
down a particular area of knowledge because it sounds
if they are too good for that topic. As I
pontificated as a sophmore in High School, all knowledge is
related because of the use of analogies and the abilities
to see the trends, thus opening logical deductions,
so no logic is not worth learning. If those trends
are "secret codes" then why aren't ther all
specifically taught in school. The only example of a code that
I was taught is electron orbitals, but that only
works with a periodic table, so just the element won't
do. So if you ask me, I think that country codes have
their place in the quizbowl world, but it should not
supercede capitals or rivers. Perhaps a restructuring of
the quizbowl requirements for packets is in order.
Right now we reward and thus incite people to learn
specific things. I know people who would sit down and
actually learn things, like literature, or geography.
Those cram sessions which are so common prior to a
tournament are a perfect example of trying to memorize in
hopes of doing better. The problem with the country
codes was that they were over-used. I have seen many
packets from the 5 years ago area, with many questions on
country codes, so like everything in quizbowl, moderation
is the key.

Just as a side note, I think one
of the places which uses application of knowledge is
math calculation. Some things in calculation require
knowledge of tricks and techniques, but quizbowl has
declared calculation close to dead. Of course, this is the
point of view of someone who like math, so take it for
what its worth.

Ben