Definition of a Student. The importance of setting a goal for ones studies.

A student is one who studies. He is an attentive and systematic observer. A student is one who reads and studies in detail in order to learn and then apply.

He understands the purpose of his study is to:

Understand the materials he is studying by reading, observing, demonstrating, and drilling.
He does this in order to be able to apply what he has learned. He understands his studies have to come together so he can apply the data to a specific result.

His ultimate reward is:
The ability to produce specific results or products and do it with ease and do it right repeatedly.

When he can do that he is no longer a student. He is a professional.

A student who consistently can
produce a professional result is
no longer a student.
He is a professional.

Study and Intention
The state of mind with which a student approaches study will determine the results that the student can expect to get out of his studies.

One of the first things a student has to determine is what he is going to do with the materials he is studying. He must also determine what he is going to do with the information when his studies are completed.

If a student's intent is to study the materials only so he can pass the exam he will likely be very incapable of doing anything with the subject once the exam is over. He might be a great theoretician, but he would find it difficult to apply the data to a practical use.


A student with the goal of becoming an astronaut would be very focused and know what is important to him and what is not.

Some students don't have any clearly formulated intention with their studies. They are just there to get through the course. They are just there by accident, studying away. They back off from doing demonstrations of any kind, including clay demonstrations. They don't want to look up words for their exact meanings. When forced to demonstrate something they may do so but try to maintain the attitude that it has nothing to do with them. "It's all very interesting but I don't really care."

Non-involvement is the primary barrier in the ability to apply the material of a course.

There can be many reasons to study. Exam results, status, speed, glory, knowledge, whatever.

There is only one valid reason to study: Studying for understanding, application and be able to produce something of value.