As a single teaching strategy, the Putting Out System is a technique that has been used over the years to educate students. It is an unmatched and timeless concept that revolves around the central idea of apprenticeship.
Essentially, students learn practical skills from accomplished individuals, who serve as mentors or masters. In return, these masters receive support from the students, either in the form of work, service, or financial reimbursement. This system has been applied in various fields like textiles, metallurgy, carpentry, and other trades, but it has also found significant use in formal education.
To teach students about the Putting Out System, it is essential to start by unpacking how it works. One of the critical aspects of this strategy is the notion of the apprenticeship. As previously mentioned, it involves the transfer of skills and knowledge from an expert to someone who has less experience. This method helps students to acquire practical skills while also contributing to the economy of the learning environment.
In addition to the master-apprentice relationship, it is also critical to emphasize the concept of specialization. One of the critical aspects of the Putting Out System’s success is the ability for individuals to concentrate on a specific trade and master it over time. When students learn about this practice, they can identify the areas where they have a particular interest and talent and learn from the masters who excel in that area.
Additionally, discussing the role of students in the Putting Out System is also vital. One of the primary functions of the apprentice is to provide practical assistance in the production or exchange of goods and services. Students should understand that with this system, there is a mutual dependence between the master and the apprentice. Through their participation, the students strengthen their skills, and their work helps support the master’s livelihood.
Finally, as teachers, it is important to share examples of how the Putting Out System revolutionized specific industries. For instance, in the textile industry, there was a time when machines were too expensive for small-scale businesses. Consequently, small-time traders had to outsource certain aspects of the trade, such as spinning, weaving, and dyeing, to skilled artisans working from home. They were then able to concentrate on other areas of the business-like transport and marketing. Ultimately, this arrangement led to job creation and more incredible productivity in the textile industry.
In conclusion, the Putting Out System is an effective teaching strategy that has been around for many years and continues to be relevant today. In breaking down the concept, students can appreciate the role that apprenticeship, specialization, and mutual dependence play in it. By providing examples of how it works and its positive effects on industries, students can see the practical ways in which they can apply it. Ultimately, using the Putting Out System promotes a skills-based learning approach and enables students to make better decisions about their future careers.
