Intelligent Hands: Why making is a skill for life

The decline in craft and creative education in schools and higher education has led to a lack of hand skills among graduates. Intelligent Hands seeks to enlighten the uninitiated and persuade the nay-sayers of the importance of hand skills in education and for lifelong learning. It combines existing research and information in an accessible format, including personal stories of ten people who have discovered that working with their hands has improved their quality of life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 08 September 2023
Publisher: Quickthorn

The recent years have witnessed a significant decline in craft and creative education in schools, accompanied by a shift towards theoretical learning models in higher education. This trend has left young individuals unaware of the potential career opportunities in craft-based fields, and graduates of craft-based degree courses are entering the workforce with limited hand skills, requiring extensive training from their employers. The notion that white-collar work should be more highly rewarded financially and socially than blue-collar work has emerged, leading to a disregard for the importance of hand skills in education and lifelong learning.

Intelligent Hands aims to address this phenomenon, explore its historical precedents, and emphasize the crucial role of hand skills in education and for personal growth. The authors are on a mission to enlighten the uninformed and persuade those who dismiss craft as a mere hobby or believe that physical labor is reserved for individuals who lack intellectual abilities. For those who have already embraced the craft, the book offers additional insights, funding opportunities, and inspiration for curriculum development.

The book brings together existing research and information in an accessible format, making it valuable for individuals who lack the time to trawl through extensive literature. By briefly examining the history of practical education, Intelligent Hands highlights the benefits of combining physical ways of learning with conceptual knowledge. The book includes personal stories of ten individuals who have experienced significant improvements in their quality of life through handwork.

Through the three sections of the book, Intelligent Hands examines how physical labor has been separated from academic study, how we have become disconnected from the material world, and the potential for reconnecting with our hands and the natural world. The authors argue that hand skills are essential for developing critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and creativity, which are crucial in today's rapidly changing world.

In conclusion, Intelligent Hands is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the importance of hand skills in education and personal development. By exploring the historical precedents, emphasizing the benefits of handwork, and providing personal stories, the book offers insights and inspiration for individuals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge. Whether you are a teacher, student, professional, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and value of craftsmanship, this book will provide you with valuable information and tools to navigate the world with greater confidence and skill.

Weight: 264g
Dimension: 169 x 240 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781739316020