Francisco returns from Oxford Round Table

Having spent one week in July in an intensive round-table discussion on a split in education between the arts and humanities and science and mathematics, Ed Francisco, writer-in-residence and associate professor of English, has returned full of knowledge—and perhaps more questions.

The Oxford Round Table at Harris Manchester College in Oxford, England, has been held every year since 1989 to discuss major issues in educational policy.

Francisco was one of 40 scholars from around the world in attendance.

This year’s discussion was an attempt to find ways to bridge the gap in education between the arts and humanities and science and mathematics.

“It’s an effort to enable scientists, artists, writers, mathematicians and others to communicate,” said Francisco. “These seemingly separate fields of study have close ties. For example, artists such as science fiction writers have foretold events that actually occur in science, especially explorations in space or research.

“I had a load of fun. I heard many presentations on a great diversity of ideas from extraordinarily talented individuals.”

Francisco shared his own ideas in an essay, “Semiotic Theory and the Limits of Computer Mediated Learning.”

His presentation included discussion of the fact that all individuals communicate using signs—words, gestures or body language—that symbolize additional signs. According to Francisco, this process of communication can actually be represented mathematically with a series of shapes that resembles a strand of DNA.

Sometimes, he says, creative thinking involves asking more questions rather than providing more answers.

“The week was intense. Since we were all lodging and eating at Harris Manchester College, conversations and debate continued—sometimes well into the night—after each day’s presentations. I left the round table invigorated and inspired,” said Francisco.

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