Right Place, Right Time

Another thought on the connection between informal and formal learning:

Sometimes you'll be talking to somebody when, suddenly, there arises in the conversation a moment that is the perfect moment for you to tell a favorite story. Well, we might think about strong impressions and research notes the same way: as stories or ideas that we hold in our heads (or our notebooks) as we wait for the right moment to let fly.

The conversation occasions the telling of our story. The research essay occasions our selective release of researched information.