>We choose what we pay attention to, and what we then do with it is our responsibility.

Wow, that’s a very succinct summary. Thanks for that. I may have to quote you.

ari

I think it all goes back to the existential principle of choice and responsibility. We choose what we pay attention to, and what we then do with it is our responsibility.

I’m also firmly of the persuasion that ‘when the student is ready, the teacher will appear.’ The universe is very obliging to us that way.

Good post!

G.

Grace´s last blog post..The 5 minute shift that saves brain cells

Wow, thanks for your kind words — coming from someone like you, it means much to me.

Yes, when you’re teaching, isn’t it easy to fall into the trap of “Hey, I’m going to TEACH them great things today!” thinking that you’re the one who holds the switch to turn the learning “on” — but in reality, everyone gets out what they will out of what you’re presenting. It’s a balancing act, of course, but hopefully teaching includes a bit of meeting them where students are, and guiding them from there.

ari

You know, I am a teacher–I teach university students and when I first started teaching, I thought I should be the ’sage on the stage’ and *teach* my students the knowledge they needed. Now, I realize that learning is an interactive process–and the role of the teacher is to faciliate learning. You are so right–learning is proactive and self-directed; this maximizes the potential to learn to the fullest.

Thank you for this post–

Melinda

Melinda´s last blog post..The Hell of Heroin Addiction

Well, thanks! I am uncomfortable with the word “teacher” but I don’t think it has to do with lack of confidence about the impact I may have. I feel like I’m still doing too much preaching and spoon-feeding and not enough asking questions and telling stories.

I do appreciate your affirmation! I take it to my heart and strive to be even better.
ari

Thanks for the follow-up.

“Core academic studies are no doubt important for they lay the groundwork for all forms of learning to develop.”

Indeed, there is some fundamental knowledge that we all must acquire, isn’t there? Well, I’ve been asked a very good question about what this fundamental may be — in the next post I’m going to invite everyone to voice their opinion on this. I’ll look forward to reading what you have to say.

ari

Wow, an excellent point! What you’re saying totally makes sense. My wife and I have always been leery of over-praising. It simply loses its potency.

What you’re saying is that we need to reinforce positive behaviors, not positive results. Otherwise, kids will learn to play it safe, just to achieve the praise-able results. Totally the opposite of what we want to instill in them.

Laurie, you ought to do a blog, based on your years of experience as a teacher. Your writing is concise and clear — perfect for a blog. I think many teachers and parents need to be know truths like this. (not to mention it’ll be a great online promotion for your business!)
ari