I had no idea what to expect from this book, and was
actually puzzled as to why this course was even assigned a textbook. Now that
I’ve read the first four chapters, I am starting to understand the timing and
relevance of this book. “The Art of Possibility” is my personal Oprah/Dr.Phil,
causing me to take an objective, external look at Julia Hutchinson. Here’s a
look at some of my “ah-ha” moments:
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve convinced myself that an opportunity was unattainable because of one reason or another. At one time, I had an idea to start a business. I didn’t. Why? Because I convinced myself I didn’t have the knowledge or the money to do it. When I got the money, I didn’t have the time. When I had the time, I didn’t have the….well, you get the idea. I kept pinning myself inside this box of limitations, rather than enlarging (or even removing) the box.
As a instructor, it is easy to position myself on the throne
of rightful authority. What I say goes because I’m the teacher and you are the
student. Why else would you enroll in my course? (And we wonder why students
have attitudes.) Over the past few years, I have relinquished my total
authority in exchange for a more democratic approach to student projects, even
going as far as allowing students to set the criteria and choices for certain
projects. What a difference it made! When I let go of the reigns, the truly
creative students fly!
Julia you said a mouthful..When I was younger I had so many ideas that I would tell myself I couldn't do because of this or because of that. I realized that the limitation I had placed on my self were because of my own reservations in my skills but once I removed those and broaden my scope the possibilities were endless for me. I wonder if these limitations we place on ourselves has anything to do what could have been relayed to us when we were younger. I am just thinking out loud...
ReplyDeleteJulia,
ReplyDeleteAfter I though about the first four chapters I came to the realization that many times we are bound to "self fulfilling prophesy". You are right. Many times we limit our ability by literally making our box smaller, or hiding behind the box because even it scares us. Possibilities shouldn't be scary, they should be exciting and refreshing.
It is a hard thing sometimes to let go of those reigns of authority. Students tend to resist and resent when they feel forced to do things outside of their control. Although it is a better approach to allow students to lead their learning, it is up to us to be fully in the facilitator position to help redirect and refocus. But if students truly take the lead, they will fly.
Excellent passages to quote and remember. It's amazing how easily we find ourselves limited and confined, it seems to be part of "growing up." Thank God that it's not also a stage that one can grow out of and remember that there are always limitless possibilities. And that we do need to approach how we guide our students with the same care and nurturing so that they can exceed our expectations and do great things.
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