I started this week’s reading while on my train commute
into NYC. The quiet ride (despite sharing a train car with 250 other riders)
was briefly interrupted by my “Wow!” response to page 68:
It’s so true! The conductor doesn’t make a sound at all.
Yet it is his influence and ability to empower others to make beautiful music
that counts. I immediately applied the principle to my role as an instructor. It
doesn’t matter how great of a designer I may be. Any determination of greatness
lies in the work that my students produce. It lies in my ability to help them become
problem solvers and critical thinkers. The students our program graduates are,
in many ways, a reflection and the product of the instruction they receive.
Now, is it a direct correlation? Is there an absolute cause and effect
relationship between the quality of instruction and the demonstrated competency
of the student? No. There are too many other factors to consider. However, the
principle of empowerment and influence simply cannot be undermined.
Julia,
ReplyDeleteWell said. We have a huge responsibility to help our students be all that they can be. I believe that there is somewhat of a correlation between the outcome of the learner and the instruction. There are the occasional exceptional student that rises above poor instruction because they are self empowered. Nonetheless, there is definitely a need for empowerment in our schools.
Julia, Your blog post could not be more accurate in the idea that students are a direct representation of their teacher’s instructional ability. I also agree with you when you asked us the question regarding student competency and direct instruction of the teacher. There really are too many environmental factors that can possibly lead students to either way of the pendulum of education. Even though these factors exist, it does not mean that educators must always count on those factors to be superior to our teaching. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteI had the same "wha?" experience. I had never really reflected on it. What I love about listening to this book, particularly at my age, is that we process information on a deeper level due to more life experiences. A sentence may trigger a whole series of related matrices of thought and emotions. I additionally am a design instructor. At times, I go off on tangents too that are triggered. Lately, I have been much more aware of these triggers. I believe it is my responsibility to guide students through these same processes, yet teach them to filter unimportant ideas and concepts. I teach them to redirect those thoughts into creating designs. As a designer, the more in tune you are with the subconscious forces that influence your ideas, the better.
ReplyDeleteExcellent observation about the relationship between the educator and the learner. It is very much our job to bring out and enable the learners best efforts. I agree that it isn't a direct cause and effect relationship, but I've known too often when educators have lost sight that their first call is the education of their students and not the enshrinement of their own knowledge. I've know a number of teachers who were much more in love with their subject than their pupils. Ack.
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