The beginning of this book starts with the story
of the two businessmen who see differently the potential of a shoe
company in Africa. I just imagine my students who approach math problems
from left and right field. It is crazy to me that we all can interpret
or invent things differently. The example of the nine-dot test is
perfect. I myself fell into the same imaginary constraint of a box
limit. I can only imagine what our students could achieve if we could
get them to take away the imaginary constraints.
This
notion of the world of measurement is very interesting to me. I know
that as a math teacher I definitely look at my world through a very
logical and some time ridiculous cut and dry lens. But, as a Christian I
believe that looking at everybody through these world and measurement
based lenses is wrong. It judges them and in a sense implies that I know
them and that there is nothing that can surprise me or change. I
clearly know this notion is wrong and therefore the inner battle of
balance begins. I love that the author points out that we think that
life is all about surviving and getting ahead. I can’t tell you how many
times my students have talked like this. They care more about learning
tricks to get ahead in life than learning to become more intelligent or
well rounded. The Universe of Possibility that the author speaks about
is a world without bounds where people are not always competing but
achieving great things by thinking outside of the box. Some of my most
successful students are the perfect example of this. They are not
concerned with popularity, grades, or perfection, just working hard and
being creative. Since we can’t control life it really is crazy that
people stress themselves out and wear themselves thin to try and control
life.
It is interesting that the author
brings up grades. I find myself right now a little stressed about grades
and then I think about what those grades really mean. I know that I did
everything to the best of my ability and that I truly understand the
material, so what does the grade tell me that I don’t already know? This
is a thought that I would like to translate into my classroom. I am in
the process of switching my classroom to a mastery classroom. I think
that a lot of my students could receive an “A” if they were truly
allowed to hone their skills in my class instead of race to a test every
other week. While I like the story of giving every student an A, and I
agree that it would be less stressful, I don’t think it would work in
all classes. What would be an alternative in a remedial math class? I
love that the author mentions that a disengaged student may be the best
student but they don’t want to be disappointed. I often find that the
“troublemakers” in my classes are usually the ones that are very bored
and very intelligent. What strikes me the most is that giving an “A” has
more to do with an attitude and mindset with the people around us, then
grades in a traditional classroom. I feel as though I can completely
relate to Roz when it comes to giving her father an A. I also had to
rethink my relationship with a father who was never around and died
suddenly before I could have a true relationship with him. After
rethinking and reproaching our relationship I was able to see how my
husband truly loved me. If think that if I had never done that, I would
not be as happily married as I am now. As a perfectionist I can see a
lot of barriers that I myself build that restrict my own life and
teaching. Imagine what a world where everyone though this way. The true
test is giving someone an A even when we don’t like them or they might
seem like a jerk.
My Responce:
Jess,
As far as a World of Possibilities, I couldn't agree with you more. I too am a Christian and struggled with the notion of seeing a world with worldly boundaries. It can lead to all kinds of problems. When dealing with the idea of how to look at possibilities versus restraint of ideas I like to think of it as a sort of unavailing of truth instead of inventing ideas. I however, had a hard time identifying with the author. We do share some truths, whether we like it or not. I've always a better peace of mind trusting the Book rather than what I can make up. Nice Post! Good Thoughts.
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