I'd like to believe I'm not a classroom drive-by shooter. The one who teaches in a way that resembles speedily driving by, shooting as many random bullets as possible, and hoping to hit something, like that "average" student, for example. I don't want to be that teacher, which is why I love the workshop model, providing strategies, allowing kids time and space to work independently, nudging learners while conferring, pulling small groups together to work on strategies, etc.
Unfortunately, I can think of students, even from this past year, who were outliers of sorts for some reason or another. I can list off their names and see their little faces. I know I didn't reach them in the way they deserved. They developed new skills and attitudes during our months together, but they could have blossomed even more, and this pains me.
This week I was provided the opportunity of watching a Ted Talk entitled The Myth of Average. The 18 minutes spent with this video were some of my favorite of the week. Honestly, the message is not necessarily a new one, but it's packaged so expertly and meaningfully that it won't leave me alone. I hope it continues to nag at me as I step into my classroom for the first time next week, as I begin to prepare for a new crew of kiddos, and as I think about repeatedly shooting every single one of my children straight in the heart each day they spend with me.
Please allow yourself 18 minutes to watch this video. It will leave an impact that will launch you into a new year with students who are not average.
Love this! Thank you so much for sharing! I see this so much with my GT kiddos-average just doesn't reach them. I am very lucky to work at a campus that has never had to use basal readers (where everyone reads the same text) and scripted curriculum. A great reminder for us as we enter the new school year!
ReplyDeleteMiss Trayers, I'm glad you loved it. I's such a great reminder.
DeleteYou're so good at expressing what I'm thinking:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the video!
Barb, If I express what you're thinking, then I must be thinking the right thing. :)
DeleteThat is so funny. At my tech camp last week, this study was brought up and talked about. It wasn't this TED talk either. I think this is the second time that something you have posted was discussed in one of my meetings. I am pretty sure you need to be doing these meetings yourself!
ReplyDeleteLori, I think we're in the middle of a movement right now in education, and it's being felt all over from Missouri to Idaho. Thank you for always thinking I have something to offer. :)
DeleteYes Yes Yes. I just want to know how how how I can help to be that change. We are about to adopt new math and reading programs and I want to make sure that this type of thinking is heard.
ReplyDeleteEm, I feel like I might need to watch this video on a monthly basis or something. I want it to become second nature to think like this.
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