Image obtained from Abbie Swartzentruber's blog post
Our textbook, entitled The Art of Possibility, discusses how we live in a world based on measurement. We are constantly measuring, comparing, and labeling everything around us, including our students. The authors of the book (Ben and Roz Zander) propose that instead of conforming to this current world, individuals should stop applying expectations of any kind and live as if "it's all invented." I particularly loved the Michelangelo analogy used on p. 26 comparing students to a block of stone or marble. Inside each block is a beautiful statue just waiting to be created. I appreciate this comparison because teachers are expected to unveil the unlimited possibilities in each student, rather than rating students compared to their classmates. In our current educational system, there are way too many tests, grouping mechanisms, and competitions alienating some students from their classmates. Instead of doing so much comparing, as teachers we need to be helping students realize the possibilities within themselves.
The third chapter in the book focused on the concept of "giving an A." Mr. Zander has personally used this concept in the classroom and found that students reacted positively! On the first day of class, he explained to the students that they already had an A. The only requirement to keeping this A was students had to write a letter to the teacher in the past tense, explaining how they earned their grade. Many of the letters from students he included in this chapter gave me chills! It is amazing to see how students rise to meet teacher expectations (when expectations are placed extremely high). Students saw all the possibilities of this type of class, and became the student that they have always wanted to be! This book is very interested because it not only applies to the classroom, but also to our personal relationships and our own self-worth.
kathykellen said...
Abbie
I agree with you that in the world of education as we know it there are way too many standardized tests, and we do need to focus more on helping our students reach their individual potentials of growth! As I think back on the past 10 months, one of the beautiful aspects of this program to me, is that every assessment is a project where we have been encouraged to "unleash our creativity" and make projects applicable to where we are in our practice. I think this has lessened the competitiveness and allowed us to realize that we each have our own style, and be encouragement and support to one another! What an excellent model....
I also totally agree with you that this book can speak on a highly personal level! As always, a very articulate post, Abbie!
Source:http://abbiemacfullsail.blogspot.com/ Retrieved on August 6, 2010
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