"Aerodynamically, the Bumble Bee shouldn't be able to fly, but the Bumble Bee doesn't know that, so it goes on flying anyway."
"Aerodynamically, the Bumble Bee shouldn't be able to fly, but the Bumble Bee doesn't know that, so it goes on flying anyway."
Nice reminder.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great introduction to developing creative solutions. There are plenty of creativity building games/scenarios where you must think of multiple solutions for a problem. The goal is come up with plenty of ways, no matter how absurd, to solve the problem. Any solution that may seem unreasonable should be considered and given constructive criticism. Other students can discuss what part of the solution might be considered unreasonable and suggest changes or an alternative solution. This is a good warm-up activity for group projects and examples of creative solutions can be given. Think of all the ways researchers are coming up with to help curb global warming and how their solutions might have sounded unreasonable at some point.
ReplyDeleteToo many times we grumble about how students won't take a leap of faith on a task. This is often because, in their minds, the problem is either previously solved (with an unverifiable answer) or (thoughtfully) to difficult to attempt a solution. We must convey to our students the joy of discovery. it has to be demonstrated that the journey towards a solution is a great joy itself.
ReplyDeleteSo many students come with no confidence that they can master a subject or some of the content that we as educators must reteach them that their "old tape" are just no good. I can not tell you how many times I have heard that a student feels that English is their worst subject. Like Yoda, we must believe in them until they can believe in themselves.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the greatest challenges as a teacher. Getting students to break their preconceived notions about how they can learn. Breaking them of the notion that they cannot do something.
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher, you fulfill several roles. Often the role of cheerleader is underestimated. Some of the students we get are from varied backgrounds and have an unimaginable homelife and need that kind of support in order to move on and function in other areas, like learning. It's difficult to turn off the stove when the house is on fire. Simply put, you can't do something like learn, when you're too worried about where you're going to sleep at night.
ReplyDeletesometimes I even have trouble with learning new topics. If they see that it's okay that you don't always start everything with the exact knowledge, everyone really takes there own time to completely know the subject.
ReplyDeleteI get sick to my stomach when surrounding myself with teachers who's concept that these cookie cutter teacher training courses and programs are the cats pajamas. Their knowledge becomes just a regurgitation of what was taught to them. Then students are taught to resight what was taught to them.
ReplyDeleteI once read into a research study done to help understand the difference in excelling Chinese learning of their youth from the trailing American learning of their youth. It seems that American born parents were likely to respond to their child's question with an answer while Chinese born parents responded to their child's question with a question that lead to a child creating their own dialogue.
Self-discovery what a powerful thing! We should investigate the source of the knowledge presented before us and seek the answer on our own that makes it genuinely our personalized understanding of the learning experience. Same as discovering our own personal teaching style that allow students to seek knowledge on their own- beyond books, beyond internet and most importantly beyond school walls.