I selected this book because I have a couple of underlying beliefs I'll share with you.1. I think teaching adults is much like any other vocation. Namely, that there is a bell curve of competency. Many teachers are in the fat part of the curve--what I would call "competent." They do a good job, follow the best practices, and students learn from them. That said, there is a point beyond that one can aspire to--where teachers achieve a higher level of excellence. This is the one (or if you're lucky more than one) teacher you always remember. The one who maybe changed your life. I'm interested in learning more about how one learns to become that teacher.
2. I believe that, apart from subject matter and desk height, there are no significant differences between teaching adults and teaching college students or high schoolers or corporate employees or anyone else. I realize not everyone shares this belief. In my view, humans of every age and circumstance are naturally curious, internally motivated, and want to feel valued and respected. They all need practice and feedback. They are more likely to thrive in an atmosphere of encouragement, challenge, and fun.
I don't teach college, but I'm hopeful there's much in this book that will directly translate and inform my work with adults.
Also, the Amazon.com reviews were gushing with praise. Nothing like unsolicited testimonials!
Now, all I need to do is stand by my mailbox and wait for my package to arrive. :-)
--Patrick
Cool beans - I love this book; it was my book choice last semester :-). I look forward to your perspective.
ReplyDeletePatrick,
ReplyDeleteI find your belief that there is a bell curve of teaching competency interesting, particularly in relationship to your desire to become a better teacher.
First off, as someone who has sat through several of your presentations, let me just say that I'm not sure there's much room for you to scoot up the curve. You seem to simply have a gift for teaching. I'd be interested to know if that's always been the case, b/c if you've always been this good, it will support my argument.
One of the things I've always wondered about bell curves is how something so static can be created out of measurements of things that are so fluid. Take height, for example. In any given population, people are growing and shrinking all the time - and yet, if you take a large enough sample of that population at any given time, the height of the sample is going to create a bell curve!
Unfortunately, measuring competency in a classroom isn't possible (at least I don't know how to do it). I tend to believe that great teachers are great b/c they put forth the effort needed to become great teachers (like you).
In other words, I don't share your belief that there's a bell curve of competency; my opinion is that the only thing holding teachers back from greatness is a desire to be great and a willingness to put forth the effort to achieve greatness.
Thoughts?
Thanks for your kind words. That made my day! I cherish that, because I see all my many flaws and tend to focus on them.
ReplyDeleteI'm of the opinion great teaching is a skill that can be developed, and a journey where there's always room for growth. I'd say any skills I've been able to gain have been the result of working hard at it and being blessed with some terrific mentors along the way. I’m definitely a teaching “immigrant” rather than a “native.”
So let me clarify my bell-curve theory a bit. I may be misusing the term.
I think most everyone is *capable* of greatness (with the desire and willingness to put in the effort you mentioned). My experience has been that, for whatever reason, a lot of folks seem to currently be at "pretty good.” Nothing wrong with that, I’d count myself in that bunch when the wind is with me.
I’ve seen a few--just a handful--that are truly amazing “change your life” kind of teachers. I’m curious about what would be required to play at that level.
Am I making any sense?
Very interesting! I think weirdness is a key to greatness! Not extensive, lock-you-away weirdness but enough weirdness to challenge the status quo and yet remain productive. People who can find the humor in life have that kind of delightful weirdness. Or people who wonder about things. Or people who do not need to have answers because they more enjoy the questions! You know, the greatest thing about being the first woman in the U.S. to be a Volkswagen Master Auto Tech was the weirdness of it! I really enjoyed the wow factor! To me, a little edginess, the juxtaposition of totally unrelated concepts, surprises to everyday thinking, pushing the envelope a little, but still with respect, dignity and awe are ways to move beyond ordinary expertise into extraordinary excellence. And I also think some can do that easier than others for a myriad of reasons - barriers. I also think movement toward excellence is in tiny steps and takes a lifetime.
ReplyDeleteLorrie