Week3_Reading_The Art of Possibility
Reading again from the Art of Possibility by Benjamin and Rosamund Zander, chapters 5-8, we are encouraged to “lead from any chair”. Each of us wears a variety of leadership hats within the time of a day, week, month, year, even a lifetime. As parents, we lead our children; we are role models for how to behave within and outside of the family structure. As teachers, we model for our students how to embrace the learning process and to achieve it’s intended goals. As community members we work to integrate with and invite others to come together for the greater good. Active participation is the key. Participation is only a first step. Being active is vital to effective leadership.
Mr. Zander describes how he began to give “the floor” over to his musicians, to better listen to and understand what they might add to the process of playing and performing music. He presented them with permission to access the leadership position. I find myself in this situation in the classroom too. I try to recognize the best moments to maneuver students into position such that when they “take the floor”, their classmates are waiting to hear what they have to say, and respond with the expectation of leadership from the student. This is a means of promoting positive self-esteem and confidence for students.
Successful attempts at leadership in the classroom, whether reading a sentence correctly, or explaining a definition, helps students realize their potential for leadership. With ample opportunities to shine, they may increase participation in activities in other classrooms, or out in their community. As teachers, we help to determine “who is present” when we have the expectation and allow the opportunity that all students can and will “take the floor” from time to time.
Response to Ann Cannizzaro
I love it when I see students interacting with each other. I also love when students make a point to tell me something they know, even though I know the answer. For instance, when they know something that pertains to any kind of technology, they really make a big case of demonstrating their knowledge about the tech topic. I just let them explain. When I say, "I didn't know that. Wow!!" They are so please with themselves.
Janene,
ReplyDeleteDo you find yourself being even more aware about giving students the floor since reading this part of the Zanders' book? I'm sure that looks different depending on which group of students you are working with. Young children are usually eager to be the leader if they are given the chance. Somewhere along the way, though, it seems we kill that impulse in many students, so that by the time they are in high school, most are reluctant to assume that role.