It is amazing to find out that the perceptions of human
beings are selective in order to survive within different settings. Regardless
of or financial status, we have adapted to view only the necessities to
overcome struggles in life. Now I wonder what I am missing because of my
selective vision. During the chapter “Its All Invented”, Zander brought me to a
brief point of enlightenment when he specified that if we factor out our own
interpretations of reality then maybe we will be able to focus on actual truths.
I never looked at my perception of the world as a negative aspect that’s
holding me back from discovering the actual. Deep!
It is now become a clear understanding that, as a race, we
live in a typical realm of assumptions without focusing “outside of the
dots”. Our competitive nature as human
beings construct a mentality that pushes us to reach for top and survive the struggles
of life regardless of how we make it. Living in a world of measurements (mine
is more expensive, or status) pushes the competitive desire to have more in
order to survive and get ahead in the world. I fall victim to this life of
measurements and having the ultimate competitive nature to win. I sometimes view
myself within the category of scarcity- thinking because of my strong desire to
become successful. The only time I actually realize that I am opening to the
universe of possibilities is when I study Astronomy. Infinite space in the universe allows me to
view into the heavens, far beyond the realm of whats measurable.
Giving an A has to be the most relatable read within this
book. During my fourth year I awarded each student with an A at the beginning
of the semester. The response was instantly observed from students facial
expressions. Almost as if a burden was removed from their lives. I did have an
understanding that allowing everyone to begin with an A would motivate them to
strive to keep it, but after reading I have a better understanding of why it
should be done. A lot of excellent points were made as well with student
performances. It never dawned on me that students become so competitive with
their performances that they don’t take the necessary risks to improve. I think
this chapter would be an excellent read and discussion lesson for my students
during this up coming semester.
Contribution has always played a key role in my music
program. I’ve always depended on students to contribute at the top of their
musical abilities. I never thought about developing a game from it. I think
this may be a great way to witness through their eyes how they would contribute
to their peers on a weekly basis. How they would use their talents to improve
those within their sections. This may take the competitive/selfish edge away
and build more of a collaborative environment. I think this is a great
idea.
This book has become too good to put down. I will continue reading..............
Certainly there is some measurement in the wide expansion of the stars? Perhaps because we can't attempt to measure the universe, this is why is holds our fascination. I think you touched on an important thought. It is a thought that I wrote down in my car also while listening to the book on tape. The thought concerned competition. My students also shut down prior to testing. The authors pointed out that this anxiety is caused by the feeling of competition and being confined. Perhaps if the students worked in a more collaborative way, the stress would decrease and the achievement of goal outcomes would increase. I'm in the process currently of establishing collaborative techniques and strategies that I may employ amongst my students. Because afterall, it is all an invention. Why not direct the path of the invention?
ReplyDeleteAnthony - I appreciate your addressing the issue of competition. The terms measurement and competition should be and probably are used synonymously in our daily lives. The whole nature of earning the "A" is based on competition - either with yourself, with your classmates, or in the work place. Because I am an incredibly uncompetitive person, the angst of sports, politics, and even grades can be lost on me. I do, however, understand the competative nature of my students, and often wish all of my students would be more competative, at least to the point of completing their work. I agree with Kat, as well, that the notion of students working collaboratively may decrease the stress of competition, and have seen it work to students' benefit in my classroom.
ReplyDeleteWonderful interaction with the reading... it is wonderful to free students from a burden so that they can focus on learning and doing what others may have said that they can't do. That's the kind of enabler that I want to be.
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