In this week’s reading of the first three chapters of The Art of Possibility there were many interesting things that stood out. The first chapter talked about “truths”. They used examples about how we don’t know the whole truth. We learn from our prior knowledge. Each experience gives us greater insight into what we thought we knew. For me I wonder if this is always true. I think that sometimes the more we know about our students coming into a new year, the less opportunity they may have with our preconceived thoughts about them.
For example, in the beginning of the year many of my fellow teachers look at CA-60’s as well as other documents to find out what behavior their incoming students have. They use this to create a seating chart that pairs “good” students with “bad” students. These teachers hope that the “good” students will be role models and help to curb some of the poor choices that the “bad” students had made in the past. I on the other hand, do not agree with looking at those files. I prefer to meet my students with no preconceived notion of their prior behavior. I feel that, even though I may not intend it, that I would be looking for those students to comment the same poor choices they did in prior years/classes. I feel that by not looking I am giving every student a fresh start for the year. If I start the year looking for the “good” in every student, that may be all the prior “bad” student needs to have a good year. What do you think? Should we look at prior behavior of students at the beginning of the year to find an ideal seating chart for them to succeed, or should we go in looking for the good in all students? Or, is there a way to do both? I know that if I start experiencing problems with a student in the beginning of the year, I can then go back and look at those records; and look for recommendations that may help them. What does waiting a couple of weeks hurt?
As a side note, the way the authors use stories to highlight their points makes it a very easy read. For me, reading stories allows me to make connections on a personal level, thus increase my interest and understanding
Hey TIm! I am so glad you don't listen to previous stories or read files on new students before you get them. I find that some of the students with behavior problems to be the ones I enjoy most. These students usually have fun personalities and will work really hard for you if you give them a chance. When I hear about a student with behavior problems I see a fun challenge. Besides, most of them are pretty stinkin' hilarious.
Sources: Week 1 Reading: Is it all Invented?, Timothy Edinger, http://web.me.com/timothyedinger/MAC_2010_Blog/Welcome.html
Retrieve on: November 27, 2010
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