Dave Burgess uses several analogies in the first section of reading to compare teaching. Which of the analogies that he used most speaks to you, and why?
My favorite analogy was the man walking his dog with binoculars. He started talking about hawks and although the author could care less about hawks it fascinated him because the man was so passionate about it. That is how I feel about math a lot of the time. I have to be passionate about it because a lot of students are not. If I am passionate about it , maybe they will begin to be. There is no faking it - I love math. I want the students to feel the same way.
I enjoyed the lifeguard analogy. Sometimes it is easier to sit on the side of the pool rather than swim. Our kids will swim faster and stronger if someone is in the pool with them “swimming” through the motions. Penny Kittle, in her book Write Beside Them, states teachers need to write when students write. Modeling is key. Students need to see ALL writers struggle and revision is work. Teachers aren’t any different. I cannot be a writer and not write. It is too easy to “forget” the struggles of writers if I am not writing. It also shows the students that teachers’ first drafts are NOT perfect. I am vulnerable, too. As I write, I ask for suggestions for word choice or sentence structure. It is a real moment for kids and me.
Because I am modeling what I do, I cannot sit at my desk and answer emails or grade papers. The kids need me to be “all in” for 90 minutes just like I am asking them to engage for the whole block.
When the revision process happens, instead of sitting back and watching them, I join their groups and work through the process with them.
In essence, I tread water and try not to drown when the stress is too much. At times, I don’t handle that part well at all. It is a teachable moment. Then, when the hard work is done, I am able to swim among them.
I like the way that Dave Burgess starts his first days letting his class know that it is more than a subject it is an "experience" which helps to capture their attention. His make them feel like they will go through some form of transformation as a result of taking his class and their lives will never be the same. I love it!!!
I, like Lisa, enjoyed the discussion about Burgess encountering the outdoorsman watching wildlife with binoculars. It's amazing how one can draw another into "their" world with passion. I hope my passion for seeking knowledge sparks my students' interest in what we do in the classroom. I want them to become lifelong learners who dare to try novel and exciting things. My passion for music (THE universal language) allows me to develop a rapport with the kids that transcends race, age, gender, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status. I occasionally bring my bass guitar to school and collaborate with students. My passion for my career hopefully will encourage some of our youth to teach and coach as well. Burgess exclaims, "Resist any movement that attempts to clone teachers and lessons." I pray this never happens or we will simply produce clones for our future generation.
The swim with your students analogy speaks to me the most. To have a successful NJROTC program, both instructors are required to jump into the pool and lead the way for our students. Immersion is not an option for us, it is a requirement! My co-worker and I instruct and oversee our students everyday after school, spend may weeknights with them, guide them during weekend competitions, and spent a large amount of time with them over the summer. The Navy and school do not require this level of immersion, but it is required to maintain a stellar program. This immersion benefits our students, but is rewarding to me as I watch my students grow before my eyes.
The swim with your students analogy speaks to me the most. To have a successful NJROTC program, both instructors are required to jump into the pool and lead the way for our students. Immersion is not an option for us, it is a requirement! My co-worker and I instruct and oversee our students everyday after school, spend many weeknights with them, guide them during weekend competitions, and spent a large amount of time with them over the summer. The Navy and school do not require this level of immersion, but it is required to maintain a stellar program. This immersion benefits our students, but is rewarding to me as I watch my students grow before my eyes.
Several analogies spoke to me while reading Burgess' book, but the one with which I most identified was revealed in the Transformation chapter. In kindling my passion for travel, especially to places I've never visited before, it's essential that I carry a map or preferably a GPS device whenever I am venturing toward a new destination. And, when journeying along our respective paths in the classroom, so too we might employ a navigational guide to move forward in our learning - not only about the delivery of our content and how best to engage our students, but also about ourselves and what we might need to reach our goals. In order to grow as teachers, we must recognize where we are starting and where we want to go. In addition, we must be patient with our progress, as the speed and direction we take may ultimately vary as well.
I, like others, related to the analogy of the swimming pool. When I was coaching cross country and track, I feel that our student-athletes responded well because I immersed myself in the workouts. If I was going to ask them to run a certain workout, I wanted to show them that I was right there with them. Now, the author of the book actually says he is not suggesting that a coach get in the pool with the swimmers, but it worked for us! As a teacher, I think it is important to work along side your students as much as you can. They need to solve problems and they need to see you solve problems as well. And, even better, see you struggle and even make mistakes...but work through them. As an administrator, I have continued to try and immerse myself in the school as much as possible. If I ask the staff to do something, I want to be right there with everyone doing it as well.
The section on Rapport spoke to me, specifically assisting students with finding connections with course content and pop culture(their world).
I enjoy listening to music, but not ever singing especially in public. Over the years I have referenced lyrics in the instructional process with my students to make connections. This initially leads to,"did he just say that" or "no he didn't" said in soft whispers but ultimately out right laughter at my goofiness which create moments to build rapport and let my students know I am aware of "their" world.
Burgess also writes about being present during informal times with students and being more than a authority figure. I truly believe the best teachers have an Add-One, a time when they are able to interact with students outside the classroom.
I really related to the analogies Burgess shared about passion- how passion is like "an intoxicating drug but without the dangers and side effects". He references in several places talking about our content, professional and personal passions about how passion can overcome resistance, challenges and keep us from burning out and hitting a wall. Even though our jobs are difficult and draining, the passion for what I'm doing every day and the love for my job keep me going. I like being around others who are passionate about helping kids.
When I was in the classroom full time I remember telling my students if I'm not excited and passionate about what I'm doing - and I choose to be here and am paid to be here - then how can I expect you to be excited and engage? I know many times I looked like an overexuberant fool but I also know that is what my kids remember about me. They felt my joy at teaching and engaged (sometimes reluctantly).
As a lateral entry teacher I think I am particularly tuned in to passion. I chose to be here, and left a much higher paying career to do so. I want my passion for learning and helping others to show to kids and other teachers. Burgess said, "When you interact with someone who is fully engaged and filled with passion, it can be an overwhelming and unforgettable experience." I hope our students find this in many classrooms- because when we all bring our varied passions (personal and professional!) to school kids can't help but be inspired.
I related to the personal passion and how he shared personal passions that are outside of school. I enjoy getting to know the students and what better way than for them to also get to know me. Sharing something about me also lets them know that I am more than a teacher outside of the classroom. It also gives them time to share about themselves. The juniors and seniors are wanting to share their lives outside of school. They like to know that the teacher is interested in them as a student and also as someone who is about to go out into the world. This helps in classroom management and for us showing respect for each other. This also relates back to Capturing Kids Hearts and getting to know your students.
My favorite analogy was the man walking his dog with binoculars. He started talking about hawks and although the author could care less about hawks it fascinated him because the man was so passionate about it. That is how I feel about math a lot of the time. I have to be passionate about it because a lot of students are not. If I am passionate about it , maybe they will begin to be. There is no faking it - I love math. I want the students to feel the same way.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the lifeguard analogy. Sometimes it is easier to sit on the side of the pool rather than swim. Our kids will swim faster and stronger if someone is in the pool with them “swimming” through the motions. Penny Kittle, in her book Write Beside Them, states teachers need to write when students write. Modeling is key. Students need to see ALL writers struggle and revision is work. Teachers aren’t any different. I cannot be a writer and not write. It is too easy to “forget” the struggles of writers if I am not writing. It also shows the students that teachers’ first drafts are NOT perfect. I am vulnerable, too. As I write, I ask for suggestions for word choice or sentence structure. It is a real moment for kids and me.
ReplyDeleteBecause I am modeling what I do, I cannot sit at my desk and answer emails or grade papers. The kids need me to be “all in” for 90 minutes just like I am asking them to engage for the whole block.
When the revision process happens, instead of sitting back and watching them, I join their groups and work through the process with them.
In essence, I tread water and try not to drown when the stress is too much. At times, I don’t handle that part well at all. It is a teachable moment. Then, when the hard work is done, I am able to swim among them.
I like the way that Dave Burgess starts his first days letting his class know that it is more than a subject it is an "experience" which helps to capture their attention. His make them feel like they will go through some form of transformation as a result of taking his class and their lives will never be the same. I love it!!!
ReplyDeleteI, like Lisa, enjoyed the discussion about Burgess encountering the outdoorsman watching wildlife with binoculars. It's amazing how one can draw another into "their" world with passion. I hope my passion for seeking knowledge sparks my students' interest in what we do in the classroom. I want them to become lifelong learners who dare to try novel and exciting things. My passion for music (THE universal language) allows me to develop a rapport with the kids that transcends race, age, gender, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status. I occasionally bring my bass guitar to school and collaborate with students. My passion for my career hopefully will encourage some of our youth to teach and coach as well. Burgess exclaims, "Resist any movement that attempts to clone teachers and lessons." I pray this never happens or we will simply produce clones for our future generation.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe swim with your students analogy speaks to me the most. To have a successful NJROTC program, both instructors are required to jump into the pool and lead the way for our students. Immersion is not an option for us, it is a requirement! My co-worker and I instruct and oversee our students everyday after school, spend may weeknights with them, guide them during weekend competitions, and spent a large amount of time with them over the summer. The Navy and school do not require this level of immersion, but it is required to maintain a stellar program. This immersion benefits our students, but is rewarding to me as I watch my students grow before my eyes.
ReplyDeleteThe swim with your students analogy speaks to me the most. To have a successful NJROTC program, both instructors are required to jump into the pool and lead the way for our students. Immersion is not an option for us, it is a requirement! My co-worker and I instruct and oversee our students everyday after school, spend many weeknights with them, guide them during weekend competitions, and spent a large amount of time with them over the summer. The Navy and school do not require this level of immersion, but it is required to maintain a stellar program. This immersion benefits our students, but is rewarding to me as I watch my students grow before my eyes.
ReplyDeleteSeveral analogies spoke to me while reading Burgess' book, but the one with which I most identified was revealed in the Transformation chapter. In kindling my passion for travel, especially to places I've never visited before, it's essential that I carry a map or preferably a GPS device whenever I am venturing toward a new destination. And, when journeying along our respective paths in the classroom, so too we might employ a navigational guide to move forward in our learning - not only about the delivery of our content and how best to engage our students, but also about ourselves and what we might need to reach our goals. In order to grow as teachers, we must recognize where we are starting and where we want to go. In addition, we must be patient with our progress, as the speed and direction we take may ultimately vary as well.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI, like others, related to the analogy of the swimming pool. When I was coaching cross country and track, I feel that our student-athletes responded well because I immersed myself in the workouts. If I was going to ask them to run a certain workout, I wanted to show them that I was right there with them. Now, the author of the book actually says he is not suggesting that a coach get in the pool with the swimmers, but it worked for us!
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher, I think it is important to work along side your students as much as you can. They need to solve problems and they need to see you solve problems as well. And, even better, see you struggle and even make mistakes...but work through them.
As an administrator, I have continued to try and immerse myself in the school as much as possible. If I ask the staff to do something, I want to be right there with everyone doing it as well.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe section on Rapport spoke to me, specifically assisting students with finding connections with course content and pop culture(their world).
ReplyDeleteI enjoy listening to music, but not ever singing especially in public. Over the years I have referenced lyrics in the instructional process with my students to make connections. This initially leads to,"did he just say that" or "no he didn't" said in soft whispers but ultimately out right laughter at my goofiness which create moments to build rapport and let my students know I am aware of "their" world.
Burgess also writes about being present during informal times with students and being more than a authority figure. I truly believe the best teachers have an Add-One, a time when they are able to interact with students outside the classroom.
I really related to the analogies Burgess shared about passion- how passion is like "an intoxicating drug but without the dangers and side effects". He references in several places talking about our content, professional and personal passions about how passion can overcome resistance, challenges and keep us from burning out and hitting a wall. Even though our jobs are difficult and draining, the passion for what I'm doing every day and the love for my job keep me going. I like being around others who are passionate about helping kids.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in the classroom full time I remember telling my students if I'm not excited and passionate about what I'm doing - and I choose to be here and am paid to be here - then how can I expect you to be excited and engage? I know many times I looked like an overexuberant fool but I also know that is what my kids remember about me. They felt my joy at teaching and engaged (sometimes reluctantly).
As a lateral entry teacher I think I am particularly tuned in to passion. I chose to be here, and left a much higher paying career to do so. I want my passion for learning and helping others to show to kids and other teachers. Burgess said, "When you interact with someone who is fully engaged and filled with passion, it can be an overwhelming and unforgettable experience." I hope our students find this in many classrooms- because when we all bring our varied passions (personal and professional!) to school kids can't help but be inspired.
I related to the personal passion and how he shared personal passions that are outside of school. I enjoy getting to know the students and what better way than for them to also get to know me. Sharing something about me also lets them know that I am more than a teacher outside of the classroom. It also gives them time to share about themselves. The juniors and seniors are wanting to share their lives outside of school. They like to know that the teacher is interested in them as a student and also as someone who is about to go out into the world. This helps in classroom management and for us showing respect for each other. This also relates back to Capturing Kids Hearts and getting to know your students.
ReplyDelete