“You cannot teach a man anything, you can only help
him find it within himself” – Galileo Galilei
I
love the quote above. I think it really
hits the center of the target of the goals that I have for the students on this
campus. It is our desire, as educators,
to tap into the well of “discovery” in each child. Without that longing to
discover, students can’t truly take ownership in their own learning.
I
took part in the first stages of a committee that is designed to help develop a
technology plan for the future of LCISD this week. Our committee was made up of central office
personnel, teachers, librarians, paraprofessionals, community members, administrators,
and students. It was neat to see all the
perspectives working together to create a new vision for technology integration
in LCISD and the community. One of the
groups was looking at the idea of discovery learning, and they stated that once
a child's “curiosity” is gone, they stop learning. We have all heard the saying that if you ask
the average Kindergarten class who is a good singer….they all raise their hands….if
you ask who is a good dancer….they all raise their hands….if you ask who is
good at math….they all raise their hands….if you ask who is a fast runner….they
all raise their hands. Now, do the same
in a jr. high or high school….you probably won’t get many hands. Somewhere in the educational process,
students begin feeling defeated, and I think that happens to curiosity as
well.
Over
the weekend, look at what you do as a teacher to foster the curiosity of your
learners. Is there a method or tool that
would help you more? What about your own
personal children or family? Is there a
way to help them develop by tapping in their curiosity.
It
is my hope that we are a school of discovery learning…it builds on itself. Not only will students be motivated and
driven, but they will have stronger problem solving skills. We need students to own the learning, and
they only will do it when they want to be a part. (especially the boys!)
Thank
you for all you do—you guys are amazing…Happy Friday!
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