flickr CC image via Scooter the Photographer
In a deliberate attempt to lead my fifth grade class toward a deeper understanding of discovery, taking risks in learning and being unafraid to make mistakes, I initiated a discussion about mindfullness.
In my classroom, I intend for students to feel an implicit connection to our learning environment; that learning 'just is'... it's what we do, and not 'added-on' to to our lives in a way that we don't control. In order to fully immerse ourselves as a group in the mindful classroom, it's so important that each individual, including myself as the 'principle learner' leading the group, exercise the ability to be in the moment; fully attuned to what's happening as perceived by our human modalities and intuitions.
Mindfully internalizing everything that occurs as part of our minute-by minute day is a deliberate skill I teach to encourage the visceral and positive experience we all should remember about school. Learning is an attitude, a perspective... and in this context, I believe most beneficial to the individual when it evolves into an intuitive process... one that we never, never stop developing, sometimes despite ourselves.
Mastery is a myth.
This is a great post and it sounds like you are teaching in a very mindful fashion.
ReplyDeleteWhen you say "including myself as the 'principle learner' leading the group" I wonder - do you also show the students when you are learning from them? With my own young son, I strive to do this whenever possible. When I am able to learn from him, it seems to reinforce his momentum to continue learning, as well as helping others. It also strengthens his confidence, which I feel is important for a young child.
I like your "Mastery is a myth." - couldn't help but be reminded of:
"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few." - Shunryo Suzuki-Roshi
take care
Kris
Without a doubt... by 'principle learner' I mean the ultimate source or example of a mindful, attunded, curious, excited etc. learner; the one who leads learning by example of looking at everything (including learning from my students) as a learning opportunity. It's all about the lens we look through, no?
ReplyDeleteYour comment re. learning from your son and the correlation to his growing confidence mirrors my view on self-esteem. I beleive we (adults) need to seek strengths in kids, show them what they're good at, and then most importantly, illumnate them... provide opportunities for them to share their strengths. This is how I believe esteem is grown. More in my most recent post at http://tinyurl.com/324ugqr.
Namaste,
Sean