Chapter 9 lighting a spark is the chapter that spoke to me. Zander states that enrollment is the art and practice of generating a spark of possibility for others to share. Teachers should be all about trying to generate a spark of possibility in their students. While reading chapter 9 it reminded me of a few years ago when I was giving a quiz on measuring at the beginning of the year. I always want to check and see where my students stand on measuring. I was explaining how to read a tape measure to one of my students. He kept asking questions and I continued to explain how to reduce the even fractions and all of a sudden He said HEY! This is math! This is so easy. It was great to see how the light just came on for him. He immediately started showing his friends how to read the tape measure. That was a great moment in my life.
Also in chapter 9 Ben talks about his father saying certain things in life are better done in person. I am a firm believer in that statement. When I was self-employed I always wanted to present a quote for a job in person. I remember bidding on a job one time and I presented the quote and explained what I would do and furnish. I was told that I was a little higher on my bid but he liked my proposal and how I explained the process of completing the job. I was awarded the bid. I believe that if I had not been able to present the proposal in person I would not have been awarded the bid.
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Del, I too was moved by chapter 9 " Lighting A Spark". I really enjoyed the story about your student connecting his knowledge in math and bringing it over to your construction class. I am sure that was awesome to see this student so excited in his “ah ha” moment, and assist other students with leaning the same.
ReplyDeleteAs in your comment and blog post I too felt a strong connection to the statement Zander made “ Certain things in life are better done in person” This is very true and can really make a difference in a job like with your experience. I do believe that you being in person did get you that bid, because for whatever reason they saw something in you, it could be the way you presented, your explanation or your honest appearance. I think most of us have seen someone and thought based on body and facial expressions the person would do a good job because he or she looks sincere, it could be as simple as I think this person would do a good job because I can just tell.
Great post!
Del,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you that teachers should be the spark for students to be able to see their possibilities. I love the story about the kid that you were explaining how to use a tape measure. He was having a hard time getting it until finally he understood you were just doing math. At that point it became easy to him. To me as a teacher, those moments are why you teach. The moments when the light bulbs turn on in a student’s head and they are able to apply things they have learned in a classroom to real world problems.
Hey Del!
ReplyDeleteIt is good to hear that your students are motivated by your determination to teach. The light bulb going off for that young man with that particular lesson will stick with him for the rest of his life. Teaching is a passion of mine and will be a dream soon for me.
Excellent example how much better it would be to teaching things like math and science via shop and crafts and art. Wow. Great story, love the quote: "Hey, this is math." Doh!
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