Reflection vs. Self-reflection

"Oh yeah... I reflect on my actions and learn from my mistakes." That is a phrase that many claim is true, but I wonder if it really happens. After thinking this over, I believe many people (teachers, parents, and students alike) confuse the process of reflection and self-reflection.

Now wait a second, Teach! Is there really even a difference?! I believe so!

Reflection is simply the act of looking back on past events or interactions with others. We look at the events and people involved, begin to draw conclusions, and make plans for how it all could of been improved if OTHERS would have done it differently.

On the other hand, self-reflection keeps the focus on yourself! It is less about what others have done and more importantly focused on what I could have done to do or be better in the situation. Considering that I am the only human that I can control 100% of the time, I find this the best approach when dealing with the circumstances around me.

I find that because of this difference, self-reflection will lead to more growth for you as a person. In thinking of ways to improve yourself, avoiding the need to place the blame for your problems elsewhere, you build a solid foundation from which to own your life instead of depending on others.

So as we get back into the routines of the school year and dealing with our students and curriculum, are you looking for ways to strengthen yourself and become a better educator (self-reflection), or do you prefer to seek out parents, administrators, students, or policies to blame for your problems (reflection)?

Whether you own your situation and fix it or throw your hands up and look for someone to blame, life will go on, but wouldn't it feel better knowing you have some control over it?

My Mission Field and My Art...

The summer is almost over, and my thoughts have started to wander back to my upcoming mission trip. That's right... I just referred to my job teaching middle school as a mission trip! :)

...But, isn't that the best way to describe it? This annual, nine-month long trip is a big part of my life, and I give it as much energy and thought as I can spare from my family, my first priority. I love spending time with and helping the locals (middle school students) to visualize and strive for a better future, and I truly hope that teachers, as well as other professionals, can say the same for their outlooks on work!

In preparing for this school year, I have also been thinking about the idea of leaving a legacy and what that means. This is probably not an uncommon thought for most people because, no matter the person, at some point you begin to wonder what your life was worth, what you will leave behind for others, or how your friends and family will remember you.

I have thought of this before and realized that beyond my wife and kid... my students will be a large portion of the proof that I have done something useful with my life.

While some of you might find that depressing, it gives me a sense of focus, frees me from being weighed down with frivolous matters, and makes sure my energy is used on things that will matter in the long run.

Therefore, my classroom is more than a collection of tables and books... it's my workshop, and the students are my paints. I only hope, in the end, I will be remembered as the creator of true masterpieces and not some graffiti on a bathroom stall. :)

Woo Hoo!!!

This teacher is on his summer break!

I am currently enjoying my time off from work by hanging out with my wife and son, reading books, playing video games, visiting family, and trying to keep my little garden alive in the Oklahoma heat.

Now would be a great time to catch up on reading some of the older posts you have missed. ;)

I hope all the teachers and students are safe and enjoying themselves as well! See you in August 2011.

The 3 Questions, Part 3

The three questions students want answered by their teachers, but will never ask.

#3 - "Can I trust you?"

Trust requires relationship.
How is your relationship with your students? Do they come to you with problems big or small? Can they relate to you as another human being? Do you treat them as you want to be treated?

Thinking of my past experiences has made me realize that the people that I have trusted the most were those that I could relate to in one way or another.

The Golden Rule is an old concept, but still applies! You should treat the students in your classes in the same way that you would want if you were in their position. If you are doing any less then that, is it any wonder that you are having behavior and performance issues in your classes?

Recently, I have been reading a book for my Sunday School class, and the authors suggested that it may actually be more important for adults to earn the trust of their kids than the other way around. As parents, we should be most concerned with the hearts of our children. Unfortunately, sometimes fighting to keep our kids in line overshadows the fact that we are working with another human being and that our complete focus on obedience can have unintended consequences down the road. Obedience is a good goal, but without love and trust, it is a hollow victory.

Sooo.... are you fighting WITH or FOR your students? Are you actually concerned with their heart, their character, or are you just interested in keeping them in line to make your job easier?

I guarantee you that the students in your classroom can tell the difference!

The 3 Questions, Part 2

The three questions students want answered by their teachers, but will never ask.

#2 - "Do you care about me?"

If I look back on the teachers that I have known in my life, the ones that had the biggest impact on me, I start to find a common thread: They cared about me as a person.

Some may have wanted me to be more intelligent in my choices, some may have wished to give me a piece of their knowledge to help me along in life, others just saw potential and didn't want to see it wasted. All of these teachers cared about who I was and who I might become.

If you think about it, isn't that what every student is looking for? Isn't that what all relationships are based on... caring? I can guarantee you that a student will work harder and be less of a discipline issue when they know that you care. Don't get me wrong. Not every child will turn into a model student just because you take the time to get to know them better, and some may even rebel against it, but I prefer caring to be being false or cruel.

Let me be clear, this kind of caring has to be genuine and not based on something you want from the kid. ("If I talk nicely, then the class will behave.") Don't confuse caring with being nice. I am not talking about asking kids how their day is or complimenting them on their clothes. Caring is about seeking what is best for the student and taking the time to explain to them why you are doing what you do, not just beating them over the head with your words.

Remember.... kids can sniff out false words like dogs smell fear!

The 3 Questions, Part 1

The three questions students want answered by their teachers, but will never ask.

#1 - "Are you committed to your job?"

Well... are you? Do you strive to get better each day? Do you read to get new information about content or styles of teaching? Do you reflect on your interactions with the kids and try to make them meaningful?

Let's be honest. Who wants to work with, much less for, someone that does not put their best effort into what they do?

Soo... as we head into the final weeks of the school year and begin making our summer plans, take some time to to answer this 1st question for yourself. Are you committed to your job and being the best teacher you can be, or do you find excuses to cut corners? Do you blame other people (students, parents, administration) when your class does not go as planned? Do you find faults in the grading and discipline systems to justify lowering your commitment?

As an educator, it would be hypocritical to demand commitment from our students while allowing excuses to lower our own levels of commitment.

...And if you are not committed to your job as a teacher, well, then you owe it to yourself and the kids to get motivated or get out of education.

BEE Yourself...

Geek. Funny. Argumentative. Smart. Weird. Laid Back. Opinionated. Organized. Too Friendly. Too Strict. Different.
Nerd. Anti-Social. Childish. Friendly. Creepy. Confident. Mean. Good. Bad. Jerk. Favorite.

Sooo... What was that all about you ask?

Those are all names and descriptors I have heard used to define my classroom and me as a teacher, from both students and co-workers.

...And, you know, I am okay with all of them! Besides, can anyone really come up with a meaning of "normal" that includes more than just a small percentage of the human population? In the end, your definition of "normal" tends to develop into a picture very similar to yourself!

"Who am I?" "Am I normal?" or worse "Am I different?"
These are questions that all middle school students struggle with at some point during their years with us. They fight so hard to be liked by others and not stick out, all the while sacrificing a little bit of themselves at each turn in the process. I believe one of the biggest failings of classrooms is not reinforcing the fact that there is NO SUCH THING as "normal." Each student comes to us with unique intelligences and abilities, but, unfortunately for them, most teachers do not want unique. Most teachers want uniform... sameness... robots. They have tests to prepare students for, and their jobs would be so much easier if the kids would act the same... be "normal".
(Hey, Teachers!!! I have news for you. This picturesque, nonfluctuating classroom is NEVER going to happen!)

Maybe that is why I let my "normal" leak out all over the place. How else are kids supposed to understand that no one is normal, that we are all unique, if no one models this mindset? They do not get this from their friends, music, or TV/movies. Those sources are filled with images and words telling our kids how to act, talk, and look so they do not stand out in a crowd. Very robotic!

I also think that being comfortable with your personality and knowing who you are automatically makes you more lenient towards people. You become less judgmental of others just because they did not react the way you wanted or did not handle a situation the way you thought was best.

So teachers... Let's work on a couple of things. I think we should be more accepting of the uniqueness that is brought into our classroom by our students and learn to do the best with it. Second, shouldn't we be better at modeling how the "real" world works? We don't have to please everyone, and when differences arise with our friends/acquaintances, it is not the end of the world. Help the kids understand that it is fine to be quirky or like things that others may not by modeling it in our own behavior and words.

...Because, do we really want a world without variety?