A few
times in the past, I’ve expressed my personal doubts about Twitter as a
worthwhile medium, but I’ve come around to seeing its value when utilized
effectively. One big reason has been the #isedchat which occurs every Thursday
evening at 9:00 ET. Even if I can’t participate live, I find myself checking out
the archive.[*] It’s
a great chance to connect with passionate, forward-thinking independent school
educators from across the country.
A
couple of weeks ago the topic was “What do exemplary educators do differently?”
Because of another commitment, I had to look at the transcript
after. Plenty of ideas had flowed, and all of them resonated in some form or
fashion. I was reminded once again of how complex and demanding being an
educator is, particularly as we undergo cultural shifts. So I found myself thinking:
“What do you consider the single most important thing?” I wanted it to be
something concrete, not abstract such as “embody the school’s mission” or “exude
passion,” although those matter greatly. I realized my answer hadn’t popped up
during the conversation.[†]
As I’ll explain at the end, this omission was ironic.
I think
exemplary educators ask more and better questions. Whether teachers or
administrators, such educators always are seeking better ways, probing for the
reasons behind things, striving to connect ideas, pondering the real meaning of
mission, considering the implications of it all. A favorite question: What
if...? Questions that arise from a compelling vision spur reflection and subsequent
action. The right questions keep us on a forward track while reminding us of
our values and most important objectives.[‡]
Posing
incisive questions also can prick holes in the conservative[§]
bubble of many schools. Most schools change very slowly, for many reasons.[**]
Only now are some seeing the true urgency for new models and practices. The
time is ripe for the right questions. More and more teachers are open to
rethinking the entire educational process, and guiding questions can aid in
their reflection and steer them towards meaningful answers.[††]
I think it also models the sort of teaching and classroom experiences that many
of us want to see our students have. And learning to ask the right questions is
one of the most essential skills we can help students develop.
At this
point I should provide a list of some great questions. However, they are too
numerous. Plus I believe they work best when culturally specific. There are
many people out there asking them. I urge you to explore and see which jab you
in just the right way, that odd mix of pleasure and pain. Twitter[‡‡],
and the #isedchat, is a great starting point.
Which
leads the irony of no one in the chat having brought up this notion. They’re
asking all the right questions and thus revealing themselves as exemplary
educators.[§§]
[*] In
some ways this can be much easier, as the comments fly pretty fast and it can
be hard to keep everything straight. I’m getting better at it, but still am not
totally comfortable. I’m kind of in awe of the moderators!
[†] My
response at the time and right now, with the caveat that at a different time I
may offer something else. But it seems to be sticking.
[§] By
“conservative” I mean averse to change. I’m not commenting on political or
ethical position.
[**]
Old joke: It can be easier to change the course of history than to change a
history course in a school.
[††]
Emphasis on steer. Providing the
answers would defeat the purpose.
[‡‡]
@GrantLichtman, he of the famous nationwide journey in search of educational
innovation, just Tweeted several of them. He frequently does.
[§§]
If you have stuck with me and worked through the footnotes, thanks. I’ve been
reading David Foster Wallace and tried to ape his form. Could never match the
elegant prose, though.
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