Wednesday, August 25, 2010

What I Learned Today: Unlearning

I like the list on What Ed Said regarding what teachers should unlearn.  Here's a couple that I found interesting:

1. Teachers know all the answers
3. Teachers are responsible for the learning.

Regarding #1:  I already know I don't know all the answers, so I'm comfortable saying "I don't know," or "I think this is it," or "I'll get back to you," or even "What do you think the answer is?"

Regarding #3: I think bear some responsibility for creating an environment for learning, and I think I'm responsible to be prepared for the class as much as I can be.  I used to think I was the "Sage on the Stage," but the pressure to make sure students learn was overwhelming, and I never felt ready for class.  I think I'm responsible for coming up with opportunities for students to learn, whether it be in the classroom, in the readings, in papers or projects.

These days, I'm much more living into being the "Guide on the Side."  More about that later.