8-28-2015

Mary's Minute

When I entered the language education program at IU over twenty years ago, Jerome Harste was my idol.  He was a rock star to me, and I was in awe that I had the honor of sitting in his classes and discussing learning theory face-to-face with him.  I learned so much from Dr. Harste, who over time I called Jerry, and other professors during that time.  My philosophy of learning solidified during those important years.  Study involved pouring over books and writing countless papers, but the theory boils down to respect for learners.  

I remember seeing Jerry at a conference after I became a superintendent.  Most of his students become college professors, not school administrators. He groaned and said, "Oh no, you sold out!"  His fear was that I would be an administrator who put money and test score pressure ahead of respect for teachers and learners. When I look at Perry Central and the great things happening here I believe that we have not sold out!  We want teachers to feel supported so they can support learners. We want to respect learners as natural inquirers. We want to create an atmosphere that allows students to pursue their passions.  We want teacher meetings to focus on student learning and not test scores. 

My days of pulling all nighters in my cubby at the Wright Education Building are gone, but my awe of Jerry Harste, who now spends his days making sand sculptures on the beach is steadfast.  For him, and most importantly for our learners, I cannot let the pressures of day allow me to forget what really matters!

Have a great week!
Mary

8-21-2015

Mary’s Minute

“We do not learn only from great minds; we learn from everyone, if only we observe and inquire.”

~ D.A. Doxiadis

When we think of learning as a simple transfer of knowledge, it is logical that the best way to learn is from really smart people.  In this model knowledge is viewed as content – something tangible that can be held.  If learning is viewed this way, a good metaphor would be to think of education as a dump truck and learning as the process of filling up students with the content of the truck bed.  Thinking about learning this way is simple, but not accurate!  True learning is transitive rather than a transfer.  It is more complicated, but more exciting and accurate.  Learning from everyone by observing and inquiring is also fun!

This quote is helpful for me because it brings to light that learning is not about the content, but what we do with it.  Learning is enhanced by multiple perspectives when we the content is the springboard for questioning.  Thinking of learning this way, a better metaphor might be a lava lamp that is in constant motion with give and take. 

At Perry Central our students are learning not simply by being filled with knowledge of their “smart” teachers, but more importantly by working with their skillful teachers to observe and inquire in order to gain insight from multiple perspectives.  Our country is built on innovators, and by seeing learning as a transitive process we are helping to nurture the innovators of the future!

8-14-15

 

 

 

Mary's Minute

“Education is a social process; education is growth; education is not preparation for life but is life itself.”

― John Dewey

I spend a lot of time reflecting on the meaning of learning – after all we are an institution of learning.  I am interested in the dialogue of today, and I get excited listening to the educational theorists of today.  Yet, I still find myself drawn to the philosophy of John Dewey, an educational philosopher who was born in 1859.  Dewey believed in the social nature of education, as well as the notion that true learning is a continual process.  For learning to truly be learning, it must continue after the actual experience.  I am intrigued at how Dewey’s thinking fits with how technology has changed the way we think about learning.  Over one hundred years ago, “social” meant something very different than it does today, but the way it relates to learning is the same.  Dewey understood that learning needed to involve interacting with others through face to face discussions and reading/writing.  Today the same is true, but because of technology our social sphere of influence is exponentially greater.  Learning is still the dynamic, transformative act that it was in Dewey’s time, but because of technology the effects can be even more powerful.  Today we can connect with people across the globe, and interact through multiple mediums.  It is indeed an exciting time for learning!  I think John Dewey would be invigorated by how his theories still hold true, but are even more powerful because of technology.  Learning – what an energizing adventure!

                                                                        Have a great week!

                                                                        Mary

8-7-2015

Mary's Minute

“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”

                                                                                    ~ Mother Teresa

Life has a way of shaping our beliefs, and I am intrigued that instead of life feeling more complex, it actually seems very simple.  Ultimately, what matters most in life is how we treat people.  Mother Teresa sums it up nicely.  Everything boils down to how we treat people.  My brother recently said, “I used to say we should be working to make the world a better place, but over the years I have boiled it down a little more.  That means we wake up every day working to make the world a better place by being nice to (loving) every single person we come into contact with every day, no exceptions, no passes.”  Perry Central is a place that puts people first, understanding that relationships are at the core of all we do.  The school year started with a powerful message from George Cuorus, who shared with our staff the power of technology and innovation, but most importantly the power of relationships. 

Unfortunately, I missed the opening day, but I feel connected and proud of that association.  On a personal level, I feel blessed in so many ways.  This week my daughter, Zoe, has been so sick, but while she lay in the hospital bed she smiled and thanked every caregiver her entered her room.  Life is complex; we have so much to accomplish, but in the end what really matters is how we treat each other. 

I appreciate the wonderful role models in my life, knowing I have so far to go to live the “simple” life to which I aspire.  Just last week my son, Bill, commented as I hung up with a customer service person, “Mom, why did you get so aggressive so quickly?”  I am not proud of that moment – I didn’t need to get aggressive at all, especially as Bill pointed out, “so quickly.”  Maybe on the backdrop of Zoe’s illness and the opening of this special school year, I am empowered to listen more intently and strive harder to follow Mother Teresa’s lead. 

Relationships matter.  People matter.  It is going to be a great school year!

 

                                                            Welcome Back!

                                                                        Mary