Reading the discussion over at Alan’s blog was good for me today…
I too have to admit to feeling rather intimidated, since I haven’t read much “literature” since Grade 12 (and that was many years ago now!!)
I’ve sat back and watched, rather than participated, since I wasn’t sure I had anything “significant” to add.
Even now, as I try to write a post to join the discussion here, I find I have to remind myself of some things…
· I need to listen to and follow my fellow Motley Readers’ lead by allowing my perspective to be my perspective, without judgment of my own or others’ contributions.
· It’s okay to talk about what I notice, even though it may be different from what another reader talks about. In fact, that’s the fun part about this adventure!
· Wow! I almost forgot that the whole point is to LEARN from (and with) each other! How silly it is to let fear stand in my way!
· I don’t have to comment on EVERYTHING in the story, only what strikes me as interesting.
· This isn’t a test, a class essay, or an assignment due. It is simply reading for pleasure – for the experience itself!
· And, what follows, of course, is that there is no “right” or “wrong”…
How easy it is to fall into the old patterns of trying to figure out what the teacher wants so that I can get a good mark and make him/her happy and prove that I’m “smart” and keep my insecurity at bay for one more day…
How important it is to take note of this experience and remember these feelings as I try to affect change in the world (and particularly in education)!
After all, this is really what I want for all students – empowered learning. I’ve wanted to participate in this book “un-club” of my own choice, in order to learn in a way that is relevant to me. And look at how uncomfortable it’s made me!
The experience of undertaking relevant, empowered learning is no less uncomfortable or frightening for teachers or students or parents in the “system” – we have to take risks, we may misstep or make a mistake, we have to remind ourselves to be confident in our own opinions even when no one else agrees…
Who knew Chris’ invitation would end up teaching me a whole lot about how to “be the change I wish to see in this world”??
Thank you, fellow Motley Readers!
@hhg
