I posted several weeks ago about what I learned during my first months of teaching from my students. I have learned more from children than in any university class. Teaching and learning are not theoretical functions and they are not just stumbling around in the dark. They are both relational, messy, and complex processes. This is a wonderful share by a teacher from Australia. She posted this great TED talk. Take a listen.
Adora Svitak: What adults can learn from kids
This video came out a couple of years ago; it was powerful then and still is now.
“…in order to make anything a reality, you have to dream about it first…”




Isn’t she incredible? What a powerhouse! What will she do with the life still ahead of her….? I like your comment that learning is a ‘messy’ process. Schools traditionally remove the ‘mess’ and reap a watered down functional learning, don’t they?
I agree. We need our students to be active in all aspects of their learning including the helping to set the new directions. This will be done when we open up the process and allow all learners to have a voice. My classroom is a messy, active place. Frequently, students come back and tell me how this has served them in high school and beyond. They felt like they were part of what was done in the classroom. Their learning was done with them, not to them.
I commend you! I am hoping that our institutions will develop the creativity of the next generation of teachers – but unfortunately our institutions change so slowly…
Thank you.