Archive for: Core Routines
Brain Research
As an administrator I have been to workshops about effective evaluation and how to identify effective teachers. We have discussed leadership traits. We have set goals. We have developed and refined policy. Through this all we remind ourselves that we are doing to this because it is the student that matters. I began to wonder when we are going to learn more about our students. What are we missing? What can research tell us about our “clients”?
Brain research is not a new field but it seems to be slow in coming to education. My first dive into several articles is summarized here.
90 Percent of my Time
The saying “we spend 90% of our time on 10% of our students” came up again.
And my response was different this time.
Every other time I’ve been at a workshop, or a session, or a meeting and this statement came up I felt anger growing. It gave my frustration a place to hang. What have I been doing wasting so much time on so few? There certainly must be something be wrong if things are not more equal. Why should the minority demand such a large amount of my time and effort.
Winter dog tracks
A quiet day after three days of Christmas celebration is magical in its own way. I opened a new book to read. enjoyed a coffee. Accepted an invitation to go on a walk with my brother.
Student Time is Sacred Time
Stephen Covey and his 7 Habits resonated with me the first time I read it. They became part of my life and I continue to strive to meet them every week. First Things First was also very motivating. The analogy of rocks in a jar is very powerful. Yet, there are times I wish I could grab Mr. Covey by the ear, drag him into my school so that he can see where his theory of time management breaks down.
Advance and Retreat
Advance and retreat is a common training tactic. I’ve used it very successfully with my horse. In fact, with Chiquita, when she doesn’t feel like being engaged, I force the issue a little bit. I increase the pressure on her by walking aggressively. I aim my gaze directly at her and point my body to her hind quarters. “If you want to walk away from me, I’ll make you run.” The strange thing is that when I take the pressure off by turning away and dropping my posture, she’ll turn and begin to walk toward me. She may not respond quickly but after a few tries she usually wants to follow me around.
