The Art of PossibilityWordle © 2008
I think it was the best lesson so far this year...I think my students would agree. The Art of Possibility became the inspiration and some of the content. My Leadership Skills class seemed like the perfect place to talk about thinking creatively and believing in the possibility of anything. As I read the first 6 chapters of Rosamund and Benjamin Zander's book, I could see my students benefiting from the concepts. I incorporated several of the activities from the Tim Brown video included in my post below (Thursday, February 19, 2009). The students saw how they had no confidence in their creativity and how they need to stretch the boundaries beyond assumptions.
I then had this group of freshmen attempt the nine-dot puzzle used in the book. Once again, think beyond the limits. Benjamin Zander's TED presentation fit in well at this point, and I followed that up with the movie, Music of the Heart. I love using film in my cl
asses; it is an excellent way to start conversations and writing. All too often movies get a bad rap - probably because teachers don't use them as educational tools. My students had the choice of writing a letter from Ms. Roberta Guaspari-Tzavaras to Mr. Zander or vice versa. They needed to show the opinions and the feeling tones they sensed in the videos, as well as using the correct format for the letter. It was rewarding for me and, after reading their letters, for them too!
asses; it is an excellent way to start conversations and writing. All too often movies get a bad rap - probably because teachers don't use them as educational tools. My students had the choice of writing a letter from Ms. Roberta Guaspari-Tzavaras to Mr. Zander or vice versa. They needed to show the opinions and the feeling tones they sensed in the videos, as well as using the correct format for the letter. It was rewarding for me and, after reading their letters, for them too!Although The Art of Possibility has nothing directly to do with media assets, it has everything to do with creation! I truly valued the advice at this turbulent time in my life. Rule 6 has become quite the calming influence on me. Some of the particular thoughts I had:
- What assumption am I making...What might I now invent? I need to stop thinking that I can't ask for help! Not help because I don't know how to do something, help because I don't have time to do all of the things I used to do for my school. I'm driving myself crazy trying to complete all of the responsibilities I assumed when my school first opened. The sad part for me is - I'm doing a crappy job on some things due to a lack of time. I just can't carve myself up into smaller pieces.
- How are my thought/actions a reflection of the measurement world? I feel if I don't do everything I used to do I will be considered a lesser teacher. I need to formally give up on those things I don't enjoy and can professionally give up.
- Start giving the "A"! I do this with my students - I know they get opportunities to succeed with me that they never had with other teachers. I need to start giving myself an "A".
- Rule 6 needs to stay at the forefront when things are getting crazy. I know that it can't be applied to all of the professional responsibilities I have, but I'm sure if I look I'll find a few to slap it on!
Jacks, J. (June, 2008). Image of Opus 118 Harlem School of Music Annual Concert: Academy Auditorium. Retrived on February 22, 2008, from http://www.artsandletters.org/announcements2.php
Zander, B. & Zander, R. (2000). The art of possibility: Transforming professional and personal life. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.
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Great observations and application...
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