This first week of school felt the longest ever. I even caught myself singing the chorus to the famous Beatles’ song, “Eight Days a Week” ever so often. It’s not a complaint, because of having a bad week or about being overwhelmed with stress. The beginning of school always means the same for staff…everything starting at once and everything needing to be done now. It’s a crazy time as we multi-task, restart routines, figure out structures, and try to remember everything without forgetting anything. Meanwhile, adjusting to being on a timed schedule and trying to manage time when it feels like there is no time. The new term “volexity” (volume + complexity) immediately comes to mind to describe my working world.
The funny thing about this super-busy week is that I am not exhausted. Instead, I feel focused and satisfied. And so I ask, why is that? I can only think of one difference maker --> I have been actively engaged in learning. I have been immersed in all kinds of deep, relevant learning connected to leadership, culture, and relationships. And it’s making my brain feel sore, full and stretched. Worthwhile brain pain and a positive perk!
The best example of this deep learning has been about Inquiry 8. It’s given me the opportunity to start learning and leading together with 12 teachers who are embarking on their own professional learning as a collaborative team focused on inquiry based learning with students and developing 21st Century skills. Together in pods, they will cover cross-curricular learning outcomes through projects. All our Grade 8s and their teachers will be engaged in what and how they learn, while they build trusting and caring relationships. This learning and opportunity to lead with this teacher team is exciting and it has empowered me to continue. And, it’s not just about what I am learning, but how I am experiencing the learning.
Consider these facts I found about how the brain learns:
· 50% of what we SEE and HEAR
· 70% of what is DISCUSSED with OTHERS
· 80% of what is EXPERIENCED PERSONALLY
· 95% of what we TEACH TO SOMEONE ELSE
That’s how I have been learning during this first week of school!
So if my brain is hurting, I should certainly pay attention to see if our students are feeling the same way and learning in similar ways. Besides asking what they are learning, I could ask students if their brain feels full or sore? Ha! That could certainly give me insight, besides a puzzled look.
Lastly, here is a quote I think speaks to why we need to actively learn and feed our brains everyday, all day.
“Education is key to slowing brain aging. Simply put, the more you know, the more you stretch your brain's capacity for learning.” ~ Dr. Oz, MD
How fitting. If I know more because I have stretched my brain’s capacity to learn, then I need ensure the same happens for our students and teachers.
D. Lindstrom
Sept. 27th, 2014
The funny thing about this super-busy week is that I am not exhausted. Instead, I feel focused and satisfied. And so I ask, why is that? I can only think of one difference maker --> I have been actively engaged in learning. I have been immersed in all kinds of deep, relevant learning connected to leadership, culture, and relationships. And it’s making my brain feel sore, full and stretched. Worthwhile brain pain and a positive perk!
The best example of this deep learning has been about Inquiry 8. It’s given me the opportunity to start learning and leading together with 12 teachers who are embarking on their own professional learning as a collaborative team focused on inquiry based learning with students and developing 21st Century skills. Together in pods, they will cover cross-curricular learning outcomes through projects. All our Grade 8s and their teachers will be engaged in what and how they learn, while they build trusting and caring relationships. This learning and opportunity to lead with this teacher team is exciting and it has empowered me to continue. And, it’s not just about what I am learning, but how I am experiencing the learning.
Consider these facts I found about how the brain learns:
· 50% of what we SEE and HEAR
· 70% of what is DISCUSSED with OTHERS
· 80% of what is EXPERIENCED PERSONALLY
· 95% of what we TEACH TO SOMEONE ELSE
That’s how I have been learning during this first week of school!
So if my brain is hurting, I should certainly pay attention to see if our students are feeling the same way and learning in similar ways. Besides asking what they are learning, I could ask students if their brain feels full or sore? Ha! That could certainly give me insight, besides a puzzled look.
Lastly, here is a quote I think speaks to why we need to actively learn and feed our brains everyday, all day.
“Education is key to slowing brain aging. Simply put, the more you know, the more you stretch your brain's capacity for learning.” ~ Dr. Oz, MD
How fitting. If I know more because I have stretched my brain’s capacity to learn, then I need ensure the same happens for our students and teachers.
D. Lindstrom
Sept. 27th, 2014