The Best Way to Lead Learning is to Follow
I am a public school teacher. I teach adults that have not finished high school. I can also help students prep for the GED. In the public school system, I am used to meeting standards, and state testing requirements. For my own boys, I integrate as much as possible.
People ask me why my boys are so smart or know so much. I know they are pretty clever guys but I also know that they learn something when they are interested. By following their lead, they cover more ground and go to deeper depths than any public school classroom would allow. I think if every student could be trusted enough, they would reach thier full potential without question.
Trust is the biggest part of this equation. It is difficult to work in a profession where we are told to be the authority and the givers of information to let students lead. For me it makes perfect sense but at work, it is a big NO NO. Students are to be controlled, managed, and spoonfed state adopted text based information.
I teach a very diverse population. Many are second generation Mexican American, and now Russian. There is nothing less relevant to a new immigrant than a story about a white middle aged man who is contemplating suicide. Yet, there is little latitutde in changing curriculum. Trust the books, that is what the state says and many teachers follow.
When we ask the question “Why students aren’t leading in education?”, we must be ready for the answer. We don’t give them exeperience and trust enough to lead. How can they know thier worth if they don’t know how to develop passions and interests?
My boys know that they are trusted to get work finished, to spend money wisely, to make good decisions. They succeed because they can and they do. When they don’t they learn from that to. My husband and I follow and bridge the gaps. The blessing of homeschooling is the trust. Trust your children, trust yourself.
cgailb