Happens every semester, I question what I am doing. Is this what I want to do with my life and my career? I'm not sure honestly most of the time. I appreciate the importance of this career, I enjoy it, but I feel as though it's pretty crappy most of the time. As teachers we're forced to force students. They have to learn from a particular curriculum, they have to follow these certain rules. I feel like this profession is dying from over standardization. There are stupid rule that must be followed and so many important experiences that students don't get anymore. I want to be able to just take students outside and learn from the earth. I don't know what I want to do. When I'm working at the climbing gym I "have to" make students follow these certain rules, and I "have to" be rigid with them when I'm working with this certain person. It's exhausting. When I let the kids enjoy their time there and we just work on projects (What most climbers do at the gym anyway) the kids have so much more fun. yeah we do some technique and drills, but it's so much better to just let the kids climb! That's what they're there for! I guess I feel the same way about education, when we let students explore what they want to then they take ownership of their education and really run with it. Think about it, if you have to write a persuasive essay, and it has to be about whether cookies or brownies are better. Ok, if you really love cookies or brownies you might make a good paper. however, if I ask you to write a persuasive essay about why I should try out your favorite hobby, something you are passionate about, you are going to write an amazing paper.
I guess it seems to me like so much of school and life is just (excuse my french) bullshit, we have to do certain things even though everyone knows they suck and are pointless, but we still have to do them.
I just want things to change. The status quo isn't working anymore and we need to find a new way.
Once again I love comments, if you have something to say or thoughts on any of my infrequent posts please share them. I love discussion.
I feel like so many people in the world just go day by day without even thinking about this. Not questioning authority. Not questioning intentions. Not questioning outdated tradition. The fact that the question has even been raised leads to provocative insight for growth to change the way operations are in present day. While I sometimes find it hard to be a heard young voice in society, it makes me realize that most change in the world started with just that. It makes me excited to see what possibilities our generation will bring to the table.
ReplyDeleteWith that said, I found a wonderful diagram a few months ago that really helped me evaluate my life, things I should be doing, or better yet, not doing. I hope it might help in some way.
http://forshay.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Forshay-Venn-Diagram-for-Blog1.png