Finding your passion
This summer I read a wonderful book entitled The Element: How finding your passion changes everything, by Sir Kenneth Robinson. I was so impressed with his message I incorporated it into my opening day address to staff. This weekend I was able to chat with Sir Ken at the conference I attended in Rochester NY. I find his insight into education and more importantly enjoying life (both professionally and personally) enthralling. His views on school and creativity are equally engaging. Check out his video on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFubmeHDtII 
Posted in Mike's Musings 15 years, 1 month ago at 6:04 pm. 5 comments
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I downloaded this book and listened to it on my way to and from school. I love how Dr. Robinson suggests that it is not only innate ability or talent, but hard work and a heck of a lot of effort that enables a person to succeed. These people used the things they were passionate about– their “element”, to create enterprises and inspire the world. They took their passions to new levels, but it didn’t just happen for them, they worked their tails off to get there.
Another amazing book that focuses on the power of praising effort instead of ability in order to develop working toward developing your passion is “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Dr. Carol Dweck. Really interesting and applicable to teaching, parenting, and our own lives.
I also had the wonderful opportunity to see Sir Kenneth Robinson at a conference in San Francisco. His humorous approach to stating what is wrong with education today was worth traveling by plane to experience. “Mike’s Musings” is just what every school district needs. The fact that an individual can have their voice heard takes a very open and courageous mind to create that forum. Dr. Nagler, we thank you for taking the time to meet with us in Brooklyn over the weekend.
Does the principal have the enrichment model in place at her school in Syosset? If the “schoolwide” enrichment model is in place there, how are the needs of special education LD students of average intelligence met within this model? If we could arrange a site visit, I would love to go!
Have you ever gone to Confratute at Uconn for the 2 weeks training on gifted education? We should look into their schoolwide enrichment model… I went to it 5 years ago and was inspired. I can put you in touch with a principal from Syosset who presents at the conference to administrators.
After watching the video clip, I can see why you would find Sir Robinson so interesting. Getting our children ready for their future is becoming more and more about test taking in our schools (NYS mandated) and less about creativity. It is certainly a formidable task for you and for all our administrators and teachers to find the right balance in acknowledging the unique talents of each of our students that may or may not include traditional values of our current educational system.