Wk2_Blog: My Response to Peter Binskin

Ciao! Now here's something new from Ann Cannizzaro.
Here are some great comments from Peter Binskin about the Art of Possibility.  My response to these comments follows.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Wk2 Reading-The Art Of Possibility by Zander and Zander

Tied to the measurement world

The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander (2000) is a great book to read! I think that having us watch the TED video of Benjamin Zander first was a great idea because it puts much of the book in perspective and gives the book a voice (I couldn’t get that joyful British voice out of my head as I read it). It really is a book of stories on changing perspectives and finding the joy of living in everything. It also asks us to look at a broader world of opportunities, not for what we can gain personally, but what we can gain by giving ourselves to those in our field of influence.

As a teacher the Michelangelo analogy was very strong for me. Do I see my students as infinite potential or am I just there to deliver the curriculum and compare them to other students? It’s a hard thing to rejoice in an individual’s abilities when the parents too are asking how are they doing compared to the rest of the class or the state. This measurement world is very strong and is continually being used as justification and blame on those who do not measure up and those who are charged with the job of raising people up to those invented standards. I have to admit that I myself have been focusing on measurements throughout this course and get stressed at each activity, wondering if I have done what is required to satisfy the course requirements rather than being a contribution to those around me in my academic community, both inside and outside the course.

One thing I can say is that I am quite energized by this book and I hope I can find a way to let myself give up my measurement driven way of thinking to something more uplifting. I’m enjoying this book so much that I am recommending my wife read it to give her tools to help with managing people at her work.

My response:

@ PETER:

I had the opposite reaction to the Video of Benjamin Zander giving his TED talk.  I had read much of the book prior to viewing the video, and the verbatim repetition of the storytelling was a bit disappointing.  However, I would like to respond to your point about the Michaelangelo analogy.  It is so hard sometimes to look at my students and bring to mind the potential that lies within.  It is so frustrating to work with students and find a lack of effort, attention, and interest in their own learning.  So little motivation and initiative.  I think I will do a piece of WordArt (MICHAELANGELO) and post it in my classroom as a reminder…perhaps on the ceiling!  In fact, it really was just yesterday that I was imagining giving my students an assignment where they would have to work on the floor, under their desks.  They would have to complete a writing assignment on a sheet of paper taped to the underside of their desks.  I was thinking about how help students relate to a different point of view, or perspective.

I also have enjoyed reading the book and find it an “easy to take” reminder to step back and observe the “possibilities” of my classroom, and focus less on the frustrating moments.  Thanks.