A Teachable Moment

​An Idea Is Innovation. - Shazi! :) 

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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, joy, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The truth is that I was taking the time to reflect upon the idea of an idea. How can we explore our ideas without feeling the fear to even speak? I am thinking specifically about any classroom setting that is using the space to think, build upon ideas for the purposes of knowledge creation. The environment has to be, and feel safe enough to be free from fear. Yet, it should also be a place where students can feel safe enough to take risks.

     From the perspectives of the educator ultimately we plan our lessons, but this plan is only a plan. Anything can happen in the learning environment. Anything can erupt, and as educators we have to be prepared for literally anything. Pedagogy is only tied to an object to a certain extent. Yes, these are the materials that we learn with such as the readings, or even sitting around a table with utensils, making sure that we have everything. Ultimately pedagogy is about the learning relationship that is cultivated through learning. This is where the value lives. Always put this relationship before everything.

     In learning it should never be about who knows more, as students we ultimately know that the Pedagog / teacher knows more. The more knowledge that ones possesses the higher their consciousness  is raised, this is not just based on the knowledge, it is also about life, and the experiences one holds.  It is already a known that the teacher / pedagog knows more, but it does not mean that they have learned everything. Learning is life long. Sometimes we can learn so much even from observing a child.

     Idea Exploration
For the purposes of learning we must use our knowledge as a tool kit. Only as a guide to a discussion. Allowing students to explore the readings, pull out points of interest that they desire. It is never the job of an educator to force an idea, or an opinion upon the student. The pedagog's knowledge should be utilized as a guide, slowly, swiftly, only guiding. When there is a force, a throwing, an indoctrination, not only do we loose an attachment to learning, we also risk the learning relationship.

     We have to remind ourselves that the classroom is where idea's are being explored. It should never resemble a residential school classroom, where there is fear, no growth,  and simply a place to learn what some one else is thinking for you. As educators we have to balance when it is time to deliver and share knowledge, clarify ideas, and also when to give the student the opportunity to express their thoughts as well.

Dedication: These thoughts are dedicated to the learner, specifically the ones who have experienced barriers to learning, and at risk students, you matter, you are loved. My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)  

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on March 5th, 2017
Image 1 - Web Link
​Image 2 - Web Link