STOP THE INSANITY: LEANING NEEDS TO CHANGE

As we identify the traits of memorable teachers, this quote seemed to fit perfectly with the results we have found. It's not about the books we use, the tests we take, the societal norms of accountability of skills/outcomes/objectives, the numerous tasks we complete on the way to receiving a diploma, or the insanity of  doing things over and over again with the same results because we fear if its not broke don't fix it.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou

Learning is a journey with ups and downs, twists and turns, an adventure that is messy and unpredictable at times. We need to see that education occurring over the last 20 years has not been working at creating effective learning. We taught students and they didn't learn. Don't just teach louder and slower with the expectation that they will learn something, sometime, somehow. That's not life and protecting them by controlling the learning isn't life either. They will be okay and be well-prepared for life with wins as well as losses and failures, as long as they learn from them.

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” — Thomas Edison

BE MEMORABLE! 

Do things that are "purposeful and meaning-driven" for the learners so they will want to learn more and more, do it with greater initiative, and have a vested interest in their own success. Work smarter not harder. Let's not waste their time.

STOP THE INSANITY!!!!

Stephen Ahle Principal
Educator
2006 National Distinguished Principal
National Association of Elementary School Principals