I just read a thought from a clinical psychologist--Terri Melgar on Scott Burdick's Facebook wall. It is important enough to share with my teaching friends and others.
"To learn we must be open to the idea of needing information and/or so frustrated with what we are doing/or what is happening to us, that we are willing to let go of the way we are use to doing "it" and risk!!! Trying something new. (this isn't for the faint of heart).
Children can learn so easily, not a lot of expectations, self corrections and fear to block the intake of new information.
Those get built in from family and other primary care givers which is where that teacher good/bad shows up.
Hopefully in life we are both student and teacher, being open to new ideas and approaches and willing to share our knowledge. To make ones self available to the possibilities of learning about the things that interest us is a wonder . . . filled experience. Often times a gift is given from an unexpected source."
This statement reminds me of the old story of the man who was walking down a dirt road and passed by a house. On the front porch was a dog spread out resting but then let out a howl of pain. Watching, he noticed the dog howled then stopped, then howled again. An old man was sitting in a rocking chair next to the dog. "What's wrong with your dog the stranger asked. The old man responded. "He's lying on a nail." Puzzled by the answer, the stranger asked. "Why doesn't he just get up?" Still rocking, the old man said, "It doesn't hurt bad enough."
Just a thought to think about.
