Tackling adult problems
Last week the 8th graders were assigned to interview someone who could help them solve more issues they were facing. While many of them wanted to interview the head of school, they quickly realized how busy he was and proximity wise, I was a convenient second choice (I wasn't offended). I was impressed with the questions they were asking/issues they were tackling. Serious adult issues, not 14 year old issues.
They were very kosher and asked if they could record me while they conducted the interview. You can see the girl holding her phone in the first picture. I gave them some advice to put it near the people who were talking.
Each group has hit a wall in terms of how to fund their projects. WOAH. That is some adult issues. I gave them some ideas such as finding the person who may have done aquaponics or vericomposting at the school before to see if they had supplies left over to defray the costs, researching if any parent at the school specializes in whatever their project is to see if they'll donate their time, calling stores to ask for donations, writing grants, or fundraising. Those are things I would do as a teacher to fix my funding issues so for these kids to look into those options are serious real life solutions.
These kids are so invested in their projects and it's taken them to places they've never been. I'm so proud of their efforts and can't wait to see their final products.
Denalee, I love that you documented how your students are tackling adult problems and realizing that they needed support from someone, an adult who could help them get over the bumps they are experiencing. Like a good educator, you are not telling them what to do but giving them ideas that they can explore first and decide which ones work for them. Reminds me of this quote by Roger Lewin: "Probably the most important skill that children learn is how to learn. Too often we give children answers to remember rather than problems to solve. This is a mistake." You are guiding your students in how to learn and how to solve problems. Hooray for you!
ReplyDeleteAs you move forward in your SIP with providing students time to wonder, discover, engage and be empowered to take action, you have also discovered within yourself the philosophy of leadership not to be the sage on the stage but the guide on the side. This is much harder to do as it involves trust, integrity and the building of relationships. You begin to see the world in a different way and yourself as a transformational leader. Nice sharing of your student's work.
ReplyDelete