Shadows or Light, photo by Diane Frymire ©2010
Mission Statements can help anyone clarify what is their purpose. Zander's story about how his students raucously celebrated after a wonderful concert performance in Brazil gave an excellent example of why both students and teachers often struggle in the classroom. I loved how he approached the issue of behavior from the standpoint of what students wanted to represent. Their answers showed that the true desire was to demonstrate respect and all that was positive. Once they had processed the mission statement they really wanted to implement, they could see that their actions were not fitting into what they themselves wanted to portray. They owned it instead of receiving a lecture.
So much of the research and study I've learned this year has pointed to collaboration and ownership. Sharing information and supporting others to succeed are more powerful than shining flood lights on their mistakes. Don't we all self-criticize too much anyway? Students who really need our help, those who disrupt class and lash out, are frustrated and angry already. There is an art to finding ways to motivate people to change because it benefits them, because they sense that it will help them reach their goals. Zander really has tapped into that positive turn-around and I, for one, am inspired daily.
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