OWN YOUR OWN EDUCATION
I came across this quote this morning on Facebook.
(thank you, @Edutopia!)
As I read through the comments, it got me thinking.
There are many comments,mainly saying
'Our current education system does not allow this!'
Yes, I agree with that.
Having worked in the various education system for over 10 years, I totally get it. That is why I am a 'retired' teacher now. I couldn't go any longer feeling like I'm putting those uniquely beautiful children into one standard box.
I met many teachers who are like me, doubting about standarlised curriculums, tests after test, and now in the middle of the Covid-19, they are busily hurrying to 'catch up’ to where their students are supposed to be.
I totally get it. The standard or benchmarks are necessary to assess how each student are progressing. Without reference points, we cannot measure progress.
Now back to the topic.
What does ' own your own education' mean?
From my point of view, this is what is lacking in current students and also teachers.
They are lacking ownership, accountability and responsibility.
For all of us, it is easy to blame others and external factors when things are not going the way we want.
For students, that may sound like this.
“I don't like that teacher”
"‘I don't get along with that kid.”
“ It's too hot!”
“No one is helping me.”
“I'm not going to use this formula anyway...”
You can find an endless list of things that are stopping you when you are seeing a world through the lens of ' Victims'.
When you are in that state, you are being a victim of circumstances.
It may serve you a short term, but it will not work long term, and absolutely won't help you get what you want.
You want everything you can have in your life, right?
Then what you need to do is to start seeing the world through the lens of 'Ownership'
When you start to see through the lens of ' Ownership', you will realise that what's stopping you is, after all, is YOU and your MIND FRAME.
For example, you may be in a classroom that does not particularly excite you.
You have 2 options.
Option 1. Be a victim.
Not do any work, or you will do it only because your teacher is forcing you to do it.
Option 2. Take ownership
Be aware of your feeling (annoyed, challenged, frustrated etc.), acknowledge it, then move on the tasks with a curious mind that you are actually learning something you didn't know.
That also goes to the teachers (and parents.)
How many of us blame kids for your sessions going down badly?
“Well, that Johnny kept calling out, and then Rob and Sally joined in.
I was so prepared and had a great lesson plan, with a beautiful worksheet that I spent all night making for the class, and then everything went out of the window because of them!"
That happens, but was that only because of them?
I had many classes like that. I had some very challenging classes.
Then I look back now and think,
"Did I really provide the sessions that excite them and help to open their curious mind? Was I just focusing on what I was supposed to so I can get through the textbook?
It goes back to my 'ownership'. And education doesn't happen only in the classroom; it happens everywhere every day.
You can blame everyone and everything for being a victim of circumstances, or you can choose to live your life fully by 'own your own education, that is a life itself that you've been given.
