Chapter 6 Reflection

In my opinion, this was the most engaging chapter so far. It also felt like it was the shortest chapter, too. I was a little disappointed that it ended (good thing I have more chapters to read in this book:)). What stood out to me was something that I’ve already mentioned in my other posts:

“…accept a world in which adults not only can learn from children but shouldn't feel threatened when they do so. 

…who isn't surrounded by kids who know a lot more about technology than adults? 

…don't be afraid of students who know more than you do. In fact, deputize them and integrate their skills into your classroom.”  

Jason B. Ohler. Digital Storytelling in the Classroom: New Media Pathways to Literacy, Learning, and Creativity (p. 93, 94). Kindle Edition.

This is powerful. Sometimes teachers forget that we don’t know it all. Sometimes we forget that we are human and make mistakes, and it’s perfectly O.K. for our students to correct us. When I was teaching mathematics, I always told my students to make sure they watch me as I do the guided practice. If they notice a mistake I make, they get some extra credit. I always told them straight up: I am a human and humans make mistakes.

In the realm of technology in a classroom, sometimes I have to admit that I do not know how to work something and ask my more knowledgeable students for help. They love the feeling of being important and I get a humbling dose of humility on those days :).

It is absolutely true that “We forget lectures, but we remember stories” (Ohler, p. 94). I’ve noticed that when a lecture is supported by a good story that illustrates the same concept, I am more likely to remember the concept behind the story, and remembering the story helps me remember the concept. I try to integrate those types of stories/examples in my teachings. Sometimes even subtle “real life applications” help students remember things.