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When you hear the word 'education,' do you think of leadership?

Well, maybe you should...that's because the word comes from the latin root, 'educare,' which is a form a leadership that 'draws forth.'

What does that mean? To draw forth?

So often we think of our educational system as a way to impart knowledge into the brains of our youth - we open up their cranial cavity, and pour in facts and tidbits that we think they will need as they grow into adults.

Educare emphasizes a different approach...

Instead of 'pouring in' data and information, we instead invite the student to 'draw forth' their own questions and find their own answers through exploration, reflection and experience.

Exploration:

Allowin g a student to explore their world, their sense of meaning and purpose in their world, and the world of the subject matter - in other words, instead of 'talking at' a student about the importance of math in their lives, 'draw forth' a discussion that allows the student to explore the importance of math in their lives.

Reflection:

The ability to reflect and consider how ones actions affects those around him/her is an increasingly rare talent - by teaching students this skill, we can more effectively teach them to be lifelong learners for the joy and challenge of learning, not just because we've told them that learning is a lifelong journey - the know it because they feel it, because they've explored it, and reflected on it....beautiful!

Experience:

Not hing beats experience and practice - a variety of paces, styles, modes, methods - shake things up - throw away those worksheets - allow students to get creative when solving problems and finding solutions. Foster lots of practice time (aka 'experience'). I can't remember the source of the quote, but the quote that fits here is, "Good judgment comes from experience...experience comes from bad judgment."

Remember - draw forth - don't dump in - allow your students to explore WITH you...

Enjoy, and let me know what you think!

Learn more about this author, Alisa Cook.
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