Chapter 8 - Part 2 (Self-Reflection)"It Doesn't Have Meaning" is challenge #6 outlined in chapter 8 of Launch. The focus: Purpose! Purpose needs to be established to hook students and engage them deeply in creating. Spencer and Juliani stress that the purpose CANNOT be GRADES! And, we all know, that it so often is. As teachers we tend to use grades to "motivate" students. However, without an authentic purpose students lose motivation, they lack passion. "What happens to learners who don't care about grades, and workers who want more purpose in their job than just a pay check?" (p. 168) We need to help students find purpose in the activities, lessons, projects we expect them to engage in. Help them to see connections to the real-world, the world as it is relevant to them, connections to their interests, and ultimately spark their passion for creativity in some form.
So, what is your purpose? Your passion? I would like you to join me in the activity Spencer and Juliani propose in chapter 8. The authors encourage readers to "sift through the noise and all [our] interests" (p. 168). Reflect and explore your own interests using the strategies in chapter 8, pages 169-172. Then, share your purpose and passions in the comments. 1. What kinds of activities do you choose to do when you are free from expectations and requirements Things to consider:
3. What do you read and watch? 4. Create a bracket of your interests and eliminate interests. 5. Focus on your "Final Four" interests and engage in those activities. Narrow down to your true passion. 6. Understand your purpose. Why is that "thing" your passion? This why = purpose. Click here to access a bracket template.
6 Comments
Crystal Grossman
7/19/2017 09:36:50 am
Using these strategies to identify my passion and purpose has made me hyper-aware of what I do to fill my time. Summer is an especially perfect time to zero-in on what I do when I don't have work or school. First, I made a list of everything I do to fill my time answering the guiding questions listed in the strategies. Then, I completed the March Madness bracket to narrow down my interests. Here's what I've realized, or maybe just confirmed.
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Laura
8/10/2017 09:47:50 pm
I too enjoy remodeling/up-cycling. Sanding, painting- it's such a visual process an you can instantly see the results of your hard work! Love the fact that its common for women these days build, operate woodworking tools, etc. It's so fun!
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Therese Bukousky
7/27/2017 02:36:09 pm
I'm very much a consumer when I have free time- music, movies, Netflix. I also consume a ton of quick info online- articles about my daughter's development, ideas of activities to do with her, science articles, and especially info in picture form- Facebook pictures of friends and family, Instagram, and Pinterest. I also enjoy travel and seeing new things and doing activities such as yoga, hiking, and kayaking. So ultimately I would say my passion is exploring new places to see new things. I know that's really general but I love the look on my daughter's face when we look at a new book together (or the same one for a thousandth time) or when I hike with my family and just are surrounded by nature.
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Crystal
8/1/2017 08:31:08 am
Thank you for sharing Therese! I love your statement about enjoying the look on your daughter's face when she experiences new things. I agree completely! So many of my own travel adventures are based on places and things I want my kids to experience. I also like your idea of using this activity or something similar to get your students focused on their own interests. I'm excited to see what you do to get to know your students this school year!
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Laura
8/10/2017 09:51:57 pm
Beautiful description of the joy and sense of hope you get from your daughter! I am glad you mentioned music. I don't have TV or Netflix. Music / podcasts are my go-to media source. I could't imagine life without the influence and encouragement that occurs from listening to music!
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Laura
8/10/2017 09:44:10 pm
This is such a tough question.... and I am often overly self-reflective! I think it is interesting to think about how my interests have changed during different times in my life and how others have been a constant interest throughout my life. For instance, I remember in elementary school spending hours organizing my collection of beads and I would teach myself how to make all sorts of bracelets to give to my friends. I did the same thing with drawings.
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Crystal GrossmanI love... reading, learning, instructional planning, brainstorming, being creative, working with young adults, collaborating with teachers, teaching. I love my job. Archives
February 2018
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