This weekend was the US Open Golf tournament which I watched on and off (seeing Tiger Woods attempt a shot in waist high weeds and lose his club was particularly amusing). Apparently the new untraditional course was quite challenging and rigorous and many of the traditional golfers were in misery. Listening to a radio commentator on the way to airport today talking about those complaining about the course sounded all too familiar. He talked about how the course was untraditional, rigorous, and challenging. He felt that those complaining were upset out of fear—fear that the game of golf is changing.
Hmmm. Does this sound familiar?
Every day I get to hear teachers complain about the changes we are making in the classroom. The new tools, new techniques, right down to the new desks. If it’s new, they will complain. It’s too much, what was wrong with the old one, this has been working for me for years, etc. I now realize this all fear of the unknown and fear of being left behind.
The truth is that education is changing and educators need to change with it. If they don’t they will lose something valuable just the Tiger Woods lost his club in a field of weeds. And sadly the once great teachers will fall behind those who are up to the challenge.
The commentator brought up a good point. He said that while the course was challenging, fun, and unpredictable, it was a lot of fun to watch. It’s the same with the new direction in education. Yes, it’s scary, but so much fun once you take the leap!
Hmmm. Does this sound familiar?
Every day I get to hear teachers complain about the changes we are making in the classroom. The new tools, new techniques, right down to the new desks. If it’s new, they will complain. It’s too much, what was wrong with the old one, this has been working for me for years, etc. I now realize this all fear of the unknown and fear of being left behind.
The truth is that education is changing and educators need to change with it. If they don’t they will lose something valuable just the Tiger Woods lost his club in a field of weeds. And sadly the once great teachers will fall behind those who are up to the challenge.
The commentator brought up a good point. He said that while the course was challenging, fun, and unpredictable, it was a lot of fun to watch. It’s the same with the new direction in education. Yes, it’s scary, but so much fun once you take the leap!