(Microsoft Clip Art)
“How much greatness are we willing to grant people?” (p.73)
To answer this question from the reading, we need to give the people we teach, coach, lead, and/or conduct a voice. Good leaders are good listeners who are not afraid to admit when they are at fault. When followers see that their leader is not too proud to admit when they are wrong, they see the humility of that leader. A humble leader is not always directing his or her subordinates. He or she must also be a good listener and give their followers a chance to express what they observe through their eyes. Keeping an open mind is what keeps a good leader from being clouded by the things they experience and perceive. Also, good leaders let someone else shine a different light on the same situation.
When I start school, I set the expectation for my student’s behaviors. But, what we often do not allow is an opportunity for students to voice their opinion on how teachers should behave and educate. I do this exercise with my students at the end of the first semester because they have gotten a feel for my personality and teaching style. So, I developed this extra credit survey for my students with four simple questions. They are as follow:
What were two things that Coach2win did well last semester? Why was it good?
What are two things that Coach2win can do better? How can he improve, give him some suggestions?
What were two things you did well last semester in Coach2win’s class? Why was it good?
What are two things you can do better this upcoming semester? How can you improve?
Basically this survey boils down to how can improve as an educator and how can they improve as students. Giving my students this chance to evaluate me is the same as the Zander allowing his musicians to write on the blank notepaper. When the people we lead get to voice their opinions openly and freely, we all learn something. We learn about our self and the people we lead. That is how we grant people greatness, through listening to their suggestions.
Thourn-
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point about not letting our students voice their opinions on teacher behaviors. I often think allowing students in on this decision or rule making would create an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. But, I think that as adults, we are too scared to give our students that much leeway or voice in school matters. Your survey idea is a great idea for addressing this issue. YOu still give students a voice, while maintaining control over the learning process so it does not get out of hand.
Nyssa Arcos
Everyone has a need to feel validated and valued whether they speak up about it or not. It is easy for the "big wigs" to look down on those they supervise which causes undesired tension. This tension can be alleviated if we get rid of the big I, little u syndrome.
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