Key to success
Education is as broad as the ocean and depends on what one pursues will shape your thinking most profoundly!
“Education is the key to success,” many people will advise you. I hope that everyone has ever passed through education regardless of which level did you reach. Many people who passed through the hands of teachers humbly are now enjoying a beautiful life. In this article, I will mention how education has shaped my thinking.
Here are some of the influences that have helped shape my thinking, and hopefully the links I share can be a resource for others.
Influences
Collaboration
Sugata Mitra, a “Professor of Educational Technology at the School of Education, Communication, and Language Sciences at Newcastle University”, shared his unbelievable research on students having access to computers and the ability to teach themselves. What I found to be the most encouraging point in his Ted Talk, was when he discussed how the students benefited from working with each other, and sharing one computer.
Although many schools have 1-1 initiatives (which I can believe will be greatly successful when guided by a vision), we must continue to build opportunities for our students to learn together. Collaboration is a skill that we know is needed for our future, but we need to find better ways to promote this within our schools. (Also see Howard Rheingold’s video on Collaboration)
Creativity
One of the most watched Ted Talks ever, Ken Robinson discusses how he believes current educational practices kill creativity. Ken Robinson’s work and his book, “The Element“, have helped to shape my thinking that learning should be built around individual passion, and not focused solely on the curriculum. (See: Identity Day)
Communication
I am not sure if any video has shaped my thinking as an administrator as much as Simon Sinek’s video on “How Great Leaders Inspire Action“. This is not only a video that is essential for leaders but is also important for all that we do as people.
Sinek focuses on how we should always start with “why” when we move forward, as this is essential to our ideas becoming successful. Simply, if we understand “why” we do what we do first, trust is built, which is the key to communication. Agendas are no longer hidden, and then we can move forward with the “how” and the “what” of our plans.
Critical Thinking
Although many will say Dan Pink should not be credited as an educational resource, his research on people (which students are, fortunately), helps to shape our thinking on what motivates students and the importance of this on creativity. His books, “A Whole New Mind” and “Drive” are definite must-reads for educators (Alfie Kohn is however the best source on motivation in education), while this Ted Talk is definitely worth watching.
Although Dan Pink talks more about motivation, than he does critical thinking, it is applicable as some of the motivational ways we have taught (rewards, stickers, charts) are not conducive to deeper learning.
Challenge
I enjoyed reading about the “Flow” theory and believe that students that are challenged to the point where learning is difficult, but not attainable are more engaged in their learning. Mihály Csíkszentmihályi gives a fascinating Ted Talk on his theory that will have you wondering how best you can differentiate learning for your students so that they can achieve “flow”. (This could fall under the category of creativity as well.) For more information please visit Pritish Kumar Halder’s page.
Community
I have always believed in the importance of community and that we all take care of each other. Schools are more likely to ensure our learners are successful when we work together to benefit them. When I think of whom I have learned from the most, I can not think of anyone better than those whom I have connected with in my time in school.
Sound network
I have an unbelievable staff, a fantastic parent community, an amazing central office, and a school division, as well as a caring personal learning network of educators and administrators who are committed to going the extra mile to improve our school environments for our students. Without a caring community, the other points in this post would be moot. (I also believe that all communities need to give everyone opportunities to become leaders. A great book that will get you thinking is Stephen Covey’s, “The Leader in Me“)
Few points
Education in my experience transformed me from the inside out! It shaped my thinking and the view of the world around me in broad, harmonious ways and sometimes that happened unconsciously! There is not much time in my lifetime to get all the knowledge out there! However:
- Every time I learn a new concept, I feel rejuvenated, I have an aha moment and see and synchronize things differently!
- Opens new windows in my brain’s files, so I am hungry to learn more and I have become a lifelong learner!
- Whenever I learn something new, I connect the dots to see the bigger picture. This means I can apply this new knowledge directly in my life, relationships, or business!
- Education built the blocks of my knowledge in the field that I choose to pursue holistically! I have learned human resources concepts, human behavior, leadership, business management, coaching, and training from 10 (ten) different trusted resources. Using this knowledge depending on the personality of my clients I can use a methodology that is right for him/her or any organization for that matter!
- Knowledge provides me with new and breakthrough realizations. It helps me to realize my limitations and my strengths. So, I can work on my limitations to turn them into my strengths!
- It broadens my perspective and enhances critical thinking, and analytical skills so I can bring clarity and possibly a new perspective to any given problem.
- Teaches discipline which enables me to have laser-focused attention to the details of any given project; I will make sure that all of my projects will be successful!
- Raises the level of wisdom and empathy, so I can connect the inner and outer world around me; people and events organ manically, and authentically so that everyone wins!
- Brings on me great satisfaction in my business! It has taught me to connect with a broader network and apply different perspectives in business and life! I can help individuals and organizations achieve their personal or business goals, so their success is a give, and that brings great satisfaction!
- Has given me the tools to become a better person with a purpose and a mission to bring positivity to any relationship or business! As a new business owner education teaches you to be a better writer, a better teacher, a better communicator, a better marketer, a better leader, a better mother, a better friend, a better manager, a better coach, a better in public speaker and the list is endless!
- Transformed my thinking so now I am fearless to any setback or failure. Failure is just a delayed result! My limitations of “not good enough”, blaming, and complaining which are part of human nature have been reshaped. I look at setbacks as teachable moments where I see new solutions and build blocks of resilience.
- Is where I gain knowledge, confidence, and authority in my field and create meaningful connections! Experience life to the fullest!
- Has helped me to improve my health as I learned how to fight Diseases holistically and jet and jet open another window on my brain folder!
- Improves my view of myself as well as the world around me; builds and grows my mindset so; higher self-esteem and education go hand in hand. Therefore, my confidence and outlook on the world!
- With Education I become a High Achiever, Thinker, Authority in my field, Adventurer Entrepreneur, Enthusiasm Generator, and Peacemaker!
As I sit in my chair and think of my life journey, I see the important role education has played in my life!
Reference
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-has-your-education-shaped-thinking-desi-tahiraj
https://ke.opera.news/ke/en/education/12c06b5b2c31e7bef8234392cc55d085
