May 12 2012: I consider myself an introvert. I studied Chemistry and Philosophy. I thought solitary research would be nice. Now I am a teacher, because I found that tutoring and small class disscussions energized me. I went with what made me feel alive!
May 12 2012: Hi again. I ran across this in "Practical Wisdom" by Barry Schwartz recently, and thought of this conversation.
The author was exploring how we can hear the plight of a million people living through some disaster in a far off land, but do nothing due to a feeling of powerlessness. But, if we focus on the plight of one poor person and their particular set of problems in the face of disaster, "the check is in the mail" as the author puts it. It seems that a secret to sustainable action of any type is to bring the emotional impact of the problem on an personally identifible person in question straight to the classroom in some way (teledocumentary). Children/Teens live very emotional lives, so one has to engage emotionally.
May 6 2012: Speaking as a part-time Scout Leader, marginal philosopher, and teacher in training:
Service is an Aim, Action a result. Service is not simply "Good Turns" or kindness to some poor students in a Third-World Country. It is a root cause of Happiness. Service lets us understand that we are part of a grand Human Race.
So, to try to reduce this to a measurable assessment. Scouting in general awards badges for actions, and we as leaders hope that Service takes root in the child's mind. I find in most cases, Service has a long Latency period. Actions can easily be evaluated. Service is a hope, and may not manifest, sadly.
To promote Service rooting is simple however in my view: one must be a paragon of virtue.
Volunteer, always listen, never judge.
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A comment on Conversation: What are some optimal professions for introverts?
A comment on Conversation: How do you promote, model and scaffold sustainable action within your classroom?
The author was exploring how we can hear the plight of a million people living through some disaster in a far off land, but do nothing due to a feeling of powerlessness. But, if we focus on the plight of one poor person and their particular set of problems in the face of disaster, "the check is in the mail" as the author puts it. It seems that a secret to sustainable action of any type is to bring the emotional impact of the problem on an personally identifible person in question straight to the classroom in some way (teledocumentary). Children/Teens live very emotional lives, so one has to engage emotionally.
A comment on Conversation: How do you promote, model and scaffold sustainable action within your classroom?
Service is an Aim, Action a result. Service is not simply "Good Turns" or kindness to some poor students in a Third-World Country. It is a root cause of Happiness. Service lets us understand that we are part of a grand Human Race.
So, to try to reduce this to a measurable assessment. Scouting in general awards badges for actions, and we as leaders hope that Service takes root in the child's mind. I find in most cases, Service has a long Latency period. Actions can easily be evaluated. Service is a hope, and may not manifest, sadly.
To promote Service rooting is simple however in my view: one must be a paragon of virtue.
Volunteer, always listen, never judge.