Week 4 In response to Kristi Swartz

Kristi,

My take on enrollment is it is simply buying in to the larger cause of humanity. To contributing as it was stated earlier. I think enrollment is the conscious decision that I am a willful participant in the world around me and that my actions will affect the growth of others. So you are right. I think it is about participation AND the concept was stated earlier in the book just in a different way. Contributing, enrolling, participating. All indicate submission into the concept of possibility.



Kristi wrote:

This week after finishing The Art of Possibilities I reflect further on how this book has changed my perspective. I understand the idea of being ready to participate, offering the gifts we possess for the good of the community, and being open to others eagerness to catch the spark and share it with others. This is a great model for teachers today. We can participate in the students learning in our class sharing what we know and learning from our students’ gifts and knowledge. We can definitely instill sparks within our students creating students who catch the fever to learn and grow in everything they do.

The whole enrollment thing did throw me, however. I prefer to think of it as participation, as discussed in an earlier chapter. The idea of enrollment seemed redundant to me. I look forward to others thoughts on enrollment.

My favorite part of this reading dealt with the Nelson Mandela address of the words of Marianna Williamson. The idea of this poem in regard to sharing our power and light and how that can spark others to shine their light as well, was inspiring to me. I actually read over this several times and typed it out to print at a later time. I love the idea of all people being born to manifest the glory of God within us, all of us. That was an inspirational message, and a spark, a light, I hope to share my students through my actions!

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Week 3 In response to Monica Heaney

Monica,
Although I think the goal is to do the larger conference, I definitely see you doing effective presentations on the local level. After all, you do want to affect change there, don't you? There you may have some very tangible success like a raise or a promotion (fingers crossed). Perhaps your local area would be a great place to hone your presentation into one that is great on the larger level. With that being said I am also sure that you will have no problem diving in and presenting to the larger groups as well. Best of luck to you!

Monica Heaney wrote:

I think I am going to do a presentation. I would like to present to a smaller group. Perhaps the early elementary teachers in my school and our surrounding districts during a workshop. My concern is that this audience is not large enough or not what this project was intended for. My AR project involves the benefits of integrating technology in the classroom to improve literacy among young children. My presentation would have to involve exposing the audience to the enthusiasm of the students using the technology and the focus and attention they have while using doing so. I would also want to present it in a way that was not intimidating to the teachers. My goal is to motivate them to incorporate technology in their classrooms as well as provide them with simple and basic ways they can. I would also love to share the success I had with it.


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Week 3- In response to Hunter Looney

Great job synthesizing your results, Hunter! The amount of detail is quite impressive. It is easy to see that you want the reader to understand the complete picture of your findings. I especially appreciate the results you showed in multiple formats. Best of luck, it appears you are well on your way!

Hunter Looney wrote:

Week 2 Blog Post 4 Project: Preparation for Presentation
I have begun preparations for the presentation aspect of the final project. For this preparation for the presentation I have created some charts of the data that I collected from Cycles I and II. I have combined the data because the students completed the exact same activities and lessons. The only difference in the two were that one was in fall 2010 and the other was in spring 2011.

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Week 3- More from the Art of Possibility

I have done my best. I have steadily added to the whole of my being through positive and consistent works. Zander spoke of the ongoing pursuit of what is always out of reach in chapter 4. I did not make mention of this last week but I thought it really showed me one of the demons that I have fought. I have always looked for the next best thing or thought towards the future attainment. The grass always seems greener on the other side. Learning to live in the now or free oneself from the world of measurement can be a tremendous help. Contribution. I am a contribution and I am now set on a relentless journey to be a contribution on the regular.

A great point made in chapter five dealt with recognizing that we are all just pieces of the puzzle and together we achieve greatness. When in a leadership or facilitator role such as that the of the conductor or the teacher, the real challenge is in getting the most out of your students or whomever you are leading. It is easy to say, “look at me and all that I have done.” I would rather look at how much I have enabled others to do. Eventually credit goes where it is due so it make no sense to focus on how many accolades one will receive. In doing so you display a selflessness that others can see. You also are giving them an “A” because you place more emphasis on the value you see in them. As a result everyone takes ownership, which usually leads to positive outcomes. I think it is big to realize that everyone can make a contribution from whatever seat they may be in.

The limitations of the calculating self are amazing. This process of measurement and its significance can’t be understated to the adult seeking to move into the world of possibility. Rule Number 6 was good but “Have the best ___ever” was in my opinion a great way to visualize successful achievement of a goal. Naturally you are forced to eliminate barriers and forge a way to your goal. I think it is also about being fulfilled, content in a very healthy kind of way.

Dealing with the central self can be brutal. It is unforgiving but really cuts to the heart of a matter. I have said before that I want to see a world that is honest with itself. I think Many of the issues we face as a human race are dealing more with the calculating self and not with the central self. If someway we were able to deal with that I believe the world would be a much better place.

I like the phrase “presence without resistance” (page 101). It helps a person to live in the now, perhaps in a circumstance that is not so positive and accept it. It’s important to do that so one can move forward. Doing this can allow a person to make the most out of some very dismal circumstances.

I also thought the story of the young man whose parents were convince he had a communication problem describes situations that happen far too often for us all. I have seen many parents talk about what their child does or cannot do. I think this provides a huge limitation and in many cases causes a child to act in a particular way. I have also seen this many times in relationships. The “Alchemy of Language” of language as it is referred to in the book is real and something that we must be constantly aware of if we want to change our situations and to empower others to change.

In the Scope- Week 2 - Free Choice

Shhhh! Be vewy vewy quiet..I am hunting success..

Last week my free choice was very reflective, I went through the whole week thinking on the future having started it thinking of the past. I began to feel somewhat optimistic until I began reading "the Art of Possibility." That book poured gasoline on an already well burning fire. I have been moving on through this program and have been proud of my work so far. Usually I am pretty critical of myself but I decided, aww what the hell man, give yourself an A!

As most of my colleagues are I am looking forward to graduation and the possibility of putting what I think is a very relevant education to use. I have been putting some feelers out there and recently received my first significant response in my quest for professional growth. This education is allowing us to become significant factors in the evolution of the education system. I am very excited about that and the future. I am looking forward to it as a kid looks forward to Christmas. Shhh! I can't talk about it right now..can't you see where I am?

So what do I need to do this week? Focus. I just want to finish this program strong, graduate and change the world.

Sound difficult?

Not if you are a Full Sail Student..That's what we do!


Stay tuned..more to come!

In response to Patricia Ort

Patricia,

I too enjoyed the book. We agree on the Giving an A philosophy. I believe that new and radical thinking is necessary to motivate our students and this exercise does just that. There is huge potential for making an impact on the way a student approaches the learning process. I believe they would respond positively although you still have to, as the book suggests, look out for the students who may feel they do not have to work for the grade. I think in most cases students most would apply a newer level of responsibility and personal accountability to their studies.


Patricia Ort wrote:

The Art of Possibility, written by Rosamund Stone Zander and her husband, Benjamin Zander, is turning out to be better than I first thought. Initially, the title intrigued me. However, it took me until page 12 to really start to connect with what the author's were saying. By the end of the fourth chapter, I liked what I was reading so well that I ordered two more copies of the book to share with the two other teachers in my alternative high school program.

I especially liked giving people an A (including yourself). I think perception is really important. I could relate this idea with our approach to our alternative ed high school students. What if we did this with them? How would it transform our relationship with our students if we did that? The authors address the image of the teen, sitting in a resigned posture - as our alternative ed kids often do - and speculate how that would change if the students were treated like A students from the start. If we treat them like A students, and they treat themselves like A students, what would happen? I think I'd like to find out.

I appreciated the author's thoughts on our "world of measurement." This was especially thought provoking for me because I have been deeply frustrated by my work situation. I actually have been doing a lot of surviving, especially over the past four years. I found the ideas in this book rather liberating. Now, if I can just maintain that mindset! I am imagining my future just one year from now. What would I write if I were writing one of those A letters?

I liked the idea that "...resources are likely to come to you in greater abundance when you are generous and inclusive and engage people in your passion for life." I think this is true. It actually goes well with my own conviction that you make your own luck. True, there are random circumstances and people I can't control, but I choose how I respond to them, and if I am positive and keep pressing forward, I will be ready when opportunity presents its self.

I have to say, I also enjoyed the Ted video of Benjamin Zander. My 19 year-old son is a college music major and wishes to be a composer. I shared the video with him, certain he would especially like it because he has a particular knowledge of music. I was right.

I am looking forward to reading the next part of the book. Reading it has also prompted me to do a lot of reflection. If all goes well, I should be getting my EMDT masters at the end of June. If I leave the survival mindset behind and change my way of thinking, what will my attitude be as I complete my degree? What new opportunities will present themselves? I look forward to the next year with anticipation.



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In response to Bruce Neubauer

Hello Bruce,

Wow. First let me say that I think this is exactly why the discussion board exists. I chose to respond here because of all the blogs I read, you had he audacity to go against the grain. There were some other dissenting views but your “Passionate Cynicism” is well appreciated here.

Having said that, I have to admit that I am enjoying the Art of Possibility Juice. I found that the anecdotes and the analogies where easy to connect to. I definitely understand the points made about Newtonian and Einsteinian society. I thought that was an excellent way to address how our collective worldview has evolved.

I side with you Bruce on the grading being a comparison of students- I don’t really agree with the authors there. You are absolutely right when you say that math is not arbitrary. This observation shows us that we have to take this book in the context of the authors experience, and recognize that it may not apply to every case.

Bruce Neubauer wrote:

“A cynic is a passionate person who does not want to be disappointed again.”

That quote was worth the entire price of admission. For this is what The Art of Possibility is all about: Protecting my heart from becoming such a stone-cold realist that I possibly miss being something better, or making others better.

At first glance The Art of Possibility reads like quasi-secularized-Buddhist theory. Unfortunately, the universe does not operate on subjective feelings or perceptions. Newtonian or Einsteinian, both still describe a physical universe that operates with mathematical precision. Which leads me to believe Zander is either a confused cosmic humanist, or an apostate secularist. Evolution (which is referenced a couple of times) is all about measurement. That’s how less vigorous organisms (or less desirable traits) get marginalized in biology’s great game (to use Zander’s analogy) of elimination

Which is why I disagreed with the perception that school grades are gamed to compare one student with another. The students at USC were not graded against their actual accomplishment, but with a random, arbitrary system. Math is not arbitrary. Grammar is not arbitrary. So I’m not sure about the accuracy of connecting these particular dots. Real skill is…real skill. Would Zander allow The Art of Possibility’s final draft to be overseen by a person with second rate editorial or proofreading skills? He wouldn’t. No matter how many conservatory musicians are encouraged to feel good about their A, no orchestra is going to keep them on the payroll if they can’t play the notes. Feeling special is not the same thing as being excellent.

I liked the metaphor of chipping away at a child’s exterior to help them achieve their natural bent. Absolutely correct. I also liked the future tense A grade. It places the student in the position to step up and take the responsibility for their success and growth. And the monk’s story touched me. I need to shift some ideas in my head about people in general. The monks were looking for the Messiah in one another. Not everyone is a Messiah, but everyone is worthy of such honorable respect.

Zander's ideas spoke to me. He is proposing a friendlier, more organic approach with ourselves and with others.

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