This is most imaginative. I ruminated upon the synchronicity required for this to work...it's tough to wrap one's head around. Enjoy!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
ETC 558...almost done and reflecting on it all
It's been a long semester - as they often are.
I've reflected upon my ETC 558 Class with the following little website. If you're clever, you'll find links to two of my major projects.
Here's the link:
Reflections
I've reflected upon my ETC 558 Class with the following little website. If you're clever, you'll find links to two of my major projects.
Here's the link:
Reflections
Monday, November 3, 2008
ETC 558...I can see clearly now...
"Lots and lots of multi-tasking." That's how I would answer if someone asked be about ETC 558.
Although I created this blog long before I enrolled in the class, the name has never been more appropriate than this semester. I don't usually take classes during the school year since I'm afraid that, with my other responsibilities, I might not do it justice. I still feel that way.
I'm doing relatively well in the class but there are things I would like to have done better. Sometimes the time crunch dictates the level of work rather than the desire to produce a quality product. Of course, I realize these pressures exist in the "real world" as well. Producing a concert with middle school band and orchestra results in many compromises.
The readings have been very informative, although at times a little too idealistic. I am glad to have finished the "In Search Of" text. This week will be filled with grading the WebQuest responses and preparing the WebQuest report - along with the group work.
Speaking of which, my group has been great. Everyone has been conscientious about pulling his or her weight and our products, I believe, have been pretty good. Not only is this a good way to learn, it is a very "real world" experience.
This past week and weekend was a bit rough for both Cathy and I. Friday was our late son's 20th birthday. We were both blue all week. It seems that though it's been over two years the feelings are still fresh. I owe the boy a lot for helping me get started and staying focused in the early days of this master's project. I will probably dedicate my degree to his memory since, when I get discouraged, I remember that he would want me to persevere.
Anyway, I still think the constructivist approach works well and am glad that we are able to learn in that manner for our Ed Tech classes. I'm glad to discover that our new superintendent in TUSD shares that vision - despite having to jump through the "nickleby" hoops. Perhaps with our efforts in the classroom and her moxie we may get some needed changes done at the upper levels.
Ah, we can dream!
Although I created this blog long before I enrolled in the class, the name has never been more appropriate than this semester. I don't usually take classes during the school year since I'm afraid that, with my other responsibilities, I might not do it justice. I still feel that way.
I'm doing relatively well in the class but there are things I would like to have done better. Sometimes the time crunch dictates the level of work rather than the desire to produce a quality product. Of course, I realize these pressures exist in the "real world" as well. Producing a concert with middle school band and orchestra results in many compromises.
The readings have been very informative, although at times a little too idealistic. I am glad to have finished the "In Search Of" text. This week will be filled with grading the WebQuest responses and preparing the WebQuest report - along with the group work.
Speaking of which, my group has been great. Everyone has been conscientious about pulling his or her weight and our products, I believe, have been pretty good. Not only is this a good way to learn, it is a very "real world" experience.
This past week and weekend was a bit rough for both Cathy and I. Friday was our late son's 20th birthday. We were both blue all week. It seems that though it's been over two years the feelings are still fresh. I owe the boy a lot for helping me get started and staying focused in the early days of this master's project. I will probably dedicate my degree to his memory since, when I get discouraged, I remember that he would want me to persevere.
Anyway, I still think the constructivist approach works well and am glad that we are able to learn in that manner for our Ed Tech classes. I'm glad to discover that our new superintendent in TUSD shares that vision - despite having to jump through the "nickleby" hoops. Perhaps with our efforts in the classroom and her moxie we may get some needed changes done at the upper levels.
Ah, we can dream!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
ETC 558...Movin' along
Workin' on the class...lotsa stuff to do, some of it quite interesting some less so. Many of the readings are quite noteworthy and well worth the time. Others are interesting but don't hold the attention as well. The case studies are great!
Working with the group is a kick. We all get along well, have good suggestions for each other, and are all willing carry their weight and then some. We have accomplished a great deal using both the Group posting area and "Eluminate." After a few hiccoughs at first we got microphone levels and settings set. It seems superior to just a typing chat. We do sometimes talk over each other but that is to be expected. Communication is at a high level...the work progresses well.
I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel now. I alway s stress quite a bit since I was never much of a student through high school and my early college days. Never quite had the motivation and started my kindergarten career on a bad note. Made me passive-aggressive with regard to school. When I returned to college at 37 to finish my music ed degree I was better motivated and was treated well by (most of) my professors. They treated me more like a grad student than an undergrad. I had a great advisor as well.
My classes in the NAU ed tech program have been great...a lot of work but that's how you learn. The "hands-on" constructivist approach is what I had needed all through my early school days. And all along I thought I was the one who was different. Well, OK, I am -- but I found out I was not alone.
OK, I'm ramblin' now...time to go.
Working with the group is a kick. We all get along well, have good suggestions for each other, and are all willing carry their weight and then some. We have accomplished a great deal using both the Group posting area and "Eluminate." After a few hiccoughs at first we got microphone levels and settings set. It seems superior to just a typing chat. We do sometimes talk over each other but that is to be expected. Communication is at a high level...the work progresses well.
I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel now. I alway s stress quite a bit since I was never much of a student through high school and my early college days. Never quite had the motivation and started my kindergarten career on a bad note. Made me passive-aggressive with regard to school. When I returned to college at 37 to finish my music ed degree I was better motivated and was treated well by (most of) my professors. They treated me more like a grad student than an undergrad. I had a great advisor as well.
My classes in the NAU ed tech program have been great...a lot of work but that's how you learn. The "hands-on" constructivist approach is what I had needed all through my early school days. And all along I thought I was the one who was different. Well, OK, I am -- but I found out I was not alone.
OK, I'm ramblin' now...time to go.
Friday, October 3, 2008
ETC 558...continued - again
Well, as i mentioned a bit ago, I submitted my "Scholarly Paper" to two hard found sites. As of that point, neither had responded. It was a bit of a disappointment at first - not knowing what to expect from such a process.
I'm happy to say that both sites accepted my paper for publication!
The first to pubish was Articlesbase.com: http://www.articlesbase.com/k-12-education-articles/technology-in-and-for-the-instrumental-music-classroom-578863.html
(I received this confirmation just two days following my submission.)
The second was EzineArticles.com: http://ezinearticles.com/?id=1530154
(This second confirmation took about a week - as the publishers had stated would probably be the case.)
Having never published online in this manner before I found it difficult to find the site to which I submitted my article. I do, however, recommend doing posting online - if for no other reason than to know you are published online!
On a more personal note, my son, Ben, was home this week. We just took him to Phoenix today so he could head back to the big apple. (He is the standby for the lead in the upcoming opening of "Shrek, the Musical.") I can't get enough of this kid! (Ok, he's 26.) Of course, it's always tough to say goodby as we only get to see him once or twice a year. But, he's living his dream...acting on Broadway. (Most recently, he was in "Les Miserables" in the Broadhurst theater playing a number of roles, most notably, as the understudy for the role of "Javert," he "went on" at least 30 times! What a great experience...
Hopefully, we'll be able to visit him in N.Y. sometime in the next few months. As our only remaining son (we lost Tim two years ago) it's made our already close family even closer.
Enough for now...I find myself rambling.
I'm happy to say that both sites accepted my paper for publication!
The first to pubish was Articlesbase.com: http://www.articlesbase.com/k-12-education-articles/technology-in-and-for-the-instrumental-music-classroom-578863.html
(I received this confirmation just two days following my submission.)
The second was EzineArticles.com: http://ezinearticles.com/?id=1530154
(This second confirmation took about a week - as the publishers had stated would probably be the case.)
Having never published online in this manner before I found it difficult to find the site to which I submitted my article. I do, however, recommend doing posting online - if for no other reason than to know you are published online!
On a more personal note, my son, Ben, was home this week. We just took him to Phoenix today so he could head back to the big apple. (He is the standby for the lead in the upcoming opening of "Shrek, the Musical.") I can't get enough of this kid! (Ok, he's 26.) Of course, it's always tough to say goodby as we only get to see him once or twice a year. But, he's living his dream...acting on Broadway. (Most recently, he was in "Les Miserables" in the Broadhurst theater playing a number of roles, most notably, as the understudy for the role of "Javert," he "went on" at least 30 times! What a great experience...
Hopefully, we'll be able to visit him in N.Y. sometime in the next few months. As our only remaining son (we lost Tim two years ago) it's made our already close family even closer.
Enough for now...I find myself rambling.
Friday, September 26, 2008
ETC 558...continued
Finished my paper!
I hadn't written one in a little while. I had writers block getting started. Had thoughts and general outline notes rolling around in my head but when I got in front of the computer I went blank.
It helped to review my references. When I organized the references in the order of my outline things began to make more sense and the words began to flow. Finding objective reviews of the software application I was writing about was a bit difficult, however.
Finding a place online to post my paper was daunting. I used every search term I could think of in my quest. When my terms were general I got eighty-bajillion non-relevant responses and when I tried to be more specific I got no responses at all.
I did finally find a couple of sites accepting articles, although they have to be reviewed before they are actually posted. Hopefully I'll get a response back in a day or so.
Anyway, I'm not feeling so overwhelmed as I was earlier in the year. Everything was beginning at the same time: Teaching, second job, this class. I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, although I'm not certain what will be expected for my capstone. I have some ideas but my advisor has changed a couple of times already.
More to come!
I hadn't written one in a little while. I had writers block getting started. Had thoughts and general outline notes rolling around in my head but when I got in front of the computer I went blank.
It helped to review my references. When I organized the references in the order of my outline things began to make more sense and the words began to flow. Finding objective reviews of the software application I was writing about was a bit difficult, however.
Finding a place online to post my paper was daunting. I used every search term I could think of in my quest. When my terms were general I got eighty-bajillion non-relevant responses and when I tried to be more specific I got no responses at all.
I did finally find a couple of sites accepting articles, although they have to be reviewed before they are actually posted. Hopefully I'll get a response back in a day or so.
Anyway, I'm not feeling so overwhelmed as I was earlier in the year. Everything was beginning at the same time: Teaching, second job, this class. I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, although I'm not certain what will be expected for my capstone. I have some ideas but my advisor has changed a couple of times already.
More to come!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Remember All of Them
Regardless of your stance on our struggles in the world, this poignant video reaches all...
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
ETC 558...The Journal Begins
I’ve decided that I’m going to do OK in my ETC 558 course…I haven’t yet figured out exactly how I’m going to accomplish that goal, however. The discussion areas are not only stimulating but they seem to make the most sense. It appears most, if not all, of my classmates are educators and share many of the same educational frustrations as do I.
I do find it difficult to keep all of the various and sundry assignment straight. It seems I am continually finding a piece of information I previously overlooked. I also, with two jobs already and the start of school, am finding it difficult to put more than an hour or two together at one time – save for weekends.
I suppose I do get a bit frustrated when “life” interferes with my schooling. I would like nothing better than to have one day a week I could do nothing but work on the class.
So far, in my Ed Tech program I have managed, despite often overwhelming odds, to maintain a 4.0. That, for me, was previously unheard of. I did not “do school” well. I often remember the help my late son, Tim, gave me in the early days of my graduate endeavor. He remains an inspiration even now.
I’ve heard it said that online learning is more difficult. I would concur with the proviso that, despite the workload, being able to set my own hours helps. Even though it is difficult to put two hours together at one time I find that I can squeeze some learning into whatever time I can find. Online learning does have its advantages, especially if one is computer savvy.
I do find it difficult to keep all of the various and sundry assignment straight. It seems I am continually finding a piece of information I previously overlooked. I also, with two jobs already and the start of school, am finding it difficult to put more than an hour or two together at one time – save for weekends.
I suppose I do get a bit frustrated when “life” interferes with my schooling. I would like nothing better than to have one day a week I could do nothing but work on the class.
So far, in my Ed Tech program I have managed, despite often overwhelming odds, to maintain a 4.0. That, for me, was previously unheard of. I did not “do school” well. I often remember the help my late son, Tim, gave me in the early days of my graduate endeavor. He remains an inspiration even now.
I’ve heard it said that online learning is more difficult. I would concur with the proviso that, despite the workload, being able to set my own hours helps. Even though it is difficult to put two hours together at one time I find that I can squeeze some learning into whatever time I can find. Online learning does have its advantages, especially if one is computer savvy.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Inertia can be a drag...
The new school year... a fresh start and a chance to try out new teaching techniques. One problem, though: Inertia.
I am have trouble getting out of first gear. Perhaps it's this way every year and I have simply forgotten. So much to do right out of the gate: Getting instruments assigned to students, endless meetings, new policies to endure, and a new schedule to get used to. AAUUGGG! I guess it takes a while every year to get into a rhythm (pun only slightly intended) and a routine.
I have what appears to be a pretty good crop of 6th graders this year. Of course I won't know for certain until later in the year - when they come out of their shells. I will look forward to helping them progress toward mastering their respective instruments. It's always a wonder to watch a kid come to class not knowing a thing and by the end of the year making some decent music.
We'll see what happens in the coming weeks...I have a class to take on top of teaching and conducting the CCC orchestra. I'll be glad when this semester is concluded.
For now, I'll just grab hold of the handlebars and hang on...
I am have trouble getting out of first gear. Perhaps it's this way every year and I have simply forgotten. So much to do right out of the gate: Getting instruments assigned to students, endless meetings, new policies to endure, and a new schedule to get used to. AAUUGGG! I guess it takes a while every year to get into a rhythm (pun only slightly intended) and a routine.
I have what appears to be a pretty good crop of 6th graders this year. Of course I won't know for certain until later in the year - when they come out of their shells. I will look forward to helping them progress toward mastering their respective instruments. It's always a wonder to watch a kid come to class not knowing a thing and by the end of the year making some decent music.
We'll see what happens in the coming weeks...I have a class to take on top of teaching and conducting the CCC orchestra. I'll be glad when this semester is concluded.
For now, I'll just grab hold of the handlebars and hang on...
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Gore's Ridiculous Propaganda Won Out Over This Saint?
I cannot believe Algore's bilge won a Nobel Prize when this saint was also nominated. Well, as you will hear - she is now receiving her true reward. That's the one that truly counts. Al? He may not wind up with the same eternal address.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Integrity
I got out the Merriam-Webster and looked up "integrity." There was a picture of Tony Snow.
We have lost one of the most loved Washington insiders ever. "Loved Washington insider?" Is that an oxymoron or what?
I recall listening to the "Rush" show one day and hearing Tony sub for Rush. I was taken with the interesting voice and the compassion with which he spoke of sensitive subjects. While obviously conservative he nonetheless had close friends from many backgrounds and political ideologies. Even those with whom he may have had different views remarked that, while tough, he was always fair. He had a way of getting to the heart of issues while still remaining collegial.
More importantly, he loved his family. They were the most important people in his life and he wasn't afraid to say so. He evidently lived his faith. I would like to have heard more about that in the coverage today...but I have heard of his faith in the past.
But fifty-three? Ouch...we are the exact same age. It's time for me to get checked out...inside and out. I owe it to my family. After having lost my younger son just two years ago I don't think my wife and older son could handle another death in the family. Any death is tough, but we have always been a close family. My wife, older son, and I all miss Tim terribly but do hold on to the hope and promise that we will be united with him when we are called home.
Tim, despite hanging out with a lot of people "less conservative" in many ways, still enjoyed listening to folks such as Laura Ingraham and loved Sean Hannity, having met him and personally receiving his autograph on his book. Perhaps Tim and Tony are enjoying a lively conversation in heaven.
I often thought Tony and I could easily have been pals had we met. He was a great musician, in additon to his many other talents, and I felt like I was listening to a friend when he spoke. I suppose many felt that way as well. Seeing the ovation he received as he left the White House at the end of his last day there made it obvious that he was loved and respected.
Goodbye, Tony. Hope to meet you in person one day.
We have lost one of the most loved Washington insiders ever. "Loved Washington insider?" Is that an oxymoron or what?
I recall listening to the "Rush" show one day and hearing Tony sub for Rush. I was taken with the interesting voice and the compassion with which he spoke of sensitive subjects. While obviously conservative he nonetheless had close friends from many backgrounds and political ideologies. Even those with whom he may have had different views remarked that, while tough, he was always fair. He had a way of getting to the heart of issues while still remaining collegial.
More importantly, he loved his family. They were the most important people in his life and he wasn't afraid to say so. He evidently lived his faith. I would like to have heard more about that in the coverage today...but I have heard of his faith in the past.
But fifty-three? Ouch...we are the exact same age. It's time for me to get checked out...inside and out. I owe it to my family. After having lost my younger son just two years ago I don't think my wife and older son could handle another death in the family. Any death is tough, but we have always been a close family. My wife, older son, and I all miss Tim terribly but do hold on to the hope and promise that we will be united with him when we are called home.
Tim, despite hanging out with a lot of people "less conservative" in many ways, still enjoyed listening to folks such as Laura Ingraham and loved Sean Hannity, having met him and personally receiving his autograph on his book. Perhaps Tim and Tony are enjoying a lively conversation in heaven.
I often thought Tony and I could easily have been pals had we met. He was a great musician, in additon to his many other talents, and I felt like I was listening to a friend when he spoke. I suppose many felt that way as well. Seeing the ovation he received as he left the White House at the end of his last day there made it obvious that he was loved and respected.
Goodbye, Tony. Hope to meet you in person one day.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Not your mother's paper dolls...
For those who don't know, MuteMath is a (very) alternative band with roots in the Christian alternative band "Earthsuit." I don't where their heads and hearts are at for the moment...but their music still has a spiritual component AND THEY TOTALLY ROCK!
Okay, this video's just not right...I wonder how long it took to put this mind-bender together?
Okay, this video's just not right...I wonder how long it took to put this mind-bender together?
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Education is easy!
Wow, has education gotten too easy or what?
I mean, all the teacher has to do is read the AIMS test ahead of time (don't get caught!) and teach the kids the answers. If it's not on the test you don't have to teach it! Kids don't have to learn any of that other crap like music, physical education and sports, creative problem solving, in short, anything that involves that pesky right brain. Let the TV advertisers fill that up when the kids get home after a fun day of exams.
Parents, watch the following video with your kids and reassure them that life is easy and they don't have to think for themselves anymore!
I mean, all the teacher has to do is read the AIMS test ahead of time (don't get caught!) and teach the kids the answers. If it's not on the test you don't have to teach it! Kids don't have to learn any of that other crap like music, physical education and sports, creative problem solving, in short, anything that involves that pesky right brain. Let the TV advertisers fill that up when the kids get home after a fun day of exams.
Parents, watch the following video with your kids and reassure them that life is easy and they don't have to think for themselves anymore!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Interesting Conducting Style...
I believe ASIMO conducts better than a few of my colleagues...in fact, I'd better watch my back!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Musicians with Chutzpah!
Hang up already! Cell phones have become very important, however, this alpha double dollar sign deserved this in spades!
Monday, April 21, 2008
This is just nuts...
I would not believe it if I didn't see it - and I'm still not too sure!
A traffic cam caught this - it looks contrived but supposed to be real.
Reminds me of my band room. Pretty crowded and I have no choice but to navigate about, narrowly missing instruments along the way!
A traffic cam caught this - it looks contrived but supposed to be real.
Reminds me of my band room. Pretty crowded and I have no choice but to navigate about, narrowly missing instruments along the way!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Live By...Die By
Yesterday's power-outage brought our dependence upon things electronic into sharp focus.
In our school district, as with many others I'm certain, we keep virtually all of our records via in-class computers. Attendance, discipline issues, and grades are all entered and managed exclusively on our computers. Even our daily objectives are projected onto our "Promethean" boards via the computer.
Many teachers and students became totally disoriented in their unlit, disconnected environment. Some of us simply did our best to get light into the room with open doors or uncovered windows. If we, as teachers, refused to panic our students pretty much did the same.
For some it was absolutely work-stopping - for others it was just a minor, temporary inconvenience.
Oh, well...Live by electronics, Die by electronics.
In our school district, as with many others I'm certain, we keep virtually all of our records via in-class computers. Attendance, discipline issues, and grades are all entered and managed exclusively on our computers. Even our daily objectives are projected onto our "Promethean" boards via the computer.
Many teachers and students became totally disoriented in their unlit, disconnected environment. Some of us simply did our best to get light into the room with open doors or uncovered windows. If we, as teachers, refused to panic our students pretty much did the same.
For some it was absolutely work-stopping - for others it was just a minor, temporary inconvenience.
Oh, well...Live by electronics, Die by electronics.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Hangovers in Middle School?
I mentioned in yesterday's blog entry that the kids have "checked out." Upon reflection, it seems I overlooked an important component in their lack of focus.
They're all hung over.
No, I don't think they all got plastered over the weekend (at least I'm pretty certain my 6th graders didn't). Their hangovers were caused by an entire week of intense testing the week before. They're spent. Wiped. Toast.
The timing of the testing could have been worse but it would have taken careful planning to cause more disruption. (Shh, don't tell the powers that be...they might make it worse.)
As I mentioned yesterday, we're approaching the end of the year. However, there is still much to be accomplished; concepts to learn, concerts to play, and in-house testing to do.
Should the timing of the AIMS test be changed? This author thinks so. If the testing occurred much later in the year - closer to the end of school and after many important functions have already occurred - the "hangover" would have much less of an effect on learning...virtually all of the learning for the year would be finished. In the week or so prior to the testing teachers could focus on the upcoming examinations and coach the students toward their best performance. Afterward, the last week of school could be used for wrapping up the year and for the inevitable final festivities.
AIMS administrators, please review your timing...our kids can't handle the extended hangover.
They're all hung over.
No, I don't think they all got plastered over the weekend (at least I'm pretty certain my 6th graders didn't). Their hangovers were caused by an entire week of intense testing the week before. They're spent. Wiped. Toast.
The timing of the testing could have been worse but it would have taken careful planning to cause more disruption. (Shh, don't tell the powers that be...they might make it worse.)
As I mentioned yesterday, we're approaching the end of the year. However, there is still much to be accomplished; concepts to learn, concerts to play, and in-house testing to do.
Should the timing of the AIMS test be changed? This author thinks so. If the testing occurred much later in the year - closer to the end of school and after many important functions have already occurred - the "hangover" would have much less of an effect on learning...virtually all of the learning for the year would be finished. In the week or so prior to the testing teachers could focus on the upcoming examinations and coach the students toward their best performance. Afterward, the last week of school could be used for wrapping up the year and for the inevitable final festivities.
AIMS administrators, please review your timing...our kids can't handle the extended hangover.
Monday, April 14, 2008
They've checked out and left no forwarding address...
This time of year the students are already home, messing around, and wasting time (at least in their minds). Those with ordinarily good behavior and attitudes are starting to lose it - and those with poor behavior and attitudes are, um, disappointing (read, pains in the posterior) at best.
The special challenge for the music educator is that the music program cannot wind down because, well, the music programs have yet to occur. That is, we still have our concerts to finish preparing for and presenting. If non-music students check out they could receive a poorer grade than they might otherwise but that does not affect the other students. In the music ensemble even one ne’er-do-well, malcontent, or just plain airhead can ruin it for everyone. The student musicians must remain steadfast until the performances are "in the can." Even the Titanic musicians held out to the very end. (Although I'm not suggesting that my music students and I remain on the deck as the ship slips beneath the first waves of summer.)
Funny profession, this. As music educators we don't really fit in with the so-called, "academic" subjects (although I would challenge any naysayer of music's importance to a duel of research) and while we don't directly influence test scores we have an incredible indirect effect on students' academic prowess.
We often are the artsy type, with second jobs that require odd hours and co-mingling with other interesting folk. For our music programs to succeed we must, as such, require some of this oddness of our students. Part of that oddness is remaining at our posts, playing our instruments, while the rest of the party-goers are, shall I say, temporarily incapacitated.
It can be tough being the outsider, both in the role of educator and of student - so I will give them just a bit of slack. They can check out...but they still have to stay in the lobby and perform.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Ouch...this must be the new english
Bear in mind that I am a music teacher...To borrow a phrase from "Lost In Space"..."Oh, the Pain, the Pain!"
They'll Surprise You
In middle school teaching one runs across a plethora of different personalities - some delightful, some shy, some complete pains in the portions of one's body often reserved for sitting.
Then one of these knuckleheads will blindside you.
One talented but troubled - and troublesome - young man has "issues" with his male teachers. He loves to draw them into his little game, tick them off, then play the victim. The textbooks call this "passive-aggressive behavior." (I have worked with many administrators, some very good and some very bad. If you look up "passive-aggressive" in the psych texts you'll find my photo.)
But, I digress.
This young man has a girlfriend for whom he appears to care for a great deal. (I'll avoid the whole age-appropriate issue for now.) Upon learning that this young man had "issues" the choir teacher (a female) offered to give him the vocal lessons he desired if he could clean up his act. He asked her if, in exchange for his improved behavior, she could give his girlfriend the lessons in his stead. The choir teacher wasted no time in reporting this selfless behavior to me.
I still get a bit misty thinking about the conversation I had with this young man, being able to tell him how impressed I was at his selflessness (and chuckling to myself a bit having to explain "selfless" to him.) Certainly, some of this behavior must have been prompted by his desire to impress the girlfriend but it runs deeper. It had to have come from a place no one (certainly his other teachers nor I) had seen.
This posterior paining student gave me hope for him and a few others.
Yep, they'll surprise you.
Then one of these knuckleheads will blindside you.
One talented but troubled - and troublesome - young man has "issues" with his male teachers. He loves to draw them into his little game, tick them off, then play the victim. The textbooks call this "passive-aggressive behavior." (I have worked with many administrators, some very good and some very bad. If you look up "passive-aggressive" in the psych texts you'll find my photo.)
But, I digress.
This young man has a girlfriend for whom he appears to care for a great deal. (I'll avoid the whole age-appropriate issue for now.) Upon learning that this young man had "issues" the choir teacher (a female) offered to give him the vocal lessons he desired if he could clean up his act. He asked her if, in exchange for his improved behavior, she could give his girlfriend the lessons in his stead. The choir teacher wasted no time in reporting this selfless behavior to me.
I still get a bit misty thinking about the conversation I had with this young man, being able to tell him how impressed I was at his selflessness (and chuckling to myself a bit having to explain "selfless" to him.) Certainly, some of this behavior must have been prompted by his desire to impress the girlfriend but it runs deeper. It had to have come from a place no one (certainly his other teachers nor I) had seen.
This posterior paining student gave me hope for him and a few others.
Yep, they'll surprise you.
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