I love watching TED Talks. It really doesn’t matter the topic. I could listen to a programmer speak about a technology I have never heard about and still be completely inspired by the presentation. However, ten minutes later I remember I know very little about microprocessors and will likely never use the information again. That’s why I prefer to watch TED Talks that hit a little closer to home. Psychology, motivation, social justice, and education are much more within my circle of influence.
Last week I watched a TED Ed Talk that hit particularly close to home. Christopher Emdin spoke on teaching teachers to create magic. He starts on a somewhat down note, exploring teacher education programs that focus on pedagogy, theory and dated practices. Touching on the facts that many teachers enter the classroom feeling unprepared or unsure of themselves. Inevitably many of these teachers will leave the profession within a few short years. On the other hand you have a group of “teachers” who aren’t classically trained but stay in the profession for a lifetime.
The second group is dynamic, engaging, and passionate. They learn not by attending lectures or through book studies but by studying master “teachers’. This second group may not actually be what we label teachers but let me assure you they do teach. They are the ministers, entertainers, barbershop owners and musicians of a community.
So much of what our students learn occurs outside of the classroom, especially when it comes to life lessons and character building. What these people bring to the table is the ability to create magic by engaging and enthralling their audience. They have a message that is delivered so dynamically and in such a relevant style that the people listening can’t help but remember. They tell their stories and share their message with a sense of timing, urgency, humor and emotion. They don’t merely state facts or give examples, they create a story. They play a character. And we remember what they say.
Much like Emdins, I wonder what our classrooms would look like if our professional development as educators looked less at standards and more at creating magic through our delivery methods. Thinking back to my own education, the teachers I most remember are those who were dynamic. Those teachers who were passionate about their subjects were able relayed information in such a manner that we were passionate about it as well. When they spoke I listened. I wasn’t distracted by my homework for next period or finishing the note I was writing to my friend. I listened and waited to see what would happen next. And because of that engagement and connection, I remembered.
So what can we do as educational leaders to make sure our staff has the opportunity to learn from non-traditional master teachers?
Consider inviting a dynamic local speaker give opening remarks at your next in-service and do it with purpose. Prior to the presentation give your staff key areas to focus in on: pacing, body language, dynamics, eye contact. Then discuss your observations in small groups at break out sessions.
Later in the day consider providing acting lessons for staff members. You don’t even need to have a profession troop come to your school. Local high schools and colleges are filled with talented students pursuing opportunities in drama. What better way to support your students and alumni than by inviting them back to share their craft.
We can’t simply replace content with theatrics and expect our students to grow. But if there is a way to marry our content and pedagogy to the dynamic world that our students are living in, just imagine the strides they can make.
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