What do they have in common? They think the widespread idea that learning must be fun is a damaging idea. Hallelujah. Learning is rewarding and fulfilling. Sometimes it's fun, but it's a lot of hard work.
I really, really hate when people end their e-mails with quotes that are supposed to make me think deep thoughts, and the one that annoys me the most is, "Choose a job you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life." What a crock! Admittedly, I love my job; I hope I never have to work anywhere else. But, make no mistake: it absolutely feels like work every single day.
I observed a colleague a few weeks ago who said he felt that he was "jumping through pedagogical hoops" to keep his students engaged. Every five to fifteen minutes there was a new activity, and that is certainly what we've all been taught is the Good and Teacherly Thing to Do. In The Republic of Noise, Diana Senechal laments the fact that teachers-in-training are being told to change it up every fifteen minutes because no kid will focus for longer than that. A pedagogy like this reinforces immediate gratification. It tells students that if you can't get it in a few minutes, then it's not worth the effort.
While I definitely think Amy Chua needs to take a chill pill, she was right when she said that often you have to practice and get good at something before you can like it.
Welcome to IntrovertEd, a blog for introverted teachers and students. If you've ever cringed at the thought of group work, you've come to the right place.
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