I'm taking that as a sign that you may be the type of person who's willing to make a few ripples (maybe even a few waves) to help reshape the educational landscape. We need more people like you, people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world. When you take on the challenge of redesigning approaches to teaching and learning, you are indeed participating in such a high calling.
Back in 2007, I adopted the moniker "The Clever Sheep", a tongue in cheek acknowledgement that I see myself as one who both follows and leads. In addition to towing the line, I'm cheeky enough to try a few unexpected things as well, sometimes things that have never been done before. Like Harold, the most dangerous of animals, I recognize that we're in a situation that requires innovation in the face of numerous obstacles.As learning facilitators we have the duty to follow the lead of formally titled leaders, but each of us is also a leader in his/her own right. If every teacher (and every student for that matter) simply waits for directions to follow, then how can change possibly happen? How can an entire system possibly grow into the uncomfortable spaces where true evolution takes place?
Modern learning is a question in search of an answer... and there is no single solution that will revolutionize the lives of teachers and learners. There are countless strategies that are superior to last century's models for learning, but it will take a legion of clever sheep to invent, test and modify them.
You, dear reader, have a choice to make. Either limit yourself to doing what you are asked to do; or make the decision to get one with what you are called to do... to be a teacher who models learning, experimentation and risk-taking.
You really didn't have time to read this. You have much more important work to do. Join the crazy ones... get going and change the world!
Photo Credit: slimmer_jimmer
