Week 1 Comment #2 on Abbie Toy's Blog

Our textbook, entitled The Art of Possibility, discusses how we live in a world based on measurement. We are constantly measuring, comparing, and labeling everything around us, including our students. The authors of the book (Ben and Roz Zander) propose that instead of conforming to this current world, individuals should stop applying expectations of any kind and live as if "it's all invented." I particularly loved the Michelangelo analogy used on p. 26 comparing students to a block of stone or marble. Inside each block is a beautiful statue just waiting to be created. I appreciate this comparison because teachers are expected to unveil the unlimited possibilities in each student, rather than rating students compared to their classmates. In our current educational system, there are way too many tests, grouping mechanisms, and competitions alienating some students from their classmates. Instead of doing so much comparing, as teachers we need to be helping students realize the possibilities within themselves.

Amanda said...

I couldn't agree more! This book applies to many different aspects of our lives. I think I will be purchasing this book in hard copy form, I want to read it again and again to remind myself of the Art of Possibility. The students letters gave me chills to, what an inspiration they were!