Musings from a Not-So-Master Teacher

After watching the latest Harry Potter movie, I was struck accuracy of what happened at Hogwarts.  In a motive of fear, the school shifted from meaningful learning to standardized curriculum.  A beauracrat from the State Department of Magic began instituting rules in order to reclaim the sense of order that she felt was missing from the school.  Knowledge became stanardized so that students could pass the OWLS test. 

I was the only person in the theatre laughing at this social commentary.  Yet, I find it accurate. Rowling (though I disagree with her philosophical views) has inspired children to read by avoiding the standardization of knowledge.  I began to ponder what is the point of knowledge.

I would argue that the best knowledge is that which leads a person to wisdom.  Practical knowledge certainly fits the category.  The ability to do a specific task well, to perfect the craft (blending together the art and the science of it) could certainly lead to wisdom.  As a teacher, there are times when I need someone to say, "John, you should use more eye contact." Or, "check out the Broken Record Technique from Lee Canter."  Yet, if left alone, practical is empty intelectualism.  Life becomes mechanical and stale - with five steps for this and three keys to that. 

Steps are nice, but they have to lead somewhere.  Keys are okay, but one has to question which doors lead to the right place.  Herein lies the importance of philosophical knowledge.  The ability to think well about our profession is what keeps us from flying toward the latest chincy fad.  However, philsophical knowledge alone is empty.  It becames a sort of mental abstraction, with dualing parties arguing things that no longer fit the practical reality of life. 

Personal knowledge is also needed.  One can learn the scour every book of the library and climb to the towering halls of academia, master every greek philosopher and know how to accomplish tasks effeciently.  Yet, if the personal side is missing, wisdom is impossible.  The personal, relational side of knowledge is what lets us go deeper.  As a teacher, there are times when I do not need a philosophical dialogue or a list of practical ideas.  Instead, I need a story.  I yearn to hear the experiences of others, so that I can know that I am not alone.  However, I realize that personal knowledge, by itself, leads to a sort of self-centeredness that is so cliche among Psych students.

My point is this: Teacher Lingo has been that place for me.  True, it's online, which means it is not as authentic.  Also, some people have a tough time figuring out the shift button.  There are times when I want to read someone's five ideas on how to impliment cooperative learning.  Other times, I enjoy a blog that will challenge my current teaching philosophy.  Still other times, I need that story (be it funny or sad or mundane) to remind me that we are all human.