Blog #57 – BE RECEPTIVE TO LEARNING FROM THOSE AROUND YOU
All of us should be receptive to learning from those around us. I learned that lesson when I was very young. As far as I am concerned, my decision to become a mathematics teacher when I was six years old impacted the teacher that I am today. Beginning from elementary school through college, I was focused on observing what teachers did in the classroom and listening to what teachers had to say. My goal was to be prepared to be a master teacher sometime in the future. As my role as a student progressed through the years, I was able to process what I was seeing and hearing. I became aware of how dependent I was on teachers in my quest to being the best teacher that I could be. As I reflect on my development as a teacher, I know that I owe all of my success to all of the teachers in my life.
Growing up, I idolized my mother. She was an excellent role model for me. Most of what I learned from her became an integral part of the person that I am today. Just like her I focused my life on helping people. I treated everyone with respect. I focused on teaching others by my actions more than with my words. Sharing what I had became important to me. Loving life is what made her so happy and which also has brought joy to me.
As my children became young adults, I had a new source of inspiration. Although I had been their role model for many years, it has become evident that they now are my role models. As I observe what they do and listen to what they have to say, I have noticed that I have made adjustments to the things that I say and do. I value their judgment. We brainstorm on a variety of topics in general, although most of our brainstorming is about the things that I do related to my work. Ideas from them have inspired me to make better use of technology to influence teachers, parents and students.
All of us need to be receptive to what others do and say. We are never too old to improve who we are and what we do. We can learn things from the older generation just as well as from the younger generation. Although my grandchildren are very young, they continue to amaze me as to what they do and what they know. Age is not a determining factor in what we learn. As long as we are committed to learning, there is a wealth of resources surrounding us. Be open to learning from people you know and from strangers. Be willing to discover new things from those around you.
C9, C100