Blog #63 – PROMOTING INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY
Whether as a teacher, parent or grandparent, I am always promoting intellectual curiosity. In either case I do this by modeling. Since I was very young, I sought to acquire knowledge. During that time, I observed and listened attentively to my teachers. I was mesmerized by the lessons that were being presented. I loved participating in journeys of discovery led by the teachers. When I saw my teachers take risks and pursue different paths to the mastering of particular concepts, I became more motivated. I felt a similar amazement with topics that I was learning from my parents and other relatives. It was interesting to experience the acquisition of knowledge from a variety of sources. What I learned in the classroom and from adults in my life became an integral part of the person that I am today.
From the beginning of my teaching career and as a current online tutor, I have done my best to instill in all my students a love of learning in general and a love of mathematics in particular. I am constantly inviting my students to join me in a journey of discovery. I share the ways that I acquired knowledge. I illustrate by modeling how I am still learning new things. I am always encouraging my students to use what I teach them as a guide, not a rule. I want each of my students to develop their own intellectual curiosity. I want them to create new paths to how they learn things. As technology has evolved, my students and I are discovering new sources for obtaining knowledge. Technology has ignited a new spark in intellectual curiosity.
As a parent and grandparent, I have always encouraged my children and grandchildren to seek knowledge. I also use modeling with them. I take advantage of their natural curiosity to share things that I know. There are many times that I invite them to join in making new discoveries. Going to aquariums, museums, parks, etc. gives us an opportunity to learn new things. They are impressed that at my age I am still curious. At my age, I am still trying to acquire new knowledge. Being intellectually curious is not limited to the classroom. It is a journey that will always be a part of us during our lifetimes.