Remember those old dual-image pictures? My teacher in elementary school used to hand those out all the time for fun. In one of the more well-known examples, you are asked if you see a duck or a rabbit in the drawing. In reality, both images are in the drawing, it just depends on which one you see first. And whichever one does initially jump out at you … Well. You might believe that is the only correct answer; it’s the one you clearly see, after all. But with a little extra study, or a little help from a friend with a different perspective, suddenly new and previously-unseen possibilities can spring into being.
How many times has that been true in my life? How many times have I been certain – absolutely certain – that I was correct about something? And then along came an unexpected learning opportunity or a conversation with someone with different experiences than mine, and a whole new way of looking at the issue presented itself.
The ability to think flexibly, to listen openly, and interrogate one’s beliefs with humility are key to learning and critical evaluation. They are also key to empathy, and working together to solve problems. Over the years I have seen talented teachers foster such collaboration and cooperative skills, encouraging listening, pausing, reflecting. These skills are what allow us (students and teachers alike) to move from perhaps more rigid positions, towards new ideas and information and possibilities. And goodness knows our world needs some new possibilities right about now …
So this year, in my work with students, in my conversations with educators, in writing this blog, I will explore these values within teaching and learning. Empathy. Learning and unlearning. Finding new ways to connect with others. And listening with openness – to students, to teachers, to the natural world.
This September, I wish you and your students a journey full of possibility, in learning new things, and seeing them in endless new light.
