cthewind's Blog

As one who teaches, it is important for me to continually learn new things. Of course I learn things from students every day, but I also mean it’s important to put myself in the role of student on a regular basis. Sometimes I formally enroll in a course to develop a new skill; other times I let my 12 year old teach me, then quiz me on topics such as world soccer.

When I pass one of my son’s quizzes, I’m quite proud of myself, even when I get the equivalent of a C or a D. After all, I started from 0, have no natural inclination for soccer, and do not apply much of my energy to reinforcing his lessons. I pay enough attention to keep our relationship going. My attention to him affects his attention to me.

In the formal courses I have sometimes fallen flat in my early attempts, and I’ve had to decide to keep showing up—to work through embarrassment, failed attempts, feelings of incompetence, and to accept myself as I learn new things others are already good at.

It turns out that “student” and “study” mean “painstaking application.” I feel it! Sometimes we put the wrong packaging on learning and make it seem all ease and joy and self-development. I’m ready for a little more honesty about what it’s like to learn new things and for a different way of being together in the journeys of learning.

Experiences as a student have led me to reflect on my teaching, which pairs my expertise with the widely divergent experiences and interests of my students. Is there space in the classroom—in the system—to try and fail? Do we celebrate passing? Are we able to accompany each other in not knowing and not being able to? Can we cultivate a community of sharing and reciprocity, where we welcome each and all to share their gifts and gladly receive what we need from each other?

I’m ready to learn new things from you.