Wk3 Comment #1 to Ann Cannizarro

 Two students lead a class discussion

Original Post from Ann Cannizzaro

Reading again from the Art of Possibility by Benjamin and Rosamund Zander, chapters 5-8, we are encouraged to “lead from any chair”.  Each of us wears a variety of leadership hats within the time of a day, week, month, year, even a lifetime.  As parents, we lead our children; we are role models for how to behave within and outside of the family structure.  As teachers, we model for our students how to embrace the learning process and to achieve it’s intended goals.  As community members we work to integrate with and invite others to come together for the greater good.  Active participation is the key.  Participation is only a first step.  Being active is vital to effective leadership.

Mr. Zander describes how he began to give “the floor” over to his musicians, to better listen to and understand what they might add to the process of playing and performing music.  He presented them with permission to access the leadership position.  I find myself in this situation in the classroom too.  I try to recognize the best moments to maneuver students into position such that when they “take the floor”, their classmates are waiting to hear what they have to say, and respond with the expectation of leadership from the student.  This is a means of promoting positive self-esteem and confidence for students.

Successful attempts at leadership in the classroom, whether reading a sentence correctly, or explaining a definition, helps students realize their potential for leadership.  With ample opportunities to shine, they may increase participation in activities in other classrooms, or out in their community.  As teachers, we help to determine “who is present” when we have the expectation and allow the opportunity that all students can and will “take the floor” from time to time.

Comment to Ann

When I read your take on this week’s reading I am reminded that participation is at the heart of the Zanders’ practice of turning around the situations we find ourselves in day by day. I have been trying this week to let the students have more say and it’s hard to do (especially when you’re the substitute) and I admire Ben Zander for the courage he has exhibited in trying something so risky with his orchestra. It could have totally backfired and he could have lost his status as a conductor but sometimes that’s the courage we need to tap into to make major and dramatic changes in our classrooms. To become more collaborative with those we have deemed subordinate to us for so long a change of perspective is needed. We give lip service so often to the idea of raising the student up to be responsible for their own learning but so often apply the caveat of “as long as it’s my way”. Thanks for the last paragraph that reminds me also that allowing leadership can be achieved through such small things and not just grand gestures.