Finding the right line...

Today in class I introduced Prezi to my German 2 students. I have been using Jing to create short videos with the instructions for the day, so my role as the educator has really been more of a facilitator. I purposely omitted the ins and outs of how to use Prezi because I want my students to explore, discover and learn how to use Prezi on their own.

In a moment where my excitement got the best of me, I started to show a student how to add an image to her Prezi presentation. As I started to show her how, she told me in both a confident and frustrated voice, "I got it Herr Tarte."

This simple, but yet profound statement hit me like a ton of bricks...

This year, I have been doing a lot with my students to help give them more autonomy and control over their learning. Additionally, we have been doing some great things at my high school in an effort to give our teachers more control over their PD days.

So, when we are working with our students, our colleagues or even our own children, we need to be aware of the fragile line that encourages discovery and exploration, and the line that impedes growth and development.

As a teacher, you want your students to have just enough information to peak their interest so they can explore, discover and grow on their own; too much information and they become reliant on you...

As a building or district leader, you want your staff members to have the resources and opportunities to continue and further their growth and development; not enough opportunities and limited resources will hinder any future growth...

How can we create a school culture that is able to give when it needs to give...but also is able to take a step back when it needs to relinquish control...?

How do we walk the fine line between too much, not enough, and just right to ensure we are meeting the needs of all our students and colleagues...?

Take a moment to reflect upon how you are providing for your students, your colleagues, or your own children. Some will need more than others...some will need nothing at all...but most importantly we all need to recognize the importance of creating an environment so that others can be successful...