As a teacher, I always tried to tell students the truth.
Might seem like an obvious goal for a teacher, but…did a math teacher ever tell you solving algebra equations would be a central part of your everyday life? (You can chuckle here.)
If you want people to trust you, don’t tell them obviously false stuff.
I was perfectly fine explaining the difference between “real math” and “school math.” They needed to learn some things mostly for more advanced math and science classes. Those things were school math, and I refused to lie by claiming most people used those skills in everyday life.
Telling the truth gains you a lot of credibility. So, when I showed them how “algebraic thinking” WAS a worthwhile, lifelong habit, they were more likely to listen.
And you’re wondering, why the riff about teaching algebra?
It illustrates the difference between educating students and indoctrinating or manipulating them.
Not a new concept, and not limited to education. We’re surrounded by those who would use their platform, position, or power to indoctrinate and manipulate, mostly for selfish reasons.
Providing information and offering the opportunity to question and choose is a great way to build a resilient, open community that welcomes sincere discussion.
Manipulation and indoctrination, coercing people in some manner into a rigid, predetermined mindset leads to fragile, closed structures.
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I think about this a lot relative to the FREEDOM TOUR. I hope lots of people choose to join our circle because they find our message inviting and compelling. And I hope that leads many of them to support and sacrifice for our kids out of love, joy, and gratitude.
I NEVER seek to inspire participation or donations motivated by guilt or compulsion.
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A couple of years before I retired, a young colleague observed one of my classes and asked where I got my model for classroom management.
“Do you really want to know?”
“Of course,” she replied.
My answer led to an interesting discussion.
“Jesus.”