LightintheWoods

During my first degree, I was fortunate to participate in a co-operative work experience program.  I had the opportunity to learn the introductory ropes of the administration profession by building relationships in the organizations I worked with.  Then, just this fall I completed my teaching internship in a Moose Jaw school, where I was able to observe the professionals around me.  These types of hands on, in person learning experiences have guided much of my development and I think apprenticeship is an important stage of development in each of our chosen fields. We ask experts to lead us.  The faculties that I have studied under have done a fantastic job of creating these face to face mentorships.

Future students are going to have many opportunities to meet mentors in virtual spaces, by using virtual tools.  The  potential for this online mentorship is too large to disregard. In the future, training teachers will be introduced to experienced teachers from around the globe.  Apprentice engineers will correspond with industry leaders.  More and more people will learn from qualified people that span geographic boundaries.  This is the way it is for me, and the way it will be for our future colleagues.  We develop a inner circle of contacts, folks we connect with frequently that contribute to our professional growth.  In return, students participate in pushing discussion, by questioning practice and eventually entering their workforce with an experienced viewpoint.  A viewpoint that has heard and reflected on the various pieces of the profession.  By reading and chatting about best practices and observing exemplary models online, students develop a matured perspective of their chosen field.

I think it is important for teachers and faculties develop a strategy for connecting their students to experienced experts.  We now have tools that allow for communication, for collaboration.  New learning possibilities abound.

I’ve have been drafting a lot of posts recently and publishing none. I am becoming more critical of my own work and am making a conscious effort to ensure the pieces I create are high quality. Their are a few forces driving this process.

1. It started with “The Cult of the Amateur” By Andrew Keen, his vision reaffirmed that there is a lot of content to weave through because many are creating lousy work.
2. I joined the 366Photos project, and have been developing my eye for good images. I am finding that this skill is moving outside photography, and sharpening my awareness of detail and function. This is part of what D’arcy was alluding to as ‘mindful seeing’.
3. Through participation in a writing course, the last of my degree, I am learning about the art of this skill. As I read and listen, my perception of good writing has changed. The course has given me an opportunity to examine my writing. Through these enhanced eyes I am expecting more of myself as a writer.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a chance to listen to Stuart McLean, of CBC’s Vinyl Cafe, speak to a large conference of South Saskatchewan teachers. I was eager for this because I’ve been a fan of his radio show and stories for a few years. He started with couple stories and wrapped with a Q & A.

The interesting part was that the teachers primarily asked questions about his fame, about his experience in the ‘Biz’, not so much about learning or teaching. I was near the front of the auditorium and asked Stuart about inspiring our students to be better writers and storytellers. He referred back to the time when he taught at Ryerson.

He spoke about having patience with his students and their work, he spoke of collaboration, about re-doing pieces of work. Stuart alluded to a Mountain of Mastery parable. He said, students have to reach the pinnacle of the mountain to know what it means to achieve mastery (sorry if this is too Harry Wong for you). He went on to say that instructors are too often batting students off the Mountain of Mastery by rushing through projects and not aiming goals high. While this happened in other classes, his approach was to wait at the top of the mountain as the great sage. On the way up the mountain, Stuart encouraged students through drafting, conversation, and reflection. The writers worked together to progress one another in their writing endeavors. Often some would do 10 drafts before finally achieving the true brilliance the piece deserved.

Following this presentation, I caught up with Stuart McLean in the Lobby. I introduced my self and thanked him for his insight. I had been hoping for an autograph and he obliged, I thought his comment was most appropriate, he wrote “Happy Trails”.

As I climb my Mountain of Mastery, I will continue to look down to see where I have been, look up to see where I am going and look inside to see where I am. This awareness will ensure “Happy Trails”.