Better Conversations Chapter 1
(Suggested Completion Date: June 15th)
Welcome to the first part of the Better Conversations book study. This chapter, in a nut shell, introduced us to the two main pillars of the book: creating better conversations by building better communication beliefs and habits. It would be good start off this book study with a couple of questions to get us thinking about habits and beliefs. Using the comment feature at the bottom of this post discuss:
- How has education started to change from a “banking education” mindset?
- In what ways are you and/or your schools still functioning as “top down” communicators?
- What chapter or Conversation Belief/Habit do you most look forward to learning about?
Feel free to reply to others comments.
FYI. Names are posted, and the website is visible, so lets focus on building up instead of ranting.
1. How has education started to change from a “banking education” mindset?
Today’s educational approach had changed to student centered learning. Students are able to collaborate and work together to help guide their learning rather than just a sit and get approach.
2. In what ways are you and/or your schools still functioning as “top down” communicators?
In our classes it is easier to direct the student’s learning ourself with direct instruction only, rather than trusting that the students will really guide their learning. I think we also function as “top down communicators” when it comes to communicating from administrator to teachers.
3. What chapter or Conversation Belief/Habit do you most look forward to learning about?
All of the chapters seem interesting to me but if I have to choose, I would say Chapter 5 on asking better questions and Chapter 8 on redirecting toxic words and emotions. A lot of times instead of stopping a negative conversation, I just excise myself because I don’t want to say something offensive. I want to know how to redirect a conversation from being negative without being really offensives.
1. How has education started to change from a “banking education” mindset?
Student-centered learning is a high priority in today’s classrooms. Research has shown that students learn better if they have the opportunity to collaborate and communicate in the classroom. Students are now believed to be an important partner in their education.
2. In what ways are you and/or your schools still functioning as “top down” communicators?
It is often difficult to trust our students with their knowledge. As educators, we believe that “we know” what our students need to know – we are the experts. When you add on the stress of standardized testing, it is easy to get caught up into being the sole deliverer of knowledge in your classroom.
3. What chapter or Conversation Belief/Habit do you most look forward to learning about?
I am most looking forward to learning about Habit #5 Making Emotional Connections.
How has education started to change from a “banking education” mindset?
Educators are slowly shifting from being the soul source/giver of knowledge and learning in the classroom. PBL is being introduced more and more.
In what ways are you and/or your schools still functioning as “top down” communicators?
Letting students and even sometimes parents and teachers have a voice is not allowed or maybe not asked for. Students should have more control of how they learn. One size/way doesn’t work. Why should educators be asked to do something if it doesn’t work or isn’t in the best interest of a child? Why are parents only often on the receiving end of information and not a partner in their child’s ongoing education?
What chapter or Conversation Belief/Habit do you most look forward to learning about?
I am looking forward to learning more about how to view conversation partners as equals.
How has education started to change from a “banking education” mindset?
As teachers we want our students to become investigators. We want them to be able to search for the answers to their questions and not just be spoon-fed. We give students assignments that will give automatic feedback so they quickly know how to modify their work or confirm their thinking.
In what ways are you and/or your schools still functioning as “top down” communicators?
When students misbehave in the classroom and discipline is required, we (teachers and admin) too often jump to punishment instead of having the conversation with the student about what occurred and how to change the behavior.
What chapter or Conversation Belief/Habit do you most look forward to learning about?
Chapters 5 and 8.
How has education started to change from a “banking education” mindset?
Classrooms are moving from a Teacher Centered Environment to a Student Centered Environment. Students are provided “tools” to empower their interaction with the content and to “fill their brains” in the manner that best fits them as they interact with the information.
In what ways are you and/or your schools still functioning as “top down” communicators?
Outside of Operational Specifics the Campus communicates the overall “need”. The PLC then collaborates to ensure the “need” is met.
What chapter or Conversation Belief/Habit do you most look forward to learning about?
I am most looking forward to Belief #2 I want to hear what others have to say/Chapter 5 Asking Better Questions.