"A Contest of Wills"

While I've been feeling engaged and interested by Schoeberlein's Mindful Teaching book, I'm eager for some practical teaching ideas.  Intentionally, I have allowed myself some weeks to practice the suggestions I've previously shared from the first couple chapters of the book.

Now we get to some simple but practical ideas.  Schoeberlein writes about something that I have been challenged by during much of my teaching.  Some might say it's no big deal.  It's starting class.

Yes, the way many of us teachers start class sets up an immediate confrontation, "a contest of wills" that sets the tone for the remaining class time together (Schoeberlein, p. 43).  I say to my students that respect and listening is key.  But then I start class by telling everyone to be quiet.  Well, actually I usually say "Good afternoon" or "Let's begin, please."

I know this is tricky.  One major frustration is that class or student who just doesn't seem to respond to anything patient.  I don't think he/she wants to be yelled at, but is that all that elicits a response?  And I'm not getting paid to just hang out with the students - we need to get started.

So Schoeberlein offers some simple ways to get students refocused right away, in a positive way that avoids that "contest of wills."  How do we get peoples' attention in social settings?  Loudly say "good morning" over the group's din?  No, we more likely share something that genuinely interests others, tell a great story, offer a joke, or make some music - these may work to encourage people to willingly redirect their attention.  So while I'm a bit unsure, especially for those high-energy classes, I think that beginning class with a chime, an occasional riddle, a photo that's actually interesting, or a poem just might not be a bad idea.

I know it's not really a new idea.  There's "hooks" and "bellwork" and "anticipatory sets" to get students going.  This is really just a slight variation on the theme, but I like the ideas and the principles behind it.  Besides, I agree with Schoeberlein that even cordially starting class solely with my verbal cue gets old and tiring for me and the students, I'm sure.

As I expand my ideas here for starting class well, I encourage you to consider how you begin things - your own class, meetings, lunch, phone calls, coming home from work or school or errands.  Might starting with a deep breath and awareness of yourself and your company improve the encounter?  It can't hurt to try today.