Wk4_Comment#1_PaulDeVoto

Comment to Paul DeVoto

Wk 4 - The Art of Possibility

I loved the story of Anthony, the student who was asked to come onto the stage and lead the orchestra. I enjoyed even more that this opportunity was made possible because Benjamin Zander paid attention to the crowd. This boy’s life was likely changed forever by this experience, and it was just one of many empowering moments he and the orchestra were able to gift to the under-privileged kids. This idea of enrollment, which is “the art and practice of generating a spark of possibility for others to share” resonates strongly with me because I feel that that is an art I have had to work on daily as a teacher.

Often I have a lesson plan that is awesome. Surprisingly to me, the students don’t seem to respond to the lesson idea in the same way I had anticipated. In these cases, it’s my job to enroll the students so that they

it that way. I try to help them understand that every perceived negative experience or problem lies an opportunity. Regular examples helps to reinforce this concept, but many people I find seem to enjoy being the victim see the potential value in the lesson. Once they buy in to the idea they become an active partner in the work and the learning increases tremendously. In this case, as Mr. Zander says “lighting sparks from person to person, scattering light in all directions.”

The concept of being the board and accepting responsibility for everything that happens to you

is also an empowering practice. I often try to teach my students that they are only victims in life if they see.

 Photo courtesy of www.photos8.com

@Paul Devoto

I was also moved by Benjamin Zander’s choice to change Anthony’s life by empowering others, so this really touched my heart. I feel uninspired sometimes when I have planned an incredible lesson plan and the students don’t want to participate. In high school, it is mostly laziness. However, if I stick with it a student goes above and beyond the standards set and produces an awesome project. It is within my personality to praise them and announce to the rest of the class that they have been successful. My students will stop their own work to go and view their fellow student’s progress. They are very encouraging to each other and also ask each other for help. I also collect their amazing work to show the administrators and they take the time to compliment the students in passing. So keep up the awesome work and watch out for those occasional moments that are the reason we are teachers.