Self-reflection
According to Wikipedia, "Pedagogy, most commonly understood as the approach to teaching, is the theory and practice of learning, and how this process influences, and is influenced by, the social, political, and psychological development of learners." As part of my mundane life, I often find myself put in a position where I need to communicate arcane and esoteric secrets to the uninitiated. Over the years, I've made some observations that have informed my approach to teaching and community building. Reviewing these observations helps me refocus and plan when I'm navigating a challenging situation.
1. Many people over-estimate their own competence while under-estimating their influence.
2. Expending more energy on criticizing poor students than on pushing good students to surpass their limits cultivates resentment in everyone involved.
3. Indulging in nostalgia for the past or apocalyptic fantasies of the future can be a sign of failing to come to terms with the present.
4. Team-based competitions often result in more sustainable engagement than pitting individuals against one another.
5. Complaining about young people is easier than leading by example.
6. A great teacher can show you how to leverage and surpass your weaknesses.
7. Vanity is the enemy of Education. If you're bored, then you're boring.
8. Every community needs constructive criticism, but a community constructed on constant criticism will not last.
___ per Ianvs
All of this. It's been a fascinating few years of observation, manipulation and manifestation for me lol.