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For today's book review, I take a look at John Merrow's book, "The Influence of Teachers," specifically chapter 4 titled "Serious Fun?"To summarize, John encourages classroom teachers to consider various elements of competition, games, and play which students are generally excited to do. I did question how much may be deemed too much, considering motivation theory research isn't the most receptive to competitive learning environments.In short, this chapter urges educators to "step aside" and let kids be kids--creative, inquisitive, curious, adventurous, starving to know people. And like adults, they want autonomy and respect as well.You can view more of opinions of this chapter in my latest video recording.
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The Influence of Teachers:
Reflections on Teaching and Leadership
By: John Merrow
“The program… recognized that
kids love to play and compete”
(Merrow, 2011, p. 40).
“…schools and teachers have to learn to get out of
their way.”
“Mr Peha elaborated on this idea: ‘It’s the traditions of schools that take the fun
out of learning. It’s the mindless focus on product
over process and participation. It’s
discovering that school is not about you. It’s teachers who have
forgotten that teaching is fun who take the fun out of learning” (Merrow, 2011, p.
41).
“Have we forgotten that
kids are people, too”(Merrow, 2011, p. 42)?
“Parents should take note that they contribute to a climate of “intellectual
danger” (Merrow, 2011,
p. 43).
“Schools must encourage the idea of rational
persuasion” (Merrow, 2011,
p. 44).
“And Kohn believes that competition
undermines a school’s sense of community” (Merrow, 2011,
p. 45).
“Schools should be
democratically run, and that
high school kids should be part
of the leadership”
(Merrow, 2011, p. 47).
