Intelligent Heart
I understand the concept of intelligent heart but to maintain that intelligent heart everyday is a real challenge for me. This will be my new personal goal for the new year is to maintain a intelligent heart for my students.
I had to laugh when I red the description of the "Intelligent Heart"... it follows the precepts of the Japanese Buddhism I have been practising for 30+ years.
Thank you for this post, Shannon. This is a good reminder to listen and evaluate rather than rushing to judgement.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I totally agree with Damon's post. In addition,whenever interacting with others, be they students, coworkers or even a mere acqaintance, I try to hold my judgement of them simply because they are cross, disagreeable or angry when they approach me. This is because you can't always know what may have happened to them in the past day or so that could have put them in this mindset. It may have nothing to do with you or your class. They may have just heard of the loss of a husband's job, a cancer diagnosis, or the like. I've always tried to wait and let them speak their mind and show that I'm there to listen.
I agree on treating students like people with feelings is a key to success. So many times we as educators forget that the students are depending on us to show them the way. Some students may need a little more coaching than others. I always want the student to feel that I am there for them.
I agree. I do allow myself to see the positive side of all students, whether good or bad. I greet them, smile, make jobs, tell stories, if I see that they are having a bad day, I will ask them to stay after class and try to get inside of what is brothering them. I don't know if it is good or bad, but I try to ease and comfort them. I believe that as a caring mentor this helps them become successful and believe in themselves.
Leann,
Thanks. What are some strategies you use to influence your students to care?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I agree with Mr. Toenges that I feel to care more for the sudents education than they do but I am learning to make them care more and be accountable.
I really have to agree with your first part there.
I don't believe in "complaining to your subordinates about the burdens of command." (That's what it always felt like my teachers were doing anytime they mentioned their responsibilities to a class I was in.)
But I think it really helps some students when they see us come under pressure but maintain a positive attitude and come out on top.
So, I try to be fairly open when students ask about a particular trial I'm facing (such as my recent shot at taking the LSAT). When they know I'm facing a challenge, it puts extra pressure on me to bring energy and enthusiasm (and a positive attitude) whenever I see them. Then, when I succeed, and they see me succeed, I can tell it makes a real impact on them and shows them I'm not just blowing smoke when I talk about the importance of goal setting and positive visualization and emotional intelligence.
Damon,
Thank you for this post. Treating students like people with feelings is a key to success.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Intelligent heart, to me, is simply allowing myself to see the humanity each of my students and to facilitate their learning process with emotional consistency, reason, fairness, clarity and understanding. We have bad days, students have bad days, I think its how we model successful behaviors within the context of everyones reality is what makes us educators.
This is really quite a common thing - being optimistic and setting goals, knowing you can create anything in your life. Following our intuition leads us in the right direction, always.
Randall,
Good question. I read an article recently about getting students to be "owners" of their eucation as opposed to "renters." One on the take aways was that giving the students control and choice helps them to feel like it is their education. What are some areas in which you can provide choces in your classes?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I often feel as though I care more for my students education and success more than they do. How can I harness or make my heart more intelligent and support students to take their education more seriously?
I tend to think that when I am under a lot of pressure to fullfill the demands of my job, that my performance in the clasroom tends to fail to meet the standards required. But I have notice that it is ubnder such stress that i seem to reach my students even better.
I guess is the Intelluigen Heart at work that notices how much time you are spending on routine tasks which helps you stay focused on the important subject 'the student'.
In my last block I experineced this feeling but it wasn't until the end of the block that I received feedback from the students that I noticed how much effort I was putiing into delivering to the students what they came to us for.
Tim,
Nice post, thanks. How does one clearly demonstrate empathy?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Empathy can be a valuable personality train if used correctly. If empathy is shown without intellegence you run the risk of crossing the line into sympathy with can lead to standards not being upheld. Dealing with students using an intelligent heart will motivate them to do their best and engage themselves in the learning process.
I appreciate Tracy's honest candor. We have good days and bad days, but I often remind my students that I love what I do, and that I'm grateful for the opportunities I've been given. To me, showing that you really like "where you're at" is at the core of the "intelligent heart" discussion, and your students will trust you more.
Kathleen,
Thank you for this post. Please explain what you mean by "somato-emotional problems?"
Jeffrey Schillinger
We in the 'healing industry' (sounds like an oxymorom)have known the concept of heart intelligence for a long time. We try to tap into it to help our clients with somato-emotional problems but I'm sure it woulg benefit instructor and students alike. I will encorporate it into my own life and lessons plans more frequently.
