November 11, 2020
Flexidemics Insights
By: Jennifer Nelson
https://www.Flexidemics.com
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“The happiness of those who want to be popular depends on others; the happiness of those who seek pleasure fluctuates with moods outside their control; but the happiness of the wise grows out of their own free acts.” -Marcus Aurelius
Dear Friends,
I’ve heard teachers say something to the effect of, “I’m not interested in teaching students what to think, I’m interested in teaching them how to think.” As an educator, I am not interested in either. It is not my job to teach anyone what to think or how to think.
It is my job to teach my students to think, as in to think for themselves and use their own minds. “How” they choose to do that is determined their own inner guidance because that’s how you get to freedom, inner truth, and authentic expression.
Everyone has something unique and wonderful to contribute to the greater good. But bringing that out has to come from within. Though we all need encouragement and guidance at times; the best guides simply serve as a beacon to lead us to back ourselves and our own deepest truths.
Though I may refer to myself as a teacher, I don’t really see myself in that light. I see myself as a facilitator and friend to those who resonate with my vibes. I’m not here to tell you what to do or how to do it. I’m here to remind you that you can do “it”, whatever that may be that serves your highest expression.
The intent of this newsletter is to increase awareness of available educational options in order to encourage environments where students can align to their true gifts and talents.
When people are aligned to their true nature and in touch with their loving hearts, they are able to co-create a harmonious world.
May we all reach our highest path and potential.
With Love,
Jennifer
Online Teaching Exposes Control Issues
The culture shifts of 2020 seems to have brought out the nature of control issues within the educational system. Browsing social media I found complaints from parents who felt like teachers were being disrespectful demanding that students be uncomfortable in their own homes while using video conferencing software.
Here is an account that if it is accurate, only serves to remind us that education must have a foundation of respect and compassion. Let us not judge anyone, but may we all be mindful of the types of energy we are giving out.
Math Problems
Math is not my favorite subject. However, I realized in college that math wasn’t the problem. The problem was that the way it was being taught did not make sense to my brain. I then researched the different ways to teach the math concepts that I was having trouble grasping. Only then was I able to improve my failing grade.
Given my experiences I found this discussion on Reddit to be quite interesting. It notes a study that found that “80 percent of high school dropouts cited their inability to pass Algebra I as the primary reason for leaving school. “What can we do to change this?
Stop Defending Music Education
People often defend the arts saying it helps students understand academic concepts. But this article argues that music can stand on its own without the crutch of saying it helps students learn math.
The author writes, “Music does not need to make excuses for itself, as if it had no intrinsic worth. It does not have to dress itself up in test-taking robes or mathematical masks. It has deep, powerful human value, and all of us who love it should be saying so, over and over and over again.”
From Student to Employee
It is often said that going to school helps prepare children for the workforce. Perhaps in some ways it does. Yet that depends on the person and the way they choose to support themselves. Everyone is not suited or inclined to choose a career that requires an abundance of social interactions and micromanagement.
In this article Peter Gray states “I don’t know of any adults who would willingly accept a job where they are so tightly micromanaged as children are at school; a job where you can’t talk with your co-workers, can’t leave your seat without permission, and are continuously monitored, tested, and compared with your co-workers in a manner that seems almost deliberately designed to shame.”
His point is something to consider. What exactly are we preparing children for?
Remember to love yourself and to always follow your inner guidance. Therefore, take what resonates and discard the rest.
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