Follow the Directions
“Follow the directions” is a fundamental phrase used in the classroom.
Teachers get really, REALLY frustrated when students don’t follow the directions.
I understand how important directions, procedures and processes are in keeping an organized and smoothly operating classroom of 20, 30 + students, especially young ones.
HOWEVER, I also feel that sometimes we follow directions too stringently and cause ourselves undue stress. It can also open the door to a flood of judgment and shame.
The word “direction” comes from the Latin word directionem, meaning to make a straight line.
If my geometry knowledge serves me well, a direct, straight line is the shortest route between two points…a beginning and an end.
But WHAT IF, the learning journey is not the shortest distance nor the most “direct” path between two points, the starting point at the beginning, and an end point at the destination (end?)
WHAT IF the directions we receive are not the straight on nor the same for every person? (more…)
