How prepared are you for embracing the “gospel of relaxation” as a way of life?
- I’m already a pretty relaxed person, so I’m well on my way.
- I’m trying to be more mindful and less stressed, so I’m getting there.
- I’m definitely a ‘bottled lightning’ American! I need to work on this.
- Relaxation sounds great in theory, but my life is just too hectic right now.
What’s your favorite anecdote or example from William James’s Talks to Teachers?
- The child snatching the toy – it perfectly illustrates how to replace bad habits.
- The ‘tight run’ for remembering numbers – it shows the limits of rote learning.
- The boy who saw kindergarten as beneath him – kids need to be challenged.
- The different reactions to Niagara Falls – our perceptions shape our reality.
What is your current biggest challenge in applying William James’s ideas to your own life?
- Overcoming my inhibitions and taking more risks.
- Dealing with my own ‘balky will’ and lack of discipline.
- Seeing beyond my own perspective and empathizing with others.
- Finding a balance between my ideals and the realities of daily life.
How do you feel about William James’s emphasis on the importance of habit in shaping character?
- I completely agree – our habits make us who we are.
- It’s an important factor, but we also have the power to change.
- I think it’s a bit deterministic – we’re more than just our habits.
- I need to pay more attention to my habits – they’re running my life!
How do you determine your students’ learning objectives each semester?
- I carefully align them with curriculum standards and learning outcomes.
- I consider their individual needs and interests as much as possible.
- I strike a balance between challenging them and ensuring they can succeed.
- I’m constantly adapting based on their progress and emerging needs.
How well do you stick to your convictions when faced with opposing viewpoints?
- I’m firm in my beliefs but open to hearing different perspectives.
- I’m willing to debate and engage in respectful disagreement.
- I try to find common ground and build bridges of understanding.
- Sometimes I question myself, but ultimately I stay true to my values.
What makes you most frustrated about the current state of education?
- The overemphasis on standardized testing and rote memorization.
- The lack of focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- The inadequate resources and support for teachers and students.
- The growing disconnect between the skills learned in school and the demands of the 21st century.
You have a choice of attending a lecture on “The Gospel of Relaxation” or “The Power of Habit” – which do you choose?
- The Gospel of Relaxation – I need to de-stress and find more balance.
- The Power of Habit – I’m fascinated by how our habits shape our lives.
- Either one – both topics are relevant and interesting to me.
- It depends on who the speaker is – their expertise matters most.
What’s your favorite memory related to a time you successfully applied one of William James’s principles?
- Helping a struggling student find their passion for learning.
- Overcoming a personal challenge by focusing on building good habits.
- Experiencing a moment of profound connection with another person.
- Achieving a state of deep relaxation and mental clarity through meditation.
How comfortable are you with embracing the idea that the mind is not a “blank slate”?
- It makes perfect sense – we all come with innate tendencies and predispositions.
- It’s an intriguing concept that I’m still exploring and trying to understand.
- I’m not sure what I believe – it’s a complex issue with no easy answers.
- I prefer to think of the mind as a blank slate – it emphasizes our potential for growth.
What do you think is missing in your quest to cultivate greater empathy and understanding towards others?
- More exposure to diverse perspectives and life experiences.
- A willingness to challenge my own biases and assumptions.
- The ability to truly listen and try to see the world through their eyes.
- The courage to be vulnerable and share my own story authentically.
What do you dream about when it comes to creating a more just and compassionate society?
- A world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued for who they truly are.
- A society that prioritizes education, critical thinking, and empathy.
- A community where people support each other and work together for the common good.
- A future where differences are celebrated, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Which of these best describes your current state of work-life balance?
- I’ve found a sustainable rhythm that allows me to thrive in all areas.
- I’m constantly striving for better balance but often feel pulled in too many directions.
- I prioritize work above all else – it’s just my nature.
- I’m feeling burnt out and overwhelmed – I need to make some changes.
What is your go-to strategy for dealing with difficult emotions or challenging situations?
- I practice mindfulness and try to observe my thoughts and feelings without judgment.
- I reach out to trusted friends or family members for support and perspective.
- I engage in activities that bring me joy and help me relax and recharge.
- I try to analyze the situation logically and come up with a plan of action.
What happened in the past when you tried to incorporate the “gospel of relaxation” into your daily life?
- I experienced a noticeable decrease in stress and an increase in overall well-being.
- I struggled to maintain consistency but found it helpful during particularly challenging times.
- I found it difficult to reconcile with my driven personality and demanding schedule.
- I haven’t really tried – it’s something I’ve been meaning to explore further.
What aspect of William James’s philosophy resonates most deeply with your own personal values?
- His emphasis on the importance of individual experience and subjective perception.
- His belief in the power of habit and the importance of self-discipline.
- His focus on the practical applications of psychology for everyday life.
- His commitment to social justice and creating a more equitable world for all.
How confident are you in your ability to identify and nurture the unique talents and potential of each student?
- I have a knack for recognizing and fostering their individual strengths and interests.
- I’m constantly learning and growing in my ability to meet their diverse needs.
- It’s a challenging but rewarding aspect of teaching that I take very seriously.
- I rely on a variety of assessments and observations to gain a holistic understanding of each student.
What do you think you need to fully embody the principles of empathy and compassion in your interactions with others?
- A deeper understanding of my own biases and how they influence my perceptions.
- More opportunities to connect with people from different backgrounds and walks of life.
- The willingness to listen without judgment and truly try to see the world through their eyes.
- The courage to be vulnerable and share my own experiences, both positive and negative.
How do you handle a situation where a student is struggling to grasp a particular concept?
- I provide individualized support and try to explain the concept in a different way.
- I encourage peer-to-peer learning and create opportunities for them to teach each other.
- I break down the concept into smaller, more manageable chunks and provide frequent check-ins.
- I try to identify the root of their struggle and address any underlying learning gaps.
Do you have a system in place for regularly reflecting on your teaching practices and identifying areas for growth?
- I engage in daily reflection and make adjustments to my lessons as needed.
- I set aside dedicated time each week to review student work and analyze my effectiveness.
- I participate in professional development opportunities and seek feedback from colleagues.
- I’m always looking for ways to improve but sometimes struggle to find the time for structured reflection.
How well do you balance the need for structure and routine with the importance of flexibility and spontaneity in the classroom?
- I’ve established a predictable structure that allows for flexibility when needed.
- I believe in the importance of routine but also embrace opportunities for spontaneous learning.
- I prefer a structured approach – it creates a sense of stability and predictability for students.
- I lean towards flexibility – every day is different, and I like to go with the flow.
Which member of the “Chautauqua Assembly” are you, based on your personality and values?
- The intellectual – always seeking knowledge and engaging in stimulating discussions.
- The artist – expressing creativity and finding beauty in everyday experiences.
- The activist – working tirelessly to make the world a better place for all.
- The seeker – on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you encounter a student who reminds you of your younger self?
- Empathy and a desire to help them navigate the challenges I faced at their age.
- Nostalgia and a reflection on how far I’ve come since then.
- A sense of responsibility to be a positive role model and mentor.
- A reminder of the transformative power of education and the importance of fostering a love of learning.
What is your teaching goal for this year?
- To create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.
- To inspire a love of learning and a thirst for knowledge in my students.
- To help each student reach their full potential and achieve their academic goals.
- To continuously grow and evolve as an educator and make a meaningful impact on my students’ lives.
How often do you incorporate student-led discussions and activities into your lessons?
- Frequently – I believe in the power of student voice and agency.
- Occasionally – I strive for a balance between teacher-directed and student-centered learning.
- Rarely – I prefer a more structured approach where I’m the primary source of information.
- I’m working on incorporating more student-led activities into my teaching.
Someone asks, “How are you feeling about the upcoming school year?” What’s the actual answer, not just “I’m good?”
- A mix of excitement and nervousness – there’s always a sense of anticipation for a fresh start.
- Optimistic – I’m excited to implement new ideas and connect with a new group of students.
- A bit overwhelmed – there’s a lot to prepare, but I’m confident it will all come together.
- Cautiously hopeful – I’m aware of the challenges, but I’m committed to making it a positive experience.
You have a free period to do whatever you want – what do you do?
- Catch up on grading or lesson planning – there’s always work to be done.
- Connect with colleagues – it’s important to have a supportive network.
- Read a book or engage in professional development – I’m always learning.
- Take a break and recharge – self-care is essential for teachers.
How would you describe your relationship to the field of psychology?
- I’m fascinated by the human mind and its complexities – it’s a lifelong passion.
- I appreciate its insights into human behavior and how it can inform my teaching.
- I’m a bit intimidated by its scientific rigor, but I’m eager to learn more.
- It’s not my area of expertise, but I recognize its relevance to education.
What is the trickiest part about implementing the principle of “no reception without reaction” in a classroom setting?
- Ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to participate and share their thinking.
- Creating engaging and interactive activities that elicit thoughtful responses from students.
- Balancing the need for structure and guidance with the importance of student-led exploration.
- Assessing student understanding in a meaningful way that goes beyond simple recall.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the challenges of addressing “balky wills” in the classroom?
- The importance of patience, understanding, and a non-punitive approach.
- The need to differentiate between willful disobedience and underlying neurological factors.
- The challenge of balancing individual needs with the dynamics of the whole class.
- The importance of establishing clear boundaries and expectations while maintaining positive relationships.
A new student arrives from a vastly different cultural background. What is your first response?
- Welcome! I’m eager to learn more about your culture and experiences.
- I approach them with sensitivity and curiosity, respecting their unique perspective.
- I seek to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where they feel safe and valued.
- I’m committed to adapting my teaching to meet their individual needs and learning styles.
What is your absolute favorite classroom activity that embodies the principles of active learning and student engagement?
- Project-based learning that allows students to explore their passions and apply their knowledge.
- Socratic seminars where students engage in deep discussions and challenge each other’s thinking.
- Hands-on experiments and simulations that bring learning to life and foster critical thinking.
- Collaborative group work where students learn from each other and develop teamwork skills.
How often do you reflect on the “unseen” aspects of your students’ lives and how those experiences might be shaping their behavior in the classroom?
- Regularly – I try to see each student as a whole person with a complex life beyond school.
- Occasionally – I’m aware of the impact of their home lives but can’t always know the specifics.
- Rarely – I focus on what I can control, which is their academic progress in my classroom.
- I’m working on being more mindful of their individual circumstances and how they might be feeling.
Are your colleagues consistently achieving their assigned tasks and responsibilities?
- Yes, we have a strong culture of collaboration and accountability.
- For the most part, but there’s always room for improvement in any team.
- I can’t speak for everyone, but I’m committed to fulfilling my own obligations.
- It varies depending on the individual and the specific tasks involved.
How would your friends and family describe your teaching style?
- Passionate, engaging, and dedicated to making a difference.
- Creative, innovative, and always coming up with new ideas.
- Patient, understanding, and committed to meeting the needs of every student.
- Structured, organized, and focused on creating a positive learning environment.
Tell us a little about your approach to fostering a sense of belonging and community in the classroom.
- I prioritize building relationships and creating a safe and inclusive environment.
- I incorporate activities that promote teamwork, collaboration, and empathy.
- I celebrate diversity and encourage students to share their unique perspectives and experiences.
- I strive to make every student feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are.
If you could choose any superpower to help you be a more effective teacher, which one would you choose and why?
- Telepathy – to understand their unspoken thoughts and feelings.
- Time manipulation – to have more time for planning, grading, and connecting with students.
- The ability to inspire – to ignite their passions and unlock their full potential.
- Empathy amplification – to deeply understand and connect with the emotional world of each student.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when a student disengages from the lesson and seems distant or withdrawn?
- Concern for their well-being – something might be happening outside of school that’s affecting them.
- A desire to understand the root cause of their disengagement and find ways to re-engage them.
- A reminder that every student is different and might need different approaches to learning.
- A challenge to reflect on my own teaching and see if there’s anything I can do to improve.
What affects you the most when you reflect on the long-term impact you hope to have on your students’ lives?
- Knowing that I’ve played a role in shaping their love of learning and their belief in themselves.
- Seeing them go on to lead fulfilling lives and make a positive contribution to the world.
- Witnessing their growth and transformation from young learners into compassionate, thoughtful adults.
- Feeling a sense of pride in knowing that I made a difference in their lives, no matter how small.
What’s your idea of the ideal classroom environment that fosters both academic excellence and personal growth?
- A dynamic and engaging space where students feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from each other.
- A community of learners who are curious, respectful, and supportive of one another’s growth.
- A place where students feel a sense of belonging, purpose, and excitement about learning.
- An environment that balances structure and freedom, allowing students to thrive both academically and personally.
What is your strongest quality as a teacher, the one that consistently benefits your students?
- My passion for my subject – it’s contagious and inspires students to learn.
- My ability to build strong relationships and create a safe and supportive classroom community.
- My creativity and innovation in designing engaging and effective lessons.
- My unwavering belief in the potential of every student to succeed.