Final Thoughts

In my book, Speaking of Success, fellow contributor Jack Canfield speaks to a view of change expressed in a formula,  E + R = O.  If the event (E) is seen as something we cannot control or predict, then how can we influence our response (R) in such a way as to influence the outcome (O)?    

One inspirational speaker and thought leader, Dr. Wayne Dyer, indicates, “Change the way you look at things, the things you look at, change.”

Observing an inner circle conversation often invites the metaphoric image of a beach ball of ideas bouncing from one student to the next.  It is like watching the play of one idea bouncing off another while digging below the surface meaning. Concern for the right answer becomes replaced by incidents of lost in thought which ceases to restrict creative thinking, evaluative problem-solving and relationship building. The logical flow of analysis and support of ideas with the text and real life experiences within a Socratic circle encourage students to be creative themselves.

As in the words of one student when asked about Socratic experiences with fellow students in the classroom, “They’ve made me someone I’m proud of.” Confidence, pride, purpose – sounds like changing the way you looks at things, the things (including one’s perspective of self) you look at change, don’t you think?  Bigger question for you as teacher – is this the exception, or the rule?

Asking students following a Socratic Circle conversation “How did your thinking change?” may invite you into their experience as you prompt them to summarize.

In the beginning, what motivated you to originally become a teacher?  Want to see that purpose further manifested in your classrooms? Instead of blaming the events (E), change your responses (R) to change the outcomes, the experience.  You deserve that apple, and then some.