January 2016 – The Independent Learner

Finding Students’ Spirit, Opportunity and Curiosity

As a long-time educator, I am constantly aware of the importance and the responsibility I have in making sure the doors of opportunity are wide open for students, regardless of their educational situations or circumstances. But to get their attention, we have to pique their curiosity and engage their spirit.

Students arrive in our classrooms with so much individuality, wide-ranging different backgrounds and experiences, but somehow great teachers present their course content in what seems like magical ways to pique interest, stretch imaginations and challenge students to learn more.

This is actually exactly what the fine folks at NASA have been doing for many years through the Mars rovers.

On January 4, 2004, the rover Spirit landed on Mars and worked diligently for us for more than six years to cover 4.8 miles of the Mars surface before getting its wheels trapped in the planet’s sand. Even then, it adjusted itself to act as a stationary science platform to help us know more about the planet. NASA stated that Spirit completed its planned 90-sol (day) mission and actually functioned effectively over twenty times longer than expected!

The next rover to land on Mars was Spirit’s twin, Opportunity. Landing three weeks later on January 25, 2004, Opportunity ran around the planet, covering more than 25 miles, close to a marathon. It is still operational and mobile, celebrating its twelfth birthday today—a pre-teenager!

Curiosity went to Mars on Aug. 6, 2012, and continues to operate today. It withstands slightly extreme weather environments that we are not used to, built to work in between -197 degrees Fahrenheit through 104 degrees—and it has no coat, gloves or hat!

Spirit, Opportunity and Curiosity are more than land rovers on Mars—they are definitions of the characteristics that we want to plant in students every day. We want students to:

Grow their spirit and enthusiasm and be life-long learners.
Engage with zeal in the moment of discovery as they unwrap.
Adjust to situations with positivity and a good attitude.
Work hard and delight in their success.

Teachers and parents play a critical role in building the learning spirit that lives within each of us, and when observed we must recognize its priceless value.

What Is Your Game Plan?

Sports have long been an integral part of my life both as an athlete and coach, and I feel the lessons learned in athletics are similar to academics. For example, in athletic competition one of most important components to victory is having a game plan.

Most coaches develop game plans based on several factors including but not limited to:

The ability of his or her players
Opportunities for success against an opponent

You may have heard the “coach speak” phrases:

“Stick with the game plan” if the team is doing well or just needs to perform better
“Adjust the game plan” if changes are needed in order to win

E04-Sideline — Mr. Henning coached football for 30 years at a local high school in Nebraska.

Having a game plan for your academic success is important as well, and right now is a great time of year to reassess the plan you are working on.

Perhaps you can just “stick with your plan” because you are earning the grades you desire. However, some of you may need to “adjust your game plan” because you are not experiencing the results you want or need to reach your goals.

Here are my three suggestions for adjusting your academic game plan:

Believe you can do it—self-confidence is key
Work hard—nothing can take the place of effort
Get help if you need it—be sure to use the resources available to you!

So now I have to ask—how is your academic “game plan” working for you? Do you need to “stick with it” or make some “adjustments”? What adjustments do you think you need to make? Please comment below.

Help! Resolution Encouragement Needed

I know many of you may have started new years resolutions with the ringing in of 2016, but my resolution actually started at the beginning of the school year—July 1, 2015.

After two years of procrastinating I finally acknowledged that it wasn’t my desk chair shrinking. And, after seeing my better half shed 40 pounds (he cut out soda and became friends with our dusty elliptical), I was determined to break out of my habit of grazing and start lacing up my running shoes again.

Breaking old habits is tough, but when it can result in positive changes for your life, it is most definitely a meaningful goal. For me, I knew it was time to transform and not just for myself.

My resolution is for:

My wonderful family, friends and neighbors
Playtime with grandkids
Energy for my co-workers and the many students I work to inspire throughout the year
Our youngest son’s wedding (in September 2016!)

I’m proud to say that my chair now fits comfortably again, and I have bought a second pair of sneakers to keep at work.

But I’m still working toward my goal and could use a bit of encouragement! Please share your inspiration and suggestions as I look to continue on my resolution.

For your resolutions or any of your goals in general, I encourage you to also set up a support system to help you be successful. And don’t ever be afraid to ask for help along the way!