It has been a joy and privilege to co-teach with Trevor Mackenzie over two semesters.
In this podcast, we reflect upon working together and how mindful awareness connects with Inquiry-Based Learning in the classroom.
Here are some of the key insights Trevor shares:
– Reach out to fellow teachers. Find and value mentors.
– Share your practice openly, and publicly – perhaps start a blog documenting your experiences.
– Be vulnerable – open yourself to uncertainty with students
– Define your core values for teaching and learning and bring them into the classroom.
– Help your students know themselves better as learners, as thinkers, as people.
– It’s not just about what you are learning it’s also about how you are learning.
– Make space for your own well-being. For instance, ground yourself before you come into school – into your body, into your core values.
– Try to find your best, healthiest self, so you can be anchored to your values.
– Plan for the anticipated responses of students as you plan your lesson.
– Ask yourself: how can I sit more comfortably in my uncertainty so I can give my students more confidence in their learning and in their uncertainty.
– Align strategies/thinking routines/ protocols with dispositions/being mindful.
– Remember – dispositions leverage routines and protocols. Offer both and more, not either/or.
– Remember to slow down … be reflective and responsive to the moment.
Thank you so much, Trevor, for your time and your inspiration!