Wk1 Reading - "Playing Second Fiddle"

The textbook, "The Art of Possibility" is a fascinating and enlightening read. It addresses the fact that we measure and compare everything. The author encourages everyone to realize this fact, and think critically about what we are doing. How are we measuring this thought, and what thoughts are coming from assumptions? How can we think outside the box?

I enjoyed the author's music comparisons. The author encouraged the students to not think of themselves as "second fiddle." As a director of an orchestra, I see this in my students all the time. They do not believe that they are a huge contributing factor to the group, and therefore, not important. They then quit trying. I do this myself all the time. I need to find a way to help my students think outside the box, and not assume that what they have to offer does not matter.

Giving the "A" is an interesting thought. This could be a great discussion starter in class. I wish to have this in my orchestra. I would like to start it with a discussion of what giving an A means, and how this would impact the orchestra. Having everyone take ownership of what they are learning, and thinking of themselves as a valuable member of the orchestra, would change the dynamics of the orchestra. This would include valuing what everyone has to offer and what everyone has to say, and would force everyone to think outside the box, and possibly invent an entire new orchestra, and an entire new learning environment.

Reading from The Art of Possibility, chapters 1-3

Image from Microsoft Clip Art